Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

The rich aroma of sizzling beef and the earthy scent of tender broccoli blending together on the stovetop is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. The beef, perfectly seared, caramelizes just enough to create those flavorful crispy edges, while the broccoli absorbs all the savory goodness from the stir-fry sauce. It’s like a dance of textures and flavors, each bite offering a satisfying crunch paired with the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the beef. The soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in the sauce form a savory, slightly sweet glaze that coats every piece, making the dish feel like a special treat even though it’s so easy to whip up. I love to serve this dish over a bed of steaming white rice, so every last drop of that flavorful sauce is soaked up. It’s comfort food with a little kick of Asian-inspired zest—perfect for a cozy weeknight meal that’s just as impressive for guests as it is for your family. And the best part? You can totally play with the veggies and ingredients—add some snap peas for extra crunch or a dash of chili flakes if you’re craving a bit more heat. What’s your go-to twist on this classic? Let me know, I’d love to hear your ideas!

Key Ingredients in Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

To bring this stir-fry to life, you’ll need a few key ingredients that work together to create those irresistible flavors and textures. Let’s break it down!

– Beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced: The star of the dish! Thin slices of beef ensure tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites that cook quickly and soak up all the delicious sauce. Sirloin and flank steak are great choices because they’re flavorful and have the perfect texture for stir-frying.

– Broccoli florets: These green gems are the perfect veggie to complement the beef. Their crunchy texture adds a great contrast to the tender beef, and they absorb the stir-fry sauce beautifully, making each bite packed with flavor.

– Vegetable oil: A neutral oil that helps you get that perfect sear on the beef without overpowering the other flavors. It’s your base oil for stir-frying.

– Sesame oil: A little goes a long way! This oil adds a warm, nutty aroma and flavor that ties the whole dish together. Just a drizzle gives your stir-fry that authentic, savory touch.

– Garlic, minced: The backbone of the sauce’s flavor profile. Garlic adds a sharp, savory bite that complements the beef and brings the dish to life.

– Fresh ginger, grated: The zingy, aromatic flavor of ginger pairs perfectly with garlic, bringing a bit of spice and a fresh punch to the sauce. It’s the flavor you didn’t know you needed!

– Soy sauce: This is the umami-rich base of your stir-fry sauce. It provides that salty depth and savory flavor, balancing the sweetness and acidity of the other ingredients.

– Oyster sauce: The secret ingredient that gives this dish its rich, savory character. It’s deep and earthy, with a slight sweetness that rounds out the other flavors and adds a bit of complexity.

– Rice vinegar: A touch of acidity to balance the richness of the beef and the soy sauce. It brightens up the sauce and enhances all the other flavors.

– Brown sugar: A hint of sweetness to round out the savory and tangy elements. It helps to create that beautiful glaze that coats the beef and broccoli perfectly.

– Cornstarch: This little ingredient works wonders to thicken the sauce and give it that glossy, smooth finish. It ensures that the sauce clings to every bite.

– Beef broth: Adds depth and a touch of richness to the sauce, helping to create a perfectly balanced stir-fry sauce that clings to the beef and broccoli.

– Sesame seeds (optional): These are optional, but I love to sprinkle them on top for a little extra crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.

– Green onions, sliced: For garnish, and an extra pop of freshness. These add a slight bite and a lovely green color, making the dish look as good as it tastes!

Each ingredient plays an essential role, but feel free to adjust and play around with them depending on what you love most!

How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Serving Suggestions for Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

1. Over Steamed Jasmine Rice
There’s nothing like a fluffy bed of steamed jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. The subtly fragrant rice adds the perfect backdrop to the savory stir-fry, allowing the beef and broccoli to truly shine. For an extra touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for a little crunch and extra flavor!

2. With a Side of Crispy Spring Rolls
If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, serve your stir-fry with some crispy spring rolls on the side. The crunchy exterior and savory filling make for the perfect contrast to the tender beef and crunchy broccoli. Plus, they’re a hit at dinner parties!

3. As a Lettuce Wrap
For a lighter twist, serve your beef and broccoli stir fry in lettuce wraps. The crisp lettuce leaves add a refreshing crunch, and the juicy stir-fry filling makes each bite a flavorful, handheld delight. It’s a fun, healthy way to enjoy this dish!

Let me know how you like to serve your stir-fry! I love hearing what other ideas you might have—whether it’s a fun side dish or a little twist on the flavor profile!

How to Store Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

If you’ve got leftovers, don’t worry—this stir-fry stores beautifully and tastes just as good the next day! To keep the beef and broccoli fresh and flavorful, transfer the stir-fry into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge, and it should stay good for up to 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken a bit as it cools, but once reheated, it will return to its silky, glossy texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the stir-fry. Simply let it cool to room temperature before transferring it into a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. The stir-fry will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, defrost it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen up the sauce.

While reheating, make sure not to overcook the broccoli as it can lose its vibrant texture. A quick reheat will keep everything tasting fresh and delicious.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a simple, delicious Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite in your kitchen! It’s all about the rich, savory sauce that coats the tender beef and crisp broccoli, with endless possibilities to make it your own. Whether you’re adding a personal twist with extra veggies or serving it up with a side of crispy spring rolls, this dish is a winner every time.

I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as I do! Let me know how it turns out, or if you have any questions or need a little help along the way. I’d love to hear your feedback—whether it’s a new ingredient combo or a tip you discovered that made the dish even better. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear all about your stir-fry adventures!

Print Recipe

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 25 mins

Calories: 350

Description

Tender strips of juicy beef and crisp, vibrant broccoli come together in a savory stir-fry, coated in a rich, flavorful sauce with hints of garlic, soy, and ginger. It's the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a little umami goodness in every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

• ¹⁄₄ cup beef broth

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

• 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet.
3. Swirl the oils around to coat the bottom of the pan.
4. Once the oils are hot, add the thinly sliced beef in a single layer.
5. Let the beef cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to develop a nice sear.
6. Stir-fry the beef for another 2-3 minutes until it is cooked through and browned on all sides.
7. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
8. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
9. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
10. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir to coat them in the garlic and ginger mixture.
11. Pour in a small splash of beef broth to help steam the broccoli.
12. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli becomes bright green and tender.
13. While the broccoli is cooking, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and the remaining beef broth in a small bowl.
14. Stir the sauce mixture well to dissolve the brown sugar and cornstarch.
15. Once the broccoli is cooked, return the beef to the skillet.
16. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli, stirring everything together to coat.
17. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beef and broccoli are evenly coated.
18. Remove the skillet from the heat.
19. Sprinkle the sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top of the stir fry.
20. Serve the beef and broccoli stir fry immediately, either on its own or over steamed rice if desired.

Note

• For the best sear, ensure the beef is in a single layer and don’t stir it too early.
• Flank steak works great for a more tender texture, but sirloin is also a good choice.
• For extra flavor, marinate the beef in soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 1.5 teaspoons.
• Serve with steamed jasmine rice for a more authentic taste.

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