Introduction
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Oyster Sauce is a Chinese takeout favorite that’s incredibly easy to make at home. Tender slices of beef are quickly stir-fried with fresh broccoli, then coated in a glossy, savory sauce made with oyster sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create bold, complex flavors in under 30 minutes.
The broccoli stays crisp-tender, the beef is juicy and flavorful, and the sauce has that irresistible umami depth. Serve it with steaming hot rice, and you have a complete, comforting meal in one bowl.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry, and this recipe brings the classic takeout favorite to your kitchen perfectly. What I love most is how tender slices of beef are seared to perfection and tossed with crisp, vibrant broccoli, all coated in a rich, savory oyster sauce that balances sweetness and umami. Each bite offers a harmonious mix of textures and flavors, making it a comforting yet exciting dish.
This recipe is a celebration of quick, flavorful, and healthy stir-fry cooking. The beef remains juicy and tender while the broccoli retains its bright color and crunch. The oyster sauce ties everything together with a savory, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying flavor profile. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual meals, or whenever you crave a restaurant-style dish at home.
For me, this dish is a must-have because it’s more than just beef and vegetables—it’s a balanced, flavorful experience that combines tender meat, crisp vegetables, and rich sauce in every bite. The combination of textures and bold flavors makes it a timeless favorite for any stir-fry lover.
Why This Dish is a Must-Try
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Oyster Sauce is a flavorful, quick, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Tender, Juicy Beef – Thinly sliced beef cooks quickly and stays flavorful, tender, and succulent.
- Crisp, Vibrant Broccoli – The broccoli maintains its crunch and bright color, adding freshness and texture to the dish.
- Rich, Savory Oyster Sauce – The sauce balances sweet and umami flavors, enhancing every bite and tying all the ingredients together.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners without compromising on flavor.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Loved by both kids and adults, it delivers restaurant-quality taste that’s comforting and satisfying.
Trying this recipe guarantees a fast, flavorful, and well-balanced meal that’s both healthy and indulgent, perfect for anyone craving a classic stir-fry at home.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~340 per serving (with sauce, without rice)
Ingredients
For the Beef & Marinade
- 1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the Stir-Fry
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, combine beef slices with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
- Toss well and set aside for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), beef broth, and sugar.
- Set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Broccoli
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Remove from wok and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
- In the same wok, add the remaining oil.
- Add marinated beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned but not overcooked.
- Push beef to the side of the wok.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add garlic and ginger to the center of the wok, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return broccoli to the wok.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well.
- Add cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli.
How to Serve
- Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra texture and aroma.
- For a complete meal, pair with a light soup or spring rolls.
Additional Recipe Tips & Variations
- Velveting Technique: For ultra-tender beef, mix beef slices with ½ teaspoon baking soda during marination, rinse after 15 minutes, then proceed with the recipe.
- Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce and oyster sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
- Extra Veggies: Add snow peas, carrots, or bell peppers for color and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic paste or sliced fresh chilies to the sauce.
Freezing & Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Special Equipment Needed
- Wok or large skillet
- Sharp knife for thin beef slicing
- Small mixing bowls
- Whisk
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, chicken breast or thigh works well — just adjust cooking time so it doesn’t dry out.
Q: My beef turns out tough. What am I doing wrong?
Slice beef thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking. High heat and quick cooking keep it tender.
Q: Do I have to blanch the broccoli first?
Not necessary — quick stir-frying keeps it crisp-tender.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.
Conclusion
This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Oyster Sauce is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish that rivals your favorite takeout. The tender beef, crunchy broccoli, and glossy savory sauce come together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. With simple pantry ingredients, you can enjoy authentic Asian flavors without leaving your kitchen.
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Oyster Sauce
Course: DinnerDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes10
minutes25
minutesIngredients
For the Beef & Marinade
1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Sauce
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
½ cup beef broth or water
1 teaspoon sugar
For the Stir-Fry
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
2 cups broccoli florets
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
2 green onions, sliced (optional garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Directions
- Step 1: Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine beef slices with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Toss well and set aside for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
- Step 2: Prepare the Sauce : In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), beef broth, and sugar. Set aside.
- Step 3: Stir-Fry the Broccoli : Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.Remove from wok and set aside.
- Step 4: Cook the Beef : In the same wok, add the remaining oil. Add marinated beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned but not overcooked.Push beef to the side of the wok.
- Step 5: Combine Everything : Add garlic and ginger to the center of the wok, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Return broccoli to the wok.Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well. Add cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli.