Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a classic dish that's quick, tasty, and packed with flavor. It features tender strips of beef cooked with crisp broccoli florets in a rich,…
Tip: save now, cook later.Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a classic dish that’s quick, tasty, and packed with flavor. It features tender strips of beef cooked with crisp broccoli florets in a rich, garlicky sauce that’s both slightly sweet and salty. The combination of juicy meat and crunchy veggies makes every bite satisfying and full of texture.
I love making this dish when I want something hearty but don’t have a lot of time. The trick I’ve found is to slice the beef thinly and marinate it just a little to keep it tender. Plus, using fresh broccoli that’s cooked just enough keeps it bright and a little crunchy – that’s my favorite part!
This stir fry shines served over steamed rice or noodles, soaking up all that flavorful sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. Whenever I make it, I end up wanting seconds, and it’s always a hit with family and friends who appreciate a simple but delicious dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak or sirloin are great for their tenderness and flavor. Slice them thin and against the grain to keep the meat tender. If you prefer, you can use skirt steak or even thinly sliced chicken or tofu for a different twist.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best for that crisp texture. Steam or stir-fry just until bright green and tender-crisp. Frozen broccoli works in a pinch but may be softer after cooking.
Sauces: Soy sauce and oyster sauce give the dish its classic taste. For a vegetarian version, substitute oyster sauce with mushroom soy sauce or a vegetarian stir-fry sauce. Hoisin adds sweetness and depth but can be swapped with a little honey or brown sugar if you don’t have it.
Thickener: Cornstarch helps create a glossy sauce that clings to the beef and broccoli. You can use arrowroot powder if you want a gluten-free option.
How Do You Keep Beef Tender and Broccoli Crisp in Stir Fry?
The key to tender beef is quick, high-heat cooking and thin slices. Here’s how I do it:
- Slice the beef very thin against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite tender.
- Cook the beef in batches over high heat so it sears quickly without steaming.
- Remove cooked beef before cooking garlic and broccoli to prevent overcooking.
- Stir-fry broccoli just until bright green and slightly crisp — about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the beef back in and pour the sauce to finish cooking everything evenly and keep ingredients vibrant.
These steps help you get that perfect balance: juicy beef and broccoli with a little crunch. Trust the timing and keep the heat high, that’s what works best for me.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – great for high-heat cooking and tossing ingredients evenly.
- Sharp knife – makes slicing beef thin and even much easier and faster.
- Cutting board – sturdy and spacious to prep your beef and broccoli safely.
- Mixing bowl – handy for whisking together the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – perfect for stirring without scratching your pan.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef for chicken or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian version that still soaks up the sauce well.
- Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for a colorful crunch and extra sweetness.
- Stir in toasted sesame seeds or drizzle extra sesame oil at the end for a nutty aroma.
- Use fresh chili or chili paste if you want more heat instead of crushed red pepper flakes.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, for a total time of around 20 minutes. It’s fast enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, beef broth (or water), brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch until the cornstarch dissolves. Set this sauce mixture aside.
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary. Sear the beef until browned and just cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds, until you can smell their delicious aroma.
4. Cook the Broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and is just tender but still crisp.
5. Combine Beef, Broccoli, and Sauce:
Return the cooked beef to the pan. Give the sauce mixture a quick stir then pour it over the beef and broccoli. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and nicely coats the beef and broccoli, about 2 minutes.
6. Finish and Serve:
Remove the pan from heat. Garnish your stir fry with sliced green onions and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Serve hot over steamed rice and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just thaw and drain it well before cooking to reduce excess moisture. Keep in mind it may be softer than fresh after stir-frying.
How Do I Keep the Beef Tender?
Slice the beef thinly against the grain and cook it quickly over high heat in small batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a nice sear and prevent steaming, which can make the beef tough.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can slice the beef and mix the sauce a few hours ahead. Keep them refrigerated separately. Cook the stir fry fresh for best texture and flavor.
What Is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickened too much.
