Quick Sizzle: Irresistible Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Satisfying cravings for a quick and delicious beef and broccoli stir-fry doesn’t have to be complicated.

Weeknight dinners demand smart solutions that pack maximum flavor.

Our simple approach transforms basic ingredients into something spectacular.

Lean beef strips dancing with crisp broccoli florets create a protein-packed meal everyone loves.

Minimal kitchen time meets maximum taste potential in this Asian-inspired classic.

Salt, soy sauce, and a touch of garlic bring depth to every bite.

Comfort meets convenience in this restaurant-quality dish you can master at home.

What Makes Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry a Classic Favorite

• Boost Flavor Fast: Packed with bold, zesty ingredients like garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes, this stir-fry delivers an explosion of taste in every bite.
• Master Quick Cooking: Perfect for busy home cooks, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Family Dinner Champion: Nutritious broccoli and protein-rich beef create a balanced, crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a breeze.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking process means you'll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delicious homemade meal.

Ingredients for Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

• Flank Steak: A lean and flavorful beef cut perfect for quick stir-frying and absorbing delicious marinade flavors.

• Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, sweet, and savory base that coats the meat and vegetables with deep flavor.
• Garlic, Ginger: Provides aromatic and zesty undertones that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick to the stir-fry.

• Cornstarch, Water: Forms a smooth slurry that helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating for the beef and broccoli.
• Vegetable Oil: Allows for even cooking and prevents sticking in the skillet.
• Broccoli Florets: Adds nutritious green color, crisp texture, and fresh vegetable element to the stir-fry.

• Rice, Noodles: Provides a comforting and filling foundation for the flavorful beef and broccoli mixture.

Cooking Instructions for Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Packed Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger
• Red pepper flakes

Stir everything together until the sugar dissolves and the flavors mingle beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare Cornstarch Slurry

In a separate bowl, blend cornstarch with water until you create a smooth, silky liquid. Set this magic thickening agent aside for later.

Step 3: Sizzle the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your thinly sliced flank steak and cook until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown exterior, roughly 3-4 minutes. The meat should look tantalizingly caramelized.

Step 4: Introduce the Broccoli

Add vibrant broccoli florets to the skillet with the seared beef. Let them dance together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the broccoli to become tender-crisp and absorb the beef’s delicious flavors.

Step 5: Coat and Sauce

Pour your prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli. Stir enthusiastically to ensure every morsel gets a perfect coating of flavor.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Pour in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking. Watch as the sauce transforms into a glossy, clingy masterpiece, which should take about 2 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your beef and broccoli stir-fry over steaming rice or tender noodles. Dig in while it’s hot and savor every delectable bite!

Helpful Tips for Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

• Marinate the beef for extra flavor by letting it sit in the soy sauce mixture for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
• Cut broccoli into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and better sauce distribution.
• Use a high-heat cooking oil like avocado or peanut oil for a more authentic stir-fry taste and crispy texture.
• For a low-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice or serve over zucchini noodles to reduce calories.
• Enhance protein content by adding sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the stir-fry for additional nutrients and flavor complexity.

Variations to Try with Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

• Spicy Szechuan Style: Replace red pepper flakes with Szechuan peppercorns and add chili oil for an intense, numbing heat.
• Teriyaki Fusion: Swap soy sauce with teriyaki sauce, add pineapple chunks for sweetness and tropical flavor.
• Low-Carb Veggie Bowl: Replace rice with cauliflower rice and add extra vegetables like bell peppers and carrots for nutrition.
• Coconut Curry Version: Incorporate coconut milk and curry powder into the sauce for a creamy, aromatic alternative.

Suggested Pairings for Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

• Match with Crisp Riesling: Light, slightly sweet white wine cuts through savory meat's richness while balancing spicy red pepper notes.
• Serve Alongside Jasmine Rice: Soft, fragrant rice absorbs delicious sauce and provides perfect neutral base for bold stir-fry flavors.
• Enhance with Pickled Vegetables: Tangy cucumber or daikon pickles add refreshing contrast to warm, hearty beef dish, creating balanced meal experience.
• Pair with Asian Slaw: Crunchy cabbage salad with sesame dressing provides textural variety and complements stir-fry's Asian-inspired flavor profile.

How to Store Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Pack cooled beef and broccoli in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Warm slightly oil in skillet, add leftover beef and broccoli, stir gently over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, adding splash of soy sauce to revive moisture and flavor.

Common Questions on Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

• What type of beef works best for this stir-fry?

Flank steak is ideal because it’s lean, tender, and absorbs marinades well. When sliced thinly against the grain, it ensures the meat stays tender and cooks quickly.

• How do I slice the beef correctly?

Cut the flank steak against the grain into thin, diagonal slices, about 1/4 inch thick. This technique helps break down muscle fibers, making the meat more tender and easier to chew.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes or include some sriracha sauce to increase heat. You can also incorporate fresh chopped chili peppers for a more intense spicy kick.

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 12-14 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory beef and broccoli stir-fry brings Chinese culinary magic to your kitchen with minimal effort. Crisp vegetables and tender meat create a quick, satisfying meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor right to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) flank steak, thinly sliced

Vegetables:

• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust marinade by whisking together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small container.
2. Create a smooth cornstarch slurry by blending cornstarch with water until no lumps remain.
3. Warm vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over high heat until shimmering, approximately 2 minutes.
4. Sear thinly sliced flank steak, allowing edges to caramelize and develop a deep golden-brown crust, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Introduce crisp broccoli florets to the skillet, tossing quickly to maintain vibrant green color and slight crunch, roughly 2 minutes.
6. Stream the prepared marinade across the meat and vegetables, ensuring comprehensive coating and flavor distribution.
7. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thick consistency, approximately 1-2 minutes.
8. Transfer the sizzling stir-fry immediately onto a bed of steamed rice or tender noodles, serving piping hot for maximum taste and texture.

Notes

• Marinate the beef for extra tenderness by letting it sit in the soy sauce mixture for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
• Use high heat and a wide skillet to achieve that perfect stir-fry sear and prevent steaming the meat.
• For a low-carb version, swap rice with cauliflower rice or serve over zucchini noodles to reduce calories and carbohydrates.
• Keep broccoli crisp-tender by adding it later in the cooking process, ensuring it maintains a vibrant green color and slight crunch.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 7-9 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 355 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 1180 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 3.5 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg