This Beef and Broccoli stir-fry is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Tender slices of flank steak dance alongside vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli florets, all coated in a glossy, savory sauce that’s enriched with soy, oyster, and a hint of brown sugar. Every bite is an adventure: the slight snap of broccoli, the juicy chew of beef, and that silky sauce that clings just so. With just 30 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, this dish slots neatly into busy weeknights, yet feels special enough to serve to guests. Whether you’re feeding a hungry household or indulging in a cozy solo dinner, this recipe delivers 400 calories of pure satisfaction without weighing you down.
I still remember the first time I whipped up this classic for my family: the kids hovered around the stove, captivated by the sizzling sounds as garlic and ginger hit the hot oil. The whole kitchen filled with warm, mouthwatering notes of umami that had everyone’s stomachs rumbling in anticipation. It’s a beginner-friendly masterpiece—no fancy techniques, just straightforward steps that yield restaurant-quality results. You’ll find this recipe ticks every box: an approachable difficulty level, a vibrant color palette, and flavors that meld beautifully. Plus, it’s easily customizable—feel free to toss in extra veggies or spice it up with chili flakes. Grab your skillet, fire up the stove, and let’s dive into the world of tender beef, bright broccoli, and that irresistible stir-fry magic!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BEEF AND BROCCOLI
Every great stir-fry starts with high-quality, flavorful ingredients. In this section, we’ll introduce the stars of our Beef and Broccoli show and explain how each element contributes to that balanced, umami-packed taste you’ll crave.
- Flank steak
Flank steak brings a rich, beefy foundation to the dish. Slicing it against the grain ensures each bite is tender and easy to chew, absorbing the sauce beautifully for maximum flavor.
- Broccoli florets
Bright green and nutrient-packed, broccoli adds a satisfying crunch and fresh contrast to the tender beef. It also soaks up the savory sauce, creating the perfect bite of protein and veggie.
- Vegetable oil
A neutral oil with a high smoke point, vegetable oil prevents sticking and allows the broccoli and beef to sear quickly, locking in juices and crispness.
- Garlic
Minced garlic provides aromatic depth and a subtle bite. It becomes fragrant when sautéed, infusing every component of the stir-fry with its garlicky warmth.
- Fresh ginger
Grated ginger adds a zesty, peppery zing that brightens the rich sauce. Its sharp fragrance pairs beautifully with garlic for that classic stir-fry flavor profile.
- Soy sauce
This salty, umami-rich liquid forms the backbone of the sauce, seasoning both beef and broccoli and tying all the flavors together.
- Oyster sauce
Oyster sauce amplifies the savory notes with its slight sweetness and oceanic depth, lending a glossy texture that clings to every piece.
- Cornstarch
Acting as a thickening agent, cornstarch transforms the sauce into a silky glaze, ensuring it coats the beef and veggies evenly without being runny.
- Brown sugar
Just a touch of brown sugar balances the saltiness, adding warmth and a hint of caramel undertone to the sauce.
- Beef broth
Beef broth builds volume and intensifies the meaty flavor in the sauce, creating a deeper, more robust taste than water alone.
- Sesame oil
A drizzle of sesame oil at the end brings a toasty aroma and nutty finish, rounding out the stir-fry with complexity.
- Salt and pepper
Simple seasoning ensures the beef shines through. Adjust to taste to complement the richer elements of the sauce.
- Cooked rice
Steamed rice serves as the perfect canvas, absorbing the savory sauce and providing a comforting, starchy base for each delicious forkful.
HOW TO MAKE BEEF AND BROCCOLI
Let’s walk through the step-by-step method to achieve that restaurant-quality stir-fry right in your own kitchen. By following these instructions, you’ll master essential techniques like searing, sautéing, and thickening for a perfectly balanced dish each time.
1. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and beef broth until smooth and free of lumps. This creates a well-balanced sauce that will thicken beautifully when heated.
2. Season the sliced flank steak with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring each piece is well-coated for enhanced flavor as it cooks.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 4–5 minutes, tossing occasionally until they turn bright green and become slightly tender. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside on a plate.
4. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Place the sliced flank steak in a single layer and cook, without stirring, for 2 minutes to allow one side to brown. Then stir the steak and cook for another 1–2 minutes until all sides are browned and the meat is just cooked through.
5. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef. Cook for 30 seconds until those fragrant aromatics release their flavor, making the pan sizzle with a savory scent.
6. Return the cooked broccoli to the pan with the beef. Stir to combine the textures and flavors, distributing the tender steak and crisp florets evenly.
7. Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the pan. Stir everything well to coat both beef and broccoli in the glossy sauce. Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings effortlessly.
8. Drizzle the sesame oil over the dish and give it a final toss for that nutty finish and extra aroma.
9. Serve the beef and broccoli hot over a bed of cooked rice, letting each spoonful capture that signature blend of tender, crisp, and saucy perfection.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BEEF AND BROCCOLI
When it comes to serving this Beef and Broccoli, presentation and accompaniments can elevate the entire experience. Whether you’re plating up for a cozy dinner at home or impressing friends at a casual gathering, these ideas will help you showcase the dish to its best advantage.
- Family-style platter
Arrange the Beef and Broccoli on a large, shallow dish, garnished with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Encourage everyone to dig in and share, creating warm conversation around the table.
- Individual rice bowls
Spoon a generous portion of steamed rice into individual bowls, then top with beef and broccoli. Add a wedge of lime or a drizzle of chili oil on the side for a personalized flavor boost.
- Colorful vegetable medley
Enhance visual appeal by serving alongside or mixed in with sautéed bell peppers, julienned carrots, and snap peas. The extra colors and textures make each bite as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Light, fresh sides
Balance the richness of the stir-fry with a crisp cucumber salad tossed in rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar. The bright acidity offers a refreshing counterpoint to the savory sauce.
HOW TO STORE BEEF AND BROCCOLI
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy leftovers without sacrificing flavor or texture. Let’s look at the best ways to keep your Beef and Broccoli tasting fresh, whether you’re planning lunches for the week or saving dinner for another night.
- Refrigerator storage
Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
- Freezer-friendly packs
For longer-term storage, portion the cooled Beef and Broccoli into freezer-safe bags or containers. Press out excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture.
- Separate rice and stir-fry
To prevent the rice from becoming soggy, pack the meat and veggies separately from the rice if you’re meal-prepping. Combine and reheat briefly in the microwave or on the stovetop just before serving.
- Reviving the sauce
If the sauce thickens too much after chilling, stir in a small amount of warm water or beef broth while reheating. This brings back the silky consistency and ensures each bite is as glossy as the day you cooked it.
CONCLUSION
We’ve journeyed through every sizzling step to create the ultimate Beef and Broccoli stir-fry—an easy, beginner-friendly dinner that delivers bold flavors in just 45 minutes from start to finish. From selecting the right cut of flank steak and slicing it against the grain, to mastering the art of sautéing crisp-tender broccoli, you now have all the insider tips to replicate this restaurant favorite at home. The harmonious blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a hint of brown sugar yields a glossy, savory coating that turns simple ingredients into a crave-worthy meal. With its approachable prep, minimal downtime, and a prep-to-plate timeline that fits neatly into any busy weeknight, this recipe truly checks all the boxes for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later use—keep it tucked in your recipe binder or pinned to the fridge so it’s always at your fingertips when the stir-fry craving strikes. Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ section to address any extra questions you might have about substitutions, flavor tweaks, or troubleshooting tips. If you give this Beef and Broccoli a whirl, I’d love to hear how it went! Drop your comments, questions, or feedback—whether you added a spicy twist, included extra veggies, or marinated the beef for longer, your experiences help our cooking community grow. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more flavorful adventures in your kitchen!
Beef and Broccoli
Description
Experience the savory blend of tender flank steak, crisp broccoli, and rich sauces, all served over fluffy rice. It's a quick and satisfying meal for any night!
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and beef broth until smooth.
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Season the sliced flank steak with salt and pepper.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they turn bright green and slightly tender. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside.
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In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced flank steak in a single layer and cook, without stirring, for 2 minutes to brown one side. Stir the steak and cook for another 1-2 minutes until browned and just cooked through.
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Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Return the cooked broccoli to the pan with the beef. Stir to combine.
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Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the pan. Stir everything well to coat the beef and broccoli evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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Drizzle the sesame oil over the dish and give it a final stir.
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Serve the beef and broccoli hot over a bed of cooked rice.
Note
- For extra flavor, marinate the beef slices in soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for additional color and nutrition.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Consider substituting chicken or tofu for a variation of this classic dish.
