Go Back

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

A quick and satisfying stir-fry featuring tender beef and bright broccoli tossed in a savory-sweet sauce, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 lb broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable or avocado oil divided
  • 6 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or Tamari for gluten-free option
  • ½ cup water or beef broth
  • 3 tbsp light brown sugar
  • 1.5 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tsp fresh garlic, grated
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
  • Chopped green onions (optional garnish)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice steak very thin against the grain — easier if partially frozen. Toss the slices with 1 tsp soy sauce and 1 tsp cornstarch. Let sit 15 minutes.
  2. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and pat dry thoroughly.
Make the Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together 6 tbsp soy sauce (or Tamari), ½ cup water or broth, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1.5 tbsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp sesame oil, grated garlic, grated ginger, and ¼ tsp black pepper until smooth.
Sear the Beef
  1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add beef in a single layer. Do not stir for 1–2 minutes so it can brown. Toss and cook another 1–2 minutes until mostly cooked through. Remove beef to a plate.
Stir-fry the Broccoli
  1. Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the same pan. Add broccoli and stir-fry 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Remove broccoli and set aside.
Thicken the Sauce
  1. Pour the prepared sauce into the hot pan. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy. If the sauce separates, reduce heat and whisk briefly.
Combine and Finish
  1. Return beef and broccoli to the pan. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce and simmer for 1 minute to marry flavors. Remove from heat.
Serve
  1. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you like. Serve hot over steamed rice, brown rice, or noodles.

Notes

Tamari replaces soy sauce for gluten-free eaters. Use avocado oil for a higher smoke point if your pan gets very hot. For a lower-sugar version, substitute the brown sugar with a monk-fruit or erythritol blend (adjust to taste). If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase cornstarch to 2 tbsp; for a thinner sauce, reduce to 1 tbsp.