Looking for a quick, healthy meal that’s packed with flavor? This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is the answer!
It’s a simple, tasty dish that combines tender beef and crunchy broccoli in a savory sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight or when you want something healthy and satisfying, this stir-fry comes together in no time.
Let’s dive into how to make this delicious Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry from start to finish.
Ingredients for Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
To make this easy and flavorful stir-fry, here’s what you’ll need:
- Beef: Use thinly sliced beef such as flank steak, sirloin, or round steak. Make sure it’s cut into strips for easy cooking.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets work best, but frozen broccoli will work too if that’s what you have.
- Soy Sauce: This adds a rich, salty flavor to the sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for a tasty base flavor.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger gives the stir-fry a wonderful aromatic kick.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a delicious nutty flavor and a slight richness.
- Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil: For cooking the beef and broccoli.
- Rice: Serve with steamed white or brown rice to complete your meal.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ready to get started? Here’s how to make this stir-fry step-by-step:
Prepare the Ingredients:
Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain.
Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. This will help them release their flavor quickly during cooking.
Cook the Beef:
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil.
Add the beef to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and fully cooked.
Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Cook the Broccoli:
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and then add the broccoli florets.
Stir-fry the broccoli for about 3–4 minutes, or until it’s bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger.
Stir well until the cornstarch is dissolved.
Combine and Stir-Fry:
Add the cooked beef back into the skillet with the broccoli.
Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli and stir to coat everything evenly.
Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well combined.
Tips for Perfect Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
To make sure your stir-fry turns out perfect every time, here are a few tips:
- Thinly Slice the Beef: Make sure the beef is cut into thin strips to help it cook faster and become tender.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Stir-fry the broccoli just until it’s bright green and still crisp. Overcooking will make it too soft.
- Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger add a lot of flavor to the dish, so don’t skip them!
- Adjust the Sauce: If you like it sweeter, add a little honey or brown sugar to the sauce. For a spicier kick, you can add some chili flakes or hot sauce.
Easy Variations to Try
This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is easy to customize with different ingredients:
- Add Other Vegetables: You can add carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and color.
- Make It Spicy: Add some chili sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- What to Serve with Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- While this stir-fry is great on its own, here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
- Rice: Serve your stir-fry over steamed white or brown rice.
- Noodles: You can also serve the beef and broccoli over noodles like udon or rice noodles.
- Side Salad: A light salad with cucumber and lettuce can be a refreshing side dish.
Storage, Reheating & Meal Prep Tips
This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Storage: Let the stir-fry cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce.
- Meal Prep: You can make this ahead of time and store the beef and broccoli separately. Reheat and serve with fresh rice or noodles when ready.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Frozen broccoli will work, but make sure to thaw it before cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance, but it’s best to cook everything fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Can I use a different kind of meat?
Absolutely! You can use chicken, pork, or tofu instead of beef.
Quick and Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup beef broth or water
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef:In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-fry the Broccoli:In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 4 minutes until tender but still crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the beef.
- Make the Sauce:In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, beef broth, garlic, and ginger. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved.
- Combine and Cook:Add the beef and broccoli back to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli and stir well. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and everything is coated.
- Serve:Serve the Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry over steamed rice. Enjoy!
