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Quick Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Quick Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Quick Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a flavorful and nutritious weeknight dinner featuring tender slices of beef and crisp broccoli florets cooked in a savory soy-garlic-ginger sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan meal balances bold flavors with easy preparation and minimal cleanup, perfect for a fast yet comforting home-cooked dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Vegetables

  • 8 oz flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 3 cups broccoli florets, bite-sized
  • 2 green onions, chopped (optional garnish)

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon freshly minced ginger
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder / potato starch as substitute)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Oils for Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (high smoke point)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Mince the garlic and ginger. Mix together soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), cornstarch, and sesame oil in a small bowl to make the sauce.
  2. Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Remove broccoli from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sear the Beef: Add remaining vegetable oil to the same pan. Spread the sliced beef in a single layer and sear without stirring for 1-2 minutes to develop a crust. Then stir and cook until beef is mostly browned but still juicy.
  4. Add Aromatics and Sauce: Stir in minced garlic and ginger quickly to release fragrance without burning. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and bring to a simmer to thicken.
  5. Combine Broccoli and Beef: Return the broccoli to the pan and gently toss everything together to coat with the sauce. Cook an additional 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors meld perfectly.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or your preferred side.

Notes

  • Slice beef thinly against the grain to keep it tender and juicy.
  • Use high heat to sear beef and broccoli quickly, preserving texture and flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
  • Optionally marinate beef briefly in soy sauce and cornstarch for 10 minutes to boost flavor and tenderness.
  • Mix sauce ingredients thoroughly before adding to avoid lumps.
  • Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
  • Swap beef for chicken, tofu, or shrimp for variations.
  • Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for more texture and color.
  • For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or sliced fresh chilies.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stir fry, quick dinner, broccoli stir fry, easy Asian recipe, weeknight meal, gluten free stir fry