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Flavorful Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe Easy Homemade Better Than Takeout

beef and broccoli stir-fry - featured image

A quick and easy beef and broccoli stir-fry that balances savory and sweet flavors with tender beef and crisp broccoli, perfect for a satisfying homemade meal better than takeout.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth or water
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head; fresh or frozen)
  • 1 small carrot, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or canola oil
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain into strips about 1/4 inch thick. In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with 2 tsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. While the beef marinates, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Set aside. Mix the cornstarch slurry separately (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).
  3. Bring a pot of boiling water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for about 1 minute until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Immediately transfer to an ice bath or rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.
  4. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Let it sear without stirring for 1-2 minutes, then stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef and set aside.
  5. Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan. Toss in the sliced carrot (if using) and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the blanched broccoli and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes. Return the beef to the pan, pour the sauce over, and stir well to combine.
  6. Stir the cornstarch slurry and pour it into the pan. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Marinate beef for at least 15 minutes for tenderness. Blanch broccoli to keep it crisp and vibrant. Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Stir slurry constantly to avoid lumps and achieve a glossy sauce. For gluten-free, use tamari and gluten-free oyster sauce or omit oyster sauce. Vegetarian version uses firm tofu and vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef and broccoli, stir-fry, quick dinner, easy recipe, homemade, Asian cuisine, beef stir-fry, healthy dinner