“`html
If you’ve been searching for that perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like it came from a restaurant but is quick and easy enough to make at home, you are going to love this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe. It’s a harmonious dance of tender, flavorful beef and crisp, vibrant broccoli, all coated in a savory-sweet sauce that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re a stir fry novice or a seasoned kitchen pro, this dish brings together simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that everyone will request again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a crucial role in building the bright flavors, delightful textures, and beautiful colors in the beef and broccoli stir fry recipe. The balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic elements comes from every item on this list.
- Beef broth: Adds a rich, umami-packed foundation to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Brings salty depth while letting the natural flavors of the beef and broccoli shine.
- Toasted sesame oil: Imparts a nutty aroma and enhances the dish’s authentic Asian flair.
- Brown sugar: Provides subtle sweetness that balances the savory notes in the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickener to give the sauce a luscious, glossy finish.
- Dried onion powder: Deepens the savory complexity without overwhelming the fresh garlic and ginger.
- Dried garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor just right, complementing the fresh minced garlic perfectly.
- Ground ginger: Adds a warming, slightly spicy note that wakes up your taste buds.
- Minced fresh garlic and ginger: These bring brightness and freshness that truly elevate the dish.
- Beef round or flank steak: Thinly sliced for quick cooking, tender, and full of flavor.
- Broccoli florets: Crisp and green, they provide a wonderful color contrast and satisfying crunch.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the beef
Start by whisking together beef broth, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, and your dried spices in a medium bowl. If you’re a fan of fresh flavors like me, add minced fresh garlic and ginger here too. Stir in the thinly sliced beef so it soaks up that flavorful marinade while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. This step is key to infusing your beef with layers of taste that make every bite memorable.
Step 2: Cook the broccoli
Heat one tablespoon of sesame oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Toss in the broccoli florets and stir fry them briskly until they’re just tender but still have a satisfying crunch, about five minutes. The bright green color should remain vibrant—this not only looks appetizing but keeps that fresh, lively texture. Remove the broccoli and set it aside; this way you’ll keep it from overcooking while you move on to the beef.
Step 3: Cook the beef
Turn the heat to medium-high and add the beef along with all that glorious marinade to your hot pan. Stir-fry quickly until the beef is just cooked through—anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes depending on your preferred doneness. This step goes fast, so keep your spatula moving! The marinade will thicken and cling to the beef, sealing in all the flavors and juices that make this dish so addictive.
Step 4: Bring it all together
Return the broccoli to the pan and stir everything together, letting the mixture simmer for 30 to 60 seconds until the sauce thickens to the perfect consistency. This finishing touch helps the beef and broccoli fuse together, ensuring each bite has a balance of tender meat, crisp veggies, and that irresistible glossy sauce. Feel free to adjust with a little more soy sauce or salt if you want it saltier. Now you’re ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a subtle crunch and nuttiness that complements the sesame oil perfectly. Chopped green onions bring a mild oniony brightness and a pop of color, making the dish look as good as it tastes. If you like a little heat, a few red pepper flakes or thinly sliced fresh chili can amp up the excitement.
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines brightest when paired with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up that delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice is a lovely substitute that still feels satisfying. Alternatively, serve it alongside garlic noodles or fresh spring rolls to turn your meal into a full Asian feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or just shake things up? Serve your beef and broccoli stir fry recipe in individual shallow bowls garnished with microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-worthy presentation. You can even pile it atop steamed buns or serve it as a filling for lettuce wraps for a fun twist that adds a refreshing crunch and makes the dish feel new and exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This beef and broccoli stir fry recipe tastes fantastic as leftovers and stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Transfer your cooled stir fry into an airtight container to keep flavors fresh and textures intact. When reheating, be sure to warm it gently to preserve the tenderness of the beef and the crispness of the broccoli.
Freezing
While fresh stir fry is best, you can freeze leftovers to save for a quick meal later. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. To avoid sogginess, freeze the beef and broccoli separate from rice or other sides if possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat your beef and broccoli stir fry recipe slowly over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until everything is warmed through but not overcooked. This method helps keep the beef tender and the broccoli crisp. If using a microwave, reheat in short bursts, stirring between to avoid hot spots and drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir fry?
Absolutely! While beef round or flank steak are great for their tenderness and quick cooking time, you can also use sirloin or skirt steak as long as you slice it thinly against the grain for the best texture.
What if I don’t have sesame oil on hand?
If you don’t have toasted sesame oil, you can use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil for cooking, then add a splash of toasted sesame oil at the end if possible to keep that authentic flavor.
How do I keep the broccoli from getting mushy?
The key is to cook the broccoli just until it’s tender-crisp during the initial stir fry and not to overcook it when mixing it back with the beef. Removing the broccoli from the pan while the beef cooks prevents it from steaming and getting soggy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Substitute the beef with firm tofu or seitan, and replace beef broth with vegetable broth. Make sure to use a soy sauce that suits your dietary preferences and consider adding extra ginger and garlic to boost flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe is not spicy, making it perfect for all palates, but you can easily add fresh chili, chili flakes, or a dash of sriracha to the sauce if you want a little kick to awaken your taste buds.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe enough for anyone craving a quick, homemade meal packed with flavor and texture. It’s the kind of dish that feels cozy and satisfying, yet fresh and vibrant all at once—perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with loved ones. Give it a try and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes in no time!
“`
Print
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This classic Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender strips of beef cooked in a savory marinade combined with crisp-tender broccoli. Made with a homemade sauce blending beef broth, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and aromatic spices, this stir fry is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavors at home.
Ingredients
Marinade and Sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon dried onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried garlic powder (or more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound beef round, thinly sliced into bite-sized strips (or flank steak)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 pound broccoli, cut into small florets
Instructions
- Marinate beef: In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, dried onion powder, garlic powder, ground ginger, and minced fresh garlic and ginger if using. Add the sliced beef strips to the marinade and stir well to coat. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil in a large sauté pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until they become just tender but still crisp. Remove the broccoli from the pan and transfer to a plate, keeping it aside for later.
- Cook beef: Increase the heat to medium-high. Pour the marinated beef and all the marinade liquid into the hot pan. Stir-fry the beef for about 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness, until it is just cooked through and tender.
- Finish dish: Return the cooked broccoli to the pan with the beef. Stir everything together and simmer for 30 to 60 seconds until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce or salt as desired. Serve hot immediately.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, adjust the cornstarch amount or simmer a bit longer.
- Use flank steak or similarly tender cuts for best texture.
- Fresh garlic and ginger enhance flavor but dried spices work well too.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Adjust brown sugar to balance sweetness according to personal preference.
