If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with flavor, quick to whip up, and loaded with fresh, vibrant ingredients, this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. The tender, marinated flank steak pairs beautifully with crisp broccoli, all coated in a luscious soy and hoisin-based sauce that’s both savory and satisfying. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels just as special as takeout but with all the goodness of home-cooked freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients just right is key to pulling off this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe. Each element plays a role in balancing the dish’s savory, aromatic, and hearty flavors while adding texture and color to every bite.
- Flank steak (1 pound): Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites that soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Infuses the beef with a salty umami depth that’s iconic in Asian-inspired cooking.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps tenderize the beef and gives it a nice silky coating when cooked.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle sweetness and rich umami twist that brings the sauce together.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Essential for stir-frying without overpowering the other flavors.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): Brings a fresh crunch and vibrant green color, balancing the richness of the beef.
- Onion (1 small, sliced): Adds a natural sweetness and softness to the stir-fry.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Packs powerful aromatic notes that elevate the entire dish.
- Ginger (1 tablespoon, minced): Gives a bright, zesty kick that cuts through the richness perfectly.
- Chicken broth or water (3 tablespoons): Steam the broccoli gently and help create the stir-fry sauce.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a complex, slightly sweet flavor that complements the oyster sauce beautifully.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): A finishing touch for a toasty, nutty aroma that makes every bite irresistible.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors exactly to your liking.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by combining the thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. This marinade not only tenderizes the beef but also sets the savory stage for the stir-fry. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes so all those flavors can meld together and the cornstarch coats the meat nicely, ensuring a tender texture once cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Beef to Perfection
Heat up the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the marinated beef and stir-fry it until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This should only take about 4 to 5 minutes — the quick cooking helps retain juicy bits of beef without drying out. Once cooked, remove the beef and set it aside to make room for the veggies.
Step 3: Build the Aromatic Base
In the same pan, add a little extra oil if needed and sauté the sliced onions, minced garlic, and ginger. This step is all about layering flavors — by gently cooking these aromatics for about 2 minutes, you release their fragrance and sweetness, creating an aromatic base that makes this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 4: Steam the Broccoli to Tender-Crunch
Next, add your broccoli florets and pour in chicken broth or water. Stir everything briefly, then cover the pan. Let the broccoli steam for 3 to 4 minutes until it’s tender but still boasts that eye-catching bright green color. This method keeps the texture just right—crisp and fresh rather than mushy.
Step 5: Combine and Coat with Sauce
Return the cooked beef to the pan and drizzle in oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything together carefully to coat the beef and broccoli in that deliciously glossy mixture. Give it a minute or two to warm through so all the flavors can marry perfectly.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Before serving, taste your stir-fry and add salt and pepper as needed. This simple seasoning tweak rounds out the dish to your personal preference, ensuring each bite of this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is absolutely spot-on.
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra flair, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions on top. These garnishes not only enhance the dish visually but also introduce delightful bursts of texture and mild crunch, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice, which soaks up all the luscious sauce. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or alongside some garlic noodles for a comforting touch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling adventurous, serve the Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe in lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld meal or use it as a filling in warm pita pockets for an exciting fusion twist. Either way, presentation turns a simple dinner into a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal just as tasty as the first.
Freezing
To freeze, let the stir-fry cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to help maintain moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through, preserving the vibrant look and tender texture of the beef and broccoli.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir-fry?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal due to its tenderness and quick cook time, you can also use sirloin or skirt steak thinly sliced. Just remember, some cuts might require slightly different cooking times.
How do I keep broccoli crisp and bright green?
Steaming the broccoli briefly with a bit of liquid and covering the pan helps maintain its vibrant color and crisp texture, which is essential for a fresh-tasting stir-fry.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your oyster and hoisin sauces are gluten-free varieties or substitute with alternatives.
Can I prepare this dish without oyster sauce?
Yes, you can substitute oyster sauce with extra soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little honey to mimic the sweetness while still achieving a delicious sauce.
What are some good vegetable additions?
Feel free to toss in snap peas, bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms for extra color and texture, making your stir-fry even more vibrant and nutritious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about a homemade Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe. It’s quick, flavorful, and full of fresh ingredients that come together so effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or want to impress friends with your culinary skills, this recipe will become a reliable favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This classic Beef and Broccoli stir-fry features tender slices of flank steak cooked quickly in a savory blend of soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces. Combined with fragrant garlic, ginger, and crisp-tender broccoli, this dish is a flavorful, quick Asian-inspired meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Sauce and Stir-Fry
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly to coat the beef evenly, then let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry, stirring continuously until the beef is browned and cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add more oil if necessary. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger, sautéing until fragrant and the onion softens, about 2 minutes, building the flavor base for the dish.
- Steam the Broccoli: Add broccoli florets and chicken broth or water to the pan. Stir to combine, then cover with a lid to steam the broccoli. Let it cook until tender but still vibrant green, about 3-4 minutes, maintaining a crisp texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked beef to the pan with the broccoli. Add oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything well to coat all ingredients in the sauce and heat through evenly.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot immediately, pairing well with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, slice the beef thinly against the grain.
- Adjust the amount of soy and oyster sauce according to your salt preference.
- Use chicken broth to add richness, or water for a lighter version.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
- This dish cooks quickly, so prep all ingredients before starting to cook.
