Craving something quick, delicious, and satisfying after a long day? This beef and broccoli stir-fry is the perfect answer.
It’s one of those recipes that combines simplicity with bold flavors, making it a favorite among busy home cooks. Best of all, this easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes .
Why You’ll Love This Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a hearty stir-fry. This dish delivers tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce that coats every bite perfectly.
It’s a restaurant-quality meal that you can make in the comfort of your own kitchen. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder—less clean-up means more time to enjoy your evening.
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The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, this dish has you covered.
It pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice (or your favorite grain), and you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences.
Tips for Perfecting Your Stir-Fry
Here are some quick tips to ensure your beef and broccoli stir-fry turns out flawless every time:
- Slice with ease: For thin, even slices of beef, freeze your steak for about 30 minutes before cutting. This makes it much easier to handle and slice.
- Broccoli texture: If you prefer softer broccoli, steam it for a couple of minutes before adding it to the skillet.
- Thickening the sauce: Cornstarch in the sauce ensures a velvety, restaurant-quality consistency. If you need to thin it out, add a tablespoon or two of water until it reaches your desired texture.
These small adjustments can make all the difference in bringing out the best in this easy recipe.
Substitutions & Additions to Try
One of the best things about stir-fry recipes is their adaptability. This beef and broccoli stir-fry is no exception. Here are some ideas for customizing it to your taste or dietary needs:
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the beef for tofu, tempeh, or even mushrooms for a plant-based twist.
- Low-carb option: Serve the stir-fry over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal.
- Add extra veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots are excellent additions that bring vibrant color and more nutrients to your dish.
- Soy-free alternative: Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a similar umami flavor.
Whether you stick to the original recipe or try these variations, you’re sure to end up with a dish that’s just as satisfying.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
This stir-fry is a meal prep dream. Not only does it reheat beautifully, but the flavors also deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Planning ahead? Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. When it’s time to cook, all you’ll need to do is slice the beef and chop the broccoli, cutting your prep time in half.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Your Weekly Menu
With its rich flavors and quick prep, this beef and broccoli stir-fry earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, lazy weekends, or even special occasions when you want a dish that feels fancy but is deceptively simple to make.
This easy recipe isn’t just about saving time—it’s about bringing joy back into cooking and enjoying the process of creating something truly delicious. So grab your skillet,, fire up the stove, and let this stir-fry be the star of your next meal!
Easy Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
- ½ cup hot water
- 6 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons minced or grated garlic about 3 cloves
- 1 teaspoon peeled and grated fresh ginger
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Beef and Broccoli:
- 2 tablespoons extra-light olive oil or vegetable oil divided
- 6 cups broccoli florets from about 1 large head of broccoli
- 1 pound flank steak thinly sliced into bite-sized strips (see Tips below)
- Cooked white rice for serving (jasmine rice recommended)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the hot water, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Whisk together until the sugar fully dissolves. Set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli and cook it partially covered, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until it becomes bright green and tender-crisp. Transfer the broccoli to a plate.
- Cook the Beef: Increase the heat to high and add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the beef strips in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they are just browned.
- Combine Everything: Lower the heat to medium and pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef. Stir well and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Return the broccoli to the skillet and mix everything until evenly coated. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the stir-fry hot over a bed of steamed rice, and sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.
Notes
- For Easier Slicing: Freeze the steak for 30 minutes prior to slicing for cleaner and thinner cuts.
- Adjust Broccoli Texture: If you like softer broccoli, add 2 tablespoons of water while cooking it in step 2 and briefly steam it under the lid.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats well, making it ideal for preparing ahead for lunches or dinners.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra variety.
- Substitute chicken, shrimp, or tofu for the beef for a customizable protein option.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.