Introduction

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a beloved Chinese-American dish known for its tender slices of beef and crisp-tender broccoli tossed in a savory, slightly sweet ginger-garlic sauce. This quick and flavorful stir-fry is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a healthy, protein-packed meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

The secret to a perfect stir-fry lies in balancing textures: the beef should be tender and juicy, while the broccoli remains crisp with a bright green color. The sauce, enriched with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of sweetness, ties the dish together beautifully. Served with steamed rice or noodles, this dish is both comforting and nutritious.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, flavorful, and restaurant-quality at home. The combination of tender beef and crisp broccoli with a rich, aromatic sauce hits all the right notes—savory, slightly sweet, and full of umami. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is still packed with vegetables, making it a balanced weeknight meal. The ginger and garlic aroma while cooking fills the kitchen, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Tender beef and crisp broccoli: Perfectly cooked textures.
• Flavor-packed sauce: Balanced sweet, savory, and umami notes.
• Versatile meal: Serve with rice, noodles, or even quinoa.
• Healthy and satisfying: Protein-packed with nutrient-rich vegetables.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: ~30 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~350 kcal (with rice)
• Course: Main course
• Cuisine: Chinese / Asian

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb (450 g) beef flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
• 1 small onion, sliced (optional)
• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced (optional, for extra color)

For the Marinade:

• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil

For the Ginger Garlic Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• ¼ cup beef or chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)

For Serving:

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Sliced green onions (optional)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method:

1. Marinate the beef
   • In a bowl, combine sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
   • Toss to coat and let marinate for 10–15 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
2. Prepare the sauce
   • In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and broth.
   • Set aside.
3. Cook the broccoli
   • Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Add broccoli (and carrot slices if using) and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
   • Remove vegetables from the pan and set aside.
4. Cook the beef
   • Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan.
   • Add marinated beef in a single layer. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned but not overcooked.
5. Combine and add sauce
   • Return the vegetables to the pan.
   • Pour in the prepared sauce and bring to a simmer.
   • Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats beef and broccoli evenly.
6. Serve
   • Serve immediately over steamed rice.
   • Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.

How to Serve

• Plate stir-fry over steamed jasmine or brown rice.
• Optionally serve with fried rice or noodles for variety.
• Add extra chili flakes or sriracha if you prefer some heat.

Recipe Tips

• Slice beef thinly across the grain for tenderness.
• Marinate briefly but don’t over-marinate, or the beef may become mushy.
• Cook vegetables first to maintain crispness and vibrant color.
• Do not overcrowd the pan—cook beef in batches if necessary.
• Use a hot pan to sear the beef quickly, locking in juices.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add 1–2 tsp chili paste or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Vegetable Medley: Include bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms.
• Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli: Replace brown sugar with honey for a sweeter glaze.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce salt in the sauce.
• Noodle Stir-Fry: Serve over cooked rice noodles or lo mein for a noodle dish.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked beef and broccoli separately from rice for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Reheat quickly in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long to preserve texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Wok or large skillet
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Small bowl for sauce
• Spoon or spatula for stir-frying
• Rice cooker or pot for steaming rice

FAQ

Q: Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes, flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye are ideal for stir-frying.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, marinate beef in advance and store in the refrigerator. Cook vegetables fresh for best texture.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but cook slightly longer and drain excess moisture.

Q: Can this recipe be gluten-free?
Yes, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

Conclusion

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Ginger Garlic Sauce is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal that brings restaurant-quality stir-fry to your home kitchen. With tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich, savory sauce, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Its simple preparation, balanced flavors, and versatility make it a must-try for anyone craving a classic Asian-inspired dish.