Stir-Fries

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Name: Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) flank steak, sliced into thin strips; 2 cups broccoli florets; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece of ginger, grated; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tsp cornstarch; 1 tsp sugar; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Scallions, 1/4 cup chopped (optional); Sesame seeds, 1 tsp (optional)

By Nina Lee · June 18, 2026 · Stir-Fries

Prep10 min

Cook10 min

Total20 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had a beef and broccoli stir-fry at a Chinese restaurant. The combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and savory sauce was love at first bite. Since then, I've been on a mission to recreate this dish at home, and after countless experiments, I'm excited to share my recipe with you.

This beef and broccoli stir-fry is a staple in many Chinese households, and for good reason. It's quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The key to a great stir-fry is using high-quality ingredients and cooking them quickly over high heat, which helps preserve the texture and flavor of the ingredients.

In this recipe, we'll be using flank steak, which is a great cut of beef for stir-fries. It's lean, tender, and absorbs flavors beautifully. We'll also be using a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to create a rich and savory sauce.

This recipe is perfect for weeknights or special occasions. It's easy to make and can be ready in just 20 minutes, making it a great option for busy families or individuals. Plus, it's a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and protein in one delicious dish.

So, let's get started and make a delicious beef and broccoli stir-fry at home. With this recipe, you'll be able to create a dish that's not only tasty but also healthy and easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and can be ready in just 20 minutes
It's a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and protein in one delicious dish
The dish is perfect for weeknights or special occasions
It's a great option for busy families or individuals
The recipe is customizable to your taste preferences
It's a healthy and nutritious meal option
It's a cost-effective way to cook a delicious meal

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great beef and broccoli stir-fry is using high-quality ingredients and cooking them quickly over high heat. This helps preserve the texture and flavor of the ingredients, resulting in a dish that's both tender and crisp.

Another important factor is the sauce. A good stir-fry sauce should be balanced and savory, with a combination of sweet, sour, and umami flavors. In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to create a rich and savory sauce.

The cooking technique is also crucial. Stir-frying is a quick and high-heat cooking method that requires constant stirring and attention. This helps distribute the heat evenly and prevents the ingredients from burning or overcooking.

Finally, the resting time is important. After cooking the beef and broccoli, we'll be letting it rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to absorb the sauce. This results in a dish that's not only delicious but also tender and juicy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this beef and broccoli stir-fry, you'll need a few key ingredients. These include flank steak, broccoli, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. You'll also need some aromatics like garlic and ginger, as well as some cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

When shopping for these ingredients, look for high-quality options that are fresh and flavorful. For the flank steak, choose a cut that's lean and tender. For the broccoli, choose a bunch that's crisp and green. For the soy sauce and oyster sauce, choose brands that are reputable and have a good flavor profile.

1 lb (450g) flank steak, sliced into thin stripsChoose a lean and tender cut of beef that's suitable for stir-fries. You can also use other cuts like sirloin or ribeye, but flank steak is the most traditional choice.
2 cups broccoli floretsChoose a bunch of broccoli that's crisp and green. You can also use frozen broccoli, but fresh is always best.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt as a substitute, but fresh is always best.
1-inch piece of ginger, gratedUse fresh ginger for the best flavor. You can also use ground ginger as a substitute, but fresh is always best.
2 tbsp soy sauceChoose a reputable brand of soy sauce that has a good flavor profile. You can also use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute.
1 tbsp oyster sauceChoose a reputable brand of oyster sauce that has a good flavor profile. You can also use hoisin sauce or fish sauce as a substitute.
1 tbsp sesame oilUse a high-quality sesame oil that has a good flavor profile. You can also use other oils like vegetable or peanut oil, but sesame oil is the most traditional choice.
1 tsp cornstarchUse cornstarch to thicken the sauce and give it a smooth texture. You can also use flour or tapioca starch as a substitute.
1 tsp sugarUse granulated sugar to balance out the flavors in the sauce. You can also use brown sugar or honey as a substitute.
1/4 tsp black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper to add depth and flavor to the dish. You can also use white pepper or other types of pepper as a substitute.
2 tbsp vegetable oilUse a neutral-tasting oil like vegetable or canola oil to cook the beef and broccoli. You can also use other oils like peanut or avocado oil, but vegetable oil is the most traditional choice.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse salt and pepper to season the dish to your taste. You can also use other seasonings like soy sauce or oyster sauce to add more flavor.
Scallions, 1/4 cup chopped (optional)Use chopped scallions to add a fresh and oniony flavor to the dish. You can also use other herbs like cilantro or basil as a substitute.
Sesame seeds, 1 tsp (optional)Use sesame seeds to add a nutty and crunchy texture to the dish. You can also use other nuts or seeds like peanuts or sunflower seeds as a substitute.

Ingredients for Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskSpatulaTongs or slotted spoon

How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

1
Slice the flank steak into thin strips and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
3
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes. You can add a little water to the skillet if the broccoli starts to brown.
6
Add the cooked beef back into the skillet and pour in the sauce. Stir everything together and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
7
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like soy sauce or oyster sauce to add more flavor.
8
Transfer the beef and broccoli to a serving platter and garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds if desired.
9
Serve immediately and enjoy!
10
You can also serve the beef and broccoli over rice or noodles for a more filling meal.
11
To make the dish more substantial, you can add other ingredients like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to the skillet with the broccoli.
12
You can also use different types of protein like chicken, pork, or tofu to make the dish more versatile.
13
To make the sauce more savory, you can add a little bit of fish sauce or hoisin sauce to the mixture.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients to get the best flavor and texture.
Cook the beef and broccoli quickly over high heat to preserve the texture and flavor.
Don't overcook the broccoli, as it can become mushy and unappetizing.
Use a wok or large skillet to cook the dish, as it allows for quick and even cooking.
Don't add too much sauce, as it can make the dish too salty and overpowering.
You can customize the dish to your taste by adding other ingredients or seasonings.
Use a thermometer to ensure the beef is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the beef and broccoli, which can make the dish tough and unappetizing.
Not using enough oil in the skillet, which can cause the ingredients to stick and burn.
Not seasoning the dish enough, which can make it bland and unflavorful.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not cooking the dish quickly enough, which can cause the ingredients to become mushy and unappetizing.
Not letting the dish rest before serving, which can cause the flavors to not meld together properly.

Variations and Substitutions

Use different types of protein like chicken, pork, or tofu to make the dish more versatile.
Add other ingredients like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to the skillet with the broccoli.
Use different types of sauce like hoisin sauce or fish sauce to give the dish a unique flavor.
Add some heat to the dish by incorporating red pepper flakes or sriracha.
Use different types of oil like peanut or avocado oil to give the dish a unique flavor.
Add some nuts or seeds like peanuts or sesame seeds to give the dish a crunchy texture.
Use different types of seasonings like soy sauce or oyster sauce to give the dish a savory flavor.

What to Serve With Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This beef and broccoli stir-fry is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it over rice or noodles for a more filling meal, or you can serve it as a standalone dish. You can also add other ingredients like scallions or sesame seeds to give the dish a fresh and crunchy texture.

Some other options for serving this dish include serving it with a side of steamed vegetables, like bok choy or green beans, or serving it with a side of fried wontons or egg rolls. You can also serve it with a side of soup, like wonton soup or egg drop soup, for a more filling meal.

Serve with steamed vegetables like bok choy or green beansServe with fried wontons or egg rollsServe with a side of soup, like wonton soup or egg drop soupServe over rice or noodles for a more filling meal

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This beef and broccoli stir-fry can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it in the refrigerator, simply place the cooked dish in an airtight container and refrigerate. To freeze it, place the cooked dish in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze.

When reheating the dish, you can simply microwave it or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. You can also add a little bit of water or broth to the dish to help it reheat more evenly.

It's also important to note that the dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen until ready to serve. Simply cook the beef and broccoli, then let it cool before refrigerating or freezing. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the dish and serve.

One thing to keep in mind when storing and reheating this dish is that the sauce can thicken over time. To prevent this, you can add a little bit of water or broth to the dish before reheating it. You can also stir in a little bit of cornstarch or flour to help thicken the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of beef is best for this recipe?

Flank steak is the most traditional choice for beef and broccoli stir-fry, but you can also use other cuts like sirloin or ribeye.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but fresh is always best. Simply thaw the frozen broccoli and pat it dry with a paper towel before using it in the recipe.

What type of sauce is best for this recipe?

A combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil is the most traditional choice for beef and broccoli stir-fry, but you can also use other types of sauce like hoisin sauce or fish sauce.

Can I add other ingredients to the dish?

Yes, you can add other ingredients like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to the skillet with the broccoli. You can also use different types of protein like chicken, pork, or tofu to make the dish more versatile.

How do I store and reheat the dish?

You can store the dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave it or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat.

Can I make the dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until ready to serve. Simply cook the beef and broccoli, then let it cool before refrigerating or freezing.

What type of oil is best for stir-frying?

Vegetable oil is the most traditional choice for stir-frying, but you can also use other types of oil like peanut or avocado oil.

How do I prevent the sauce from thickening over time?

You can add a little bit of water or broth to the dish before reheating it to prevent the sauce from thickening. You can also stir in a little bit of cornstarch or flour to help thicken the sauce.

The Full Recipe

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