Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

If you crave a dish that’s as comforting as takeout but comes together in a flash, Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is your new weeknight hero. This classic is all about tender slices of marinated beef, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious savory sauce that clings to every bite—deceptively simple, undeniably delicious!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts of Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is that each ingredient truly matters—no fillers, just flavor. Every single item brings something special, from buttery-tender steak to fresh, punchy aromatics and that glossy, savory sauce we all crave.

• Flank steak: Sliced thin against the grain for maximum tenderness—try to chill it slightly to make slicing easier!
• Baking soda: This tiny addition helps tenderize the beef quickly, resulting in that signature velvety texture.
• Shaoxing wine: A splash of Chinese cooking wine deepens the flavor, but dry sherry can work in a pinch.
• Light soy sauce: Adds salt and a light savory base to both marinade and sauce.
• Oyster sauce: The secret weapon for rich, slightly sweet complexity—don’t skip it!
• White pepper: Subtler than black pepper, it brings gentle heat that doesn’t overpower.
• Cornstarch: Locks in the beef’s juices during marinating and creates the signature silky sauce texture.
• Broccoli: Cut into bite-sized pieces for green crunch and vibrant color.
• Garlic & ginger: No stir fry is complete without these, they wake up the whole dish.
• Soy sauces (light & dark): The dark soy sauce lends that classic caramel color and deep flavor—you only need a touch.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the savoriness and intensifies the beautiful brown sauce.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Adds body and umami to the sauce without overpowering.
• Toasted sesame oil: For a nutty finish that lingers in every bite; add right at the end for max aroma.

Variations

What I love about Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is how easy it is to tailor it to your cravings or whatever happens to be hanging out in your fridge. Don’t be afraid to get creative—this is a recipe that welcomes your personal spin!

• Swap the Protein: Try chicken, pork, shrimp, or even tofu for a different take—the marinade and sauce adapt seamlessly.
• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots for more color and crunch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and double check your oyster sauce and broth labels for wheat-free assurance.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Serve with cauliflower rice or simply eat it as is for a lighter meal.

How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by tossing your thinly sliced flank steak with baking soda, Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, white pepper, cornstarch, and water. Give it a thorough mix so each piece gets glossy and coated. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes—the baking soda works its magic fast, so you get that irresistible tender beef, just like your favorite Chinese restaurant.

Step 2: Mix the Stir Fry Sauce

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, both soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch until everything dissolves smoothly. Prepping your sauce ahead means you can pour and stir fast—no last-minute scrambling while the pan is sizzling!

Step 3: Parboil the Broccoli

Bring a medium pot of generously salted water to a boil, then add your broccoli florets. Cook just 1–2 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Drain immediately—this keeps them vibrant and lets them finish cooking in the wok later, so they never go soggy.

Step 4: Sear the Beef

Heat a tablespoon of oil in your wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, spread the marinated beef out in a single layer—avoid crowding, so each piece browns. Let the beef sear for about 30 seconds per side, just until caramelized and still juicy. Set aside while you finish the rest.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Wipe out the wok if needed, then add a splash more oil. Stir fry the garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then toss in your broccoli. Give it all a quick toss for 1 minute. Return the beef, pour in the prepared stir fry sauce, and toss everything together for a minute or two until the sauce thickens and beautifully glazes every bite. Remove from heat, finish with toasted sesame oil, and gently combine.

Step 6: Serve

Dish your Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry over a fluffy bed of steamed rice or your favorite noodles. Garnish with fresh green onions for that perfect finishing pop and dig in while it’s steamy and fragrant!

How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Garnishes

Finish your Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry with a flurry of sliced green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or even a few chopped peanuts for crunch. A drizzle of extra sesame oil right before serving is the chef’s kiss—bringing both aroma and finesse.

Side Dishes

I love scooping this stir fry over classic white rice or jasmine rice, but brown rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles like lo mein or rice vermicelli all shine beautifully. You can also pair it with simple cucumber salad or pickled veggies to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry in lettuce cups for a handheld party bite, or layer it atop a bed of greens for a warm Asian-inspired salad. It’s stunning presented family-style in a big wok at the table—let everyone help themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep deliciously for up to 3 days in the fridge. Let everything cool, then pack into airtight containers—the flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch a real treat.

Freezing

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry freezes surprisingly well for up to 2 months. Cool the stir fry completely, then freeze in portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture, knowing the broccoli will be softer but still flavorful.

Reheating

Warm your stir fry in a skillet or wok over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. Microwaving works, too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring once or twice to keep the beef tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry enough—it’s the kind of meal that never fails to satisfy but is always lighter and brighter when you make it yourself. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this easy, luscious stir fry and see just how joyful home-cooked “takeout” can be!

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