Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances tender, flavorful beef with bright, crunchy broccoli, you’ve landed in the right place. This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is a family favorite that I love to share because it’s bursting with savory goodness and just the right touch of sweetness and spice. The marinade and sauce blend layers of soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces, brought together with a hint of sesame and chili, making every bite a delightful experience. Plus, this recipe comes together quickly, making it a weeknight superstar you’ll want to revisit time and time again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the perfect stir-fry starts with simple, quality ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the tender flank steak to the fresh broccoli florets, every element has a purpose in building texture, depth, and vibrant color on your plate.

• 1 pound flank steak: A lean cut that’s perfect for thin slicing and quick cooking, providing tender, juicy beef strips.
• 1 pound broccoli florets: Fresh, crisp broccoli adds a bright green color and pleasant crunch.
• 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch (for the marinade): Helps tenderize the beef and gives it a silky texture after cooking.
• 4 ½ tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami depth without overpowering the natural flavors.
• ½ cup + 1 tablespoon Shaoxing cooking wine: A classic Chinese cooking wine that boosts flavor complexity; sherry works if unavailable.
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances savory and salty flavors with a touch of sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for a glossy finish that clings perfectly to beef and broccoli.
• 3 tablespoons oyster sauce: Rich and savory, essential for that signature stir-fry taste.
• 1/3 cup hoisin sauce: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the sauce blend.
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil: Infuses the dish with a toasty, nutty aroma.
• 1 ½ teaspoons Sambal Oelek chili garlic sauce: Brings just the right amount of heat and garlicky kick.
• ¾ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground for subtle heat and earthiness.
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors; sea salt is a great alternative.
• Vegetable oil: Neutral oil for high-heat cooking without burning.
• Sesame oil: Added with vegetable oil for layered flavor during stir-frying.
• Batch white rice: The ideal companion to soak up all the delicious sauce.
• 1 bunch green onions: Fresh and crisp garnish to add color and mild onion flavor.
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds: Toasted for a nutty crunch on top.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, for an extra pop of spicy heat.
• Asian Marinated Cucumbers: Optional but highly recommended for a refreshing side.

How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Freeze the Beef for Easy Slicing

Start by popping the beef in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This quick chill firms it up, making those thin, delicate slices much easier to achieve without tearing the meat. Getting those perfect thin strips is key to even cooking and signature tenderness.

Step 2: Prepare Your Broccoli

Next, separate the broccoli into florets. Limiting yourself to florets keeps the texture consistent and keeps the colors vibrant, though you can chop the stems if you prefer more variety. About a pound, or roughly two medium heads, will give you enough greenery for a hearty dish.

Step 3: Mix the Marinade

Whisk together 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch, 4 ½ tablespoons soy sauce, and ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine in a medium bowl. This marinade works some magic, tenderizing the beef while layering in subtle savory notes that will carry through the whole dish.

Step 4: Slice the Beef Thinly and Marinate

Cut the steak into manageable strips by making a long vertical cut along the grain, then slice each piece against the grain into thin ¼-inch slices about 4 inches long. Add these strips to your marinade and stir well, letting them soak up the flavor for 20 minutes. This rest ensures tenderness and a taste boost.

Step 5: Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce

While the beef marinates, combine 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 3 tablespoons oyster sauce, ⅓ cup hoisin sauce, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 1 ½ teaspoons Sambal Oelek chili garlic sauce, ¾ teaspoon black pepper, and ¾ teaspoon kosher salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth. This sauce ties the entire dish together with layers of sweet, salty, and spicy flavor.

Step 6: Cook the Rice

If rice will accompany your stir-fry, now’s the time to start cooking it. Perfectly steamed rice is the best base to catch every drop of that luscious sauce from the Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe.

Step 7: Sear the Beef in Batches

Heat a heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil plus 1 tablespoon sesame oil, swirling to coat the pan. Add the marinated beef strips in a single layer with space in between to ensure they sear rather than steam. Cook 60 to 90 seconds on each side until nicely browned, using tongs to flip carefully, then remove to a plate. Repeat with remaining beef, adding more oil if needed. This crucial step locks in flavor and keeps your beef tender.

Step 8: Stir-Fry the Broccoli

After the beef is cooked, add another tablespoon each of vegetable and sesame oil to the same pan. Toss in the broccoli and stir until it deepens to a beautiful darker green, about two minutes—crispy-tender is the goal here, not soggy. Add water a tablespoon at a time to help it steam slightly, but avoid letting liquid pool to keep that perfect crunch.

Step 9: Combine Beef, Broccoli, and Sauce

Return the beef strips to the pan with the broccoli, pour in all the prepared sauce, and stir quickly to blend everything evenly. The sauce will bubble immediately, clinging in a glossy coat that makes each bite irresistible. Turn off the heat and remove from the burner—this preserves the fresh textures and bright flavors.

How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your stir-fry with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds to add fresh color and a delicate nutty crunch. For those who enjoy a kick, crushed red pepper flakes offer a subtle fiery accent.

Side Dishes

White rice is a classic side that soaks up the savory sauce beautifully. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside Asian Marinated Cucumbers, whose cool crispness cuts through the richness. If you want to elevate the meal to a full feast, crispy frozen egg rolls and even some fortune cookies bring fun and texture variations that delight every palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting family-style presentation, serve the Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe in a large shallow bowl or platter, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, letting everyone help themselves. Alternatively, make individual bowls with rice and top with a generous portion of beef and broccoli, finished with an optional drizzle of Sriracha mayo for a creamy, spicy layer that’s impossible to resist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from your Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors actually meld and deepen after a day, making it a great make-ahead meal for busy days.

Freezing

Because the broccoli texture can become mushy when frozen and reheated, it’s best to avoid freezing this particular dish. For optimal taste and texture, plan to enjoy all leftovers fresh within a few days.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the stir-fry gently over medium heat in a skillet just until heated through. This quick reheating helps maintain the beef’s tenderness and broccoli’s crispness instead of turning the dish soggy. Pair with freshly steamed rice for a renewed meal experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely. While flank steak is preferred for its tenderness and flavor, skirt, sirloin, flat iron, or ribeye steaks also work well as long as you slice them thinly against the grain for the best texture.

What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?

If you don’t have Shaoxing cooking wine on hand, dry sherry is a great substitute. You can also use a splash of mirin or even a little chicken broth with a touch of rice vinegar for acidity.

Is this recipe spicy?

The Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe has a mild heat level from the Sambal Oelek chili garlic sauce, which you can adjust to your preference by adding more or less. For a heat-free version, simply omit the chili sauce.

How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?

Marinating the beef with cornstarch, soy sauce, and wine helps tenderize it. Also, cooking the beef quickly over high heat in small batches avoids steaming and keeps the strips juicy and tender.

Can I make this stir-fry gluten-free?

Yes! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative and ensure the hoisin and oyster sauces are labeled gluten-free. This way, you still enjoy all the delicious flavors without worry.

Final Thoughts

This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is a treasure in the kitchen—simple ingredients, quick cook time, and a crowd-pleasing taste that never disappoints. Whether it becomes your go-to weeknight dinner or your signature dish to impress friends, it’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection. Don’t wait to give it a try and enjoy the irresistible harmony of flavors and textures!

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