Introduction
Raise your hand if you love a good takeout night 🙋♂️🙋♀️
For me, nothing beats opening a steaming container of Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry—the tender beef, the perfectly crisp broccoli, and that glossy, savory sauce coating every bite.
I grew up in a busy household where weeknights were chaotic. My mom had a clever hack: instead of ordering out, she’d whip up a quick stir fry in less time than it took to wait for delivery. Her Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry became a family favorite, and now it’s one of my go-to dishes whenever I crave something comforting, fast, and packed with flavor.
The beauty of this recipe is that it tastes just like your favorite Chinese takeout, but it’s fresher, healthier, and surprisingly easy to make at home. With a few pantry staples and some sizzling action in a hot pan, you’ll have dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less.
Let’s dive in 👨🍳✨
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make a classic Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
→ Flank steak cooks quickly and stays tender if sliced properly. You can also use sirloin or skirt steak. - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
→ Fresh broccoli gives the best texture, but frozen works too if thawed and patted dry. - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
→ You can use avocado oil or another high-heat oil for stir-frying.
For the Marinade
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
👉 Marinating the beef ensures it stays juicy and flavorful once it hits the hot pan.
For the Stir Fry Sauce
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Vegan: Swap beef for seitan, tofu, or tempeh, and use vegan oyster sauce.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Use a low-sugar sweetener in the sauce and serve over cauliflower rice.
- Extra Veggies: Bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots all work beautifully here.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry comes together quickly, so it’s best to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. 🔪🔥
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper. Add the sliced beef, toss well to coat, and let it sit for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the sauce and veggies.
📝 Pro Tip: Slicing the beef thinly against the grain is key for tender pieces. To make it easier, chill the beef in the freezer for 20 minutes before slicing.
Step 2: Mix the Stir Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Stir in the cornstarch slurry until smooth. Set aside.
This sauce is the soul of the dish—salty, slightly sweet, and rich with umami.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons), then cover and let it steam for 2–3 minutes, until bright green and just tender.
Transfer the broccoli to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Increase the heat to high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Working in batches if needed, add the marinated beef in a single layer.
Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan—this helps get a good sear.
Remove the beef and set it aside with the broccoli.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the prepared stir fry sauce into the hot pan. Stir constantly as it bubbles and thickens—this should take 30–60 seconds.
Add the beef and broccoli back into the pan, tossing everything together until the sauce coats each piece beautifully and the beef is cooked through.
This is the moment when your kitchen starts smelling amazing. 😍
Extra Tips for Perfect Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
🥢 Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice for a classic combo.
- For a lighter option, try cauliflower rice, brown rice, or even noodles.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or sliced scallions for a finishing touch.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze for up to 2 months, though the broccoli will soften a bit upon thawing.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it saucy.
🌿 Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- Swap beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a fun twist.
- Add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha if you like heat.
- For extra flavor depth, sprinkle in a few drops of rice vinegar or Shaoxing wine during the sauce step.
- Make it crunchier by adding cashews or water chestnuts at the end.
Nutritional Information
(Per serving — based on Feel Good Foodie’s Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe):
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
👉 Nutrition may vary depending on your sauce ingredients and serving size.
FAQ Section
⏱ How long does it take to make Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry?
From start to finish, about 30 minutes. Most of the time is spent prepping the ingredients—actual cooking is super quick!
🔄 Can I substitute ingredients?
Yes! Swap beef for chicken, tofu, or shrimp. Use tamari for a gluten-free option, or add different veggies like bell peppers or carrots. This recipe is very flexible.
❄️ Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Let the stir fry cool completely, then freeze in portions. Reheat in a skillet for best texture. The beef stays tender, and the sauce holds up well.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant, this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is it. 🥢✨
It’s packed with flavor, full of crisp veggies, and comes together faster than takeout. Plus, you have full control over the ingredients—so it’s healthier, fresher, and 100% customizable.
Next time you’re craving Chinese takeout, skip the delivery app and grab your wok instead. I promise, once you make this at home, you’ll never look back.
👉 If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and share your creations on social media—don’t forget to tag me @YourFoodieBlog so I can see your delicious stir fry!