View Gallery
1 photo
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
A quick and flavorful dish featuring tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce. Perfect for a homemade takeout-style meal!
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
For the Sauce:
For the Stir-Fry:
For Garnish (Optional):
Instructions
-
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, baking soda (if using), cornstarch, oil, and black pepper.
- Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for more tenderness).
-
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Set aside for later.
-
Step 3: Blanch the Broccoli (Optional but Recommended for Vibrant Color)
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the broccoli.
- Blanch for 30 seconds, then drain and rinse under cold water.
This helps keep it bright green and crisp.
-
Step 4: Cook the Beef
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for about 1–2 minutes per side until browned.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
-
Step 5: Cook the Broccoli & Aromatics
- Add another 1 tbsp oil to the same pan.
- Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add onions (if using) and stir-fry for another 30 seconds.
- Add the blanched broccoli and stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Pour in 1/4 cup water, cover, and steam for 1–2 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
-
Step 6: Combine Everything
- Return the beef to the pan.
- Pour in the sauce and stir everything together.
- Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
-
Step 7: Serve
- Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Equipment
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links, i.e., when you buy any product using the links below, we get commissions. but it doesn’t cost you anything extra. If you do purchase any product using the given links, we thank you in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 320kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16g25%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Cholesterol 65mg22%
- Sodium 900mg38%
- Total Carbohydrate 15g5%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 600 IU
- Vitamin C 60 mg
- Calcium 90 mg
- Iron 3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Choosing the Right Beef:
- Flank steak is ideal for this dish, but sirloin or skirt steak also work well.
- Slice against the grain to keep the meat tender.
2. How to Make the Beef Extra Tender:
- Baking soda in the marinade helps break down fibers for a softer texture. Rinse off after 15 minutes if using more than 1/2 tsp.
- Velveting technique: Marinate with cornstarch and oil to create a silky texture.
3. Broccoli Texture Preferences:
- For crispier broccoli, stir-fry directly without blanching.
- For softer broccoli, blanch for 30 seconds or steam longer.
4. Sauce Adjustments:
- Sweeter? Add more honey or brown sugar.
- Saltier? Increase soy sauce slightly.
- Less salty? Use low-sodium soy sauce and more broth/water.
5. Make It Spicier:
- Add more red pepper flakes or drizzle chili oil before serving.
6. Storage & Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to refresh the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak work best because they are tender and cook quickly. Be sure to slice the beef against the grain to keep it tender.
- Marinate the beef with cornstarch, soy sauce, and a little baking soda (velveting technique).
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain.
- Cook it quickly over high heat to avoid overcooking.
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos, and replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder or another gluten-free thickener.
- Hoisin sauce (slightly sweeter)
- Soy sauce + a dash of brown sugar and sesame oil
- Mushroom stir-fry sauce (vegetarian option)
- Fish sauce + soy sauce for an umami boost
Yes! Just thaw it first and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the stir-fry. It may be slightly softer than fresh broccoli.
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to refresh the sauce.
- Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
- Garlic fried rice
- Noodles (lo mein, rice noodles, or ramen)
- Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)
Yes! Thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs work great. Follow the same marination and cooking steps, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
