Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, tender beef, and vibrant greens, look no further than this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe. It’s a fantastic combination of succulent flank steak and crisp broccoli florets, all coated in a savory sauce that hits just the right balance between salty, sweet, and umami. Whether you’re prepping a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for friends, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with home-style comfort every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is refreshingly simple because the ingredients are classic and straightforward, each adding its own essential role—whether it’s texture, flavor, or color—to make the dish truly shine.

• 1 pound flank steak, sliced 1/4-inch thick: This cut is lean and tender when sliced thin, perfect for quick stir-frying.
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional): Helps tenderize the beef, making it even more melt-in-your-mouth.
• 3 tablespoons water: Used to activate the baking soda and create the marinade.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch: Coats the beef to seal in juices and create a velvety sauce.
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided: For cooking the beef and aromatics; neutral taste and high smoke point are ideal here.
• 1 teaspoon oyster sauce: Adds rich, savory depth to the beef marinade.
• 2/3 cup low sodium chicken stock, warmed: Forms the flavorful base of the sauce.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar (or brown sugar): Balances the salty and savory notes with a touch of sweetness.
• 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings classic umami and saltiness.
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (or double black dark soy sauce): Enhances color and adds a deeper soy flavor.
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: A second helping for extra savory complexity in the sauce.
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a toasty, fragrant finish to the dish.
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper: Offers a gentle heat and subtle spice without overpowering the flavors.
• 4 cups broccoli florets: The fresh and crunchy star vegetable adding vibrant green color and nutritional value.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: A pungent and aromatic duo that gives the stir-fry a flavorful kick.
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger, grated or minced (optional): Adds a warm, zesty note to complement the garlic.
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine: Used for deglazing, it lifts all the caramelized bits off the wok for deep flavor.
• 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water: The thickening slurry that transforms the sauce into a luscious coating for the ingredients.

How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Tenderize and Marinate the Beef

Start by mixing the flank steak with baking soda and water—this step is optional but highly recommended for ensuring the beef is tender and juicy. After massaging it in, add cornstarch, vegetable oil, and oyster sauce to create a rich marinade that coats every slice. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to really soak up those flavors and improve texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

While the beef is marinating, whisk together the warmed chicken stock, granulated sugar, soy sauces, additional oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. This sauce base will bring a perfect harmony of sweetness, saltiness, and umami to the stir-fry.

Step 3: Blanch the Broccoli

Blanching broccoli florets for 30 to 60 seconds softens them just enough while preserving their bright green color and satisfying crunch. Drain well and set aside so they’re ready to be added back later.

Step 4: Sear the Beef

Heat a wok over high heat until it’s smoking hot—this intense heat ensures a quick sear that locks in juiciness. Add the vegetable oil, then cook the marinated beef slices until browned on both sides, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes total. Remove the beef and turn off the heat temporarily.

Step 5: Stir-Fry Aromatics and Deglaze

With the heat turned to medium, add the remaining vegetable oil, garlic, and ginger to the wok. Stir-fry quickly for about 5 seconds to release their captivating aromas. Pour in Shaoxing wine around the edges to deglaze the wok, lifting up all those flavorful brown bits clinging to the bottom.

Step 6: Add the Sauce Mixture

Pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir constantly to meld the flavors and combine everything beautifully.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Slowly drizzle in the cornstarch and water slurry while whisking continuously. In about 20 seconds the sauce will thicken to a silky consistency that clings perfectly to the beef and broccoli.

Step 8: Combine Beef and Broccoli

Add back the blanched broccoli and seared beef with any juices into the wok. Toss and stir over medium heat to coat all the ingredients well in the inviting sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with a splash of stock or water as needed.

Step 9: Serve Hot

Serve this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe immediately with steamed rice to soak up that luscious sauce. The vibrant colors, tender meat, and crunchy vegetable make for a visually enticing and satisfying meal.

How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions enhances both texture and visual appeal. A drizzle of extra sesame oil right before serving can add a delightful nutty aroma that elevates the final presentation.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine or brown rice, but you can also try it alongside fried rice for a heartier option. For a low-carb variation, cauliflower rice works wonderfully too, letting the bold Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe stand center stage.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this stir-fry in a hollowed-out pineapple or over a bed of crispy noodles for a special touch that impresses guests. Alternatively, wrap the beef and broccoli in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held delight that’s perfect for casual dining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish cools to room temperature before sealing the container to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cooked stir-fry in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this classic dish anytime.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving works too; just cover the dish and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the beef.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking, sirloin or skirt steak also work well if sliced thinly against the grain. The key is to use a cut that becomes tender when stir-fried quickly.

Is it necessary to blanch the broccoli?

Blanching the broccoli gives it a bright color and slightly softens it, balancing the textures nicely with the beef. You could skip this step, but the broccoli might be too crunchy or raw tasting for some preferences.

What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?

No worries! You can substitute dry sherry or a mild white wine. Alternatively, using a little extra chicken stock with a splash of rice vinegar can mimic the depth Shaoxing wine adds.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Make sure your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well or find an acceptable substitute like mushroom sauce.

How long does it take to prepare this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe?

Including marinating and prep, expect about 35 minutes to get everything ready and about 15 minutes for cooking. This recipe is perfect for a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is truly a keeper—easy to make, wonderfully balanced in flavor, and so satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved dish for so many. Don’t hesitate to dive in and savor every bite of this perfect harmony between tender beef and fresh broccoli in a luscious sauce.

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