Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a classic takeout favorite you can easily make at home in under 30 minutes. Tender strips of flank steak are tossed with crisp broccoli and coated in a savory-sweet sauce featuring soy, garlic, and sesame flavors.
This recipe delivers all the bold flavor and glossy sauce you’d expect from your favorite restaurant dish without the added expense or long wait. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a quick yet satisfying lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry gives you restaurant-quality flavor in a fraction of the time. The combination of tender beef, snappy broccoli, and a glossy garlic-sesame sauce is timeless satisfying without being heavy.
It’s adaptable, quick to prepare, and works perfectly for both busy weeknights and planned gatherings. Once you try this homemade version, you may never feel the need to order it for takeout again.
Ingredients
Beef and Broccoli
- 1 lb flank steak, very thinly sliced into bite-sized strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil), divided
- 1 lb fresh broccoli (cut into 6 cups of florets)
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, optional garnish
Stir Fry Sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (loosely packed)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, grated (from 3 cloves)
- ½ cup hot water
- 6 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free Tamari)
- 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prep the steak
For easy slicing, place the flank steak in the freezer for 20–30 minutes before cutting. Slice into thin, bite-sized strips against the grain this keeps the beef tender after cooking.
Step 2: Make the sauce
In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together ginger, garlic, hot water, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, black pepper, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. Transfer broccoli to a plate.
Step 4: Sear the beef
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Increase heat to high and add the sliced beef in a single layer. Let it sear for 1 minute before stirring, then cook another 1–2 minutes until nearly cooked through.
Step 5: Combine and finish
Return broccoli to the skillet with the beef. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli evenly.
Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Expert Tips for Success
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Cut against the grain: This helps keep the beef tender and easy to chew.
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Don’t overcook broccoli: Tender-crisp is perfect to retain both color and nutrients.
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Hot wok or skillet: Stir-fry over high heat for quick cooking and better texture.
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Sauce thickening: Cornstarch will thicken the sauce as it cooks stir constantly to avoid lumps.
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Adjust sweetness: Reduce or increase brown sugar to match your preference.
Tasty Variations to Try
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Spicy kick: Add chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the sauce.
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Vegetable boost: Include bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots alongside broccoli.
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Honey garlic: Replace brown sugar with honey for a different sweetness and glaze quality.
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Ginger-lime: Add fresh lime juice at the end for bright citrus notes.
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Chicken version: Swap beef for thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh meat adjust cooking time accordingly.
Serving Ideas
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With steamed rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the flavorful sauce.
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Over noodles: Try lo mein, soba, or rice noodles for variety.
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Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
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Side salads: Pair with an Asian-style cucumber salad or slaw for freshness.
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Party platter: Serve in a large bowl with chopsticks for a casual group meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before stir-frying to prevent excess water in the pan.
What’s the best cut of beef for stir fry?
Flank steak is ideal, but sirloin or ribeye can also work for tender results.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes simply use gluten-free Tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat quickly in a skillet to retain texture.
Can I meal prep Beef and Broccoli?
Definitely! Store portions with cooked rice or noodles in meal containers for ready-to-eat lunches.
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Total Time: 27
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick, flavorful takeout-style dish made at home in under 30 minutes. Tender beef strips seared and tossed with crisp broccoli in a glossy savory-sweet soy sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, very thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil), divided
- 1 lb fresh broccoli florets (about 6 cups)
- 2 tsp sesame seeds, optional garnish
Stir Fry Sauce
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tsp garlic, grated (about 3 cloves)
½ cup hot water
6 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free Tamari)
3 tbsp packed light brown sugar
1½ tbsp cornstarch
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Freeze steak 20–30 minutes for easier slicing. Thinly slice against the grain into bite-sized strips.
- Whisk ginger, garlic, hot water, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, pepper, and sesame oil until smooth to make sauce.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high. Stir-fry broccoli 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Remove to plate.
- Add remaining oil, increase to high heat. Sear beef 1 minute, stir, then cook another 1–2 minutes until nearly done.
- Return broccoli to pan, pour sauce, and toss. Stir-fry 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats evenly. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Cut beef against the grain for best tenderness.
Keep broccoli slightly crisp to retain nutrients and color.
Use high heat stir-frying for quick, optimal texture.
Stir constantly when adding sauce to prevent lumps.
Adjust sweetness with more or less brown sugar.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: beef and broccoli stir fry, healthy beef stir fry, quick asian dinner, low carb beef and broccoli, weeknight dinner stir fry
