Beef and broccoli stir fry is a classic favorite that’s both quick and packed with flavor. Whether you’re craving a healthy weeknight dinner or a dish that tastes like your favorite Chinese restaurant takeout, this recipe delivers tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce that will satisfy your taste buds. Plus, it’s easy to make at home in less than 30 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 1 to 1 1/4 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vegetable or avocado oil (divided use)
– 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon minced garlic
– 1/4 cup oyster sauce
– 1/4 cup beef broth or water
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
– 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat, sesame seeds, and sliced green onions for garnish
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Broccoli and Aromatics
Start by heating 1 teaspoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Then add the minced ginger and garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the broccoli mixture from the pan and set it aside, keeping it warm.
2. Cook the Beef
Wipe the pan clean and increase the heat to high. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Season the sliced beef with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan in a single layer. You may need to cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through.
3. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, beef broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water. This sauce combines savory, sweet, and umami flavors and will thicken nicely to coat the beef and broccoli.
4. Combine and Simmer
Return the broccoli mixture to the pan with the beef. Pour the sauce over everything and stir well. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the ingredients. This step is crucial for that signature glossy stir fry finish.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your beef and broccoli stir fry immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired for an extra touch of flavor and crunch.
Tips for the Best Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
– Slice Against the Grain: This makes the beef more tender by shortening the muscle fibers.
– Use High Heat: Stir frying is a quick cooking method that locks in juices and keeps vegetables crisp.
– Blanch Broccoli First: Briefly boiling and then shocking broccoli in cold water keeps it bright green and crunchy.
– Velveting the Beef: Marinating the beef in a mixture of cornstarch and egg white can create a velvety texture, but a simple cornstarch coating works well for home cooks.
– Prep Ahead: Chop all ingredients and mix your sauce before you start cooking to keep the process smooth and fast.
– Adjust Sauce to Taste: Feel free to tweak the sweetness or saltiness by adjusting sugar or soy sauce amounts to suit your palate.
Variations to Try
– Add sliced bell peppers or carrots for extra color and crunch.
– Use skirt steak, sirloin, or New York strip steak if flank steak is unavailable.
– For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for soy sauce and use arrowroot instead of cornstarch.
– Spice it up with red pepper flakes or cayenne for a little heat.
Beef and broccoli stir fry is a versatile, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights or anytime you want a satisfying meal without the fuss. With fresh ingredients and a homemade sauce, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner right at home.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and the delicious results!
This quick and tasty beef and broccoli stir fry is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try tonight and savor the perfect balance of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and savory sauce!