Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

This hearty beef and broccoli stir fry proves that eating well doesn’t require a fancy grocery haul or expensive cuts of meat. A simple marinade transforms an affordable piece of steak into something incredibly tender and flavorful. I can’t count the number of times this exact recipe has saved a busy weeknight in my kitchen. The sizzle of the beef hitting the hot pan, the sweet and savory aroma of the sauce bubbling up around crisp broccoli—it’s the sound and smell of dinner being solved, fast.

This classic beef and broccoli stir fry is the ultimate answer to the eternal “what’s for dinner?” question. It’s faster than waiting for delivery, healthier than takeout, and brings everyone to the table with smiles. I love it because it’s a perfect example of my cooking philosophy: simple ingredients, warm memories. You don’t need a wok or special skills, just a trusty skillet and about thirty minutes. Let’s make a cozy, satisfying meal that feels like a hug on a plate.

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Ingredients List

Beef and broccoli stir fry starts with a short, simple list. The magic is in how you combine them. For the most tender results, look for flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain.

For the Beef & Marinade:

• 1 ½ pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

For the Stir Fry Sauce:

• ½ cup low-sodium beef broth (or water)
• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons oyster sauce (see swaps below)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 4-5 cups)
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable or avocado oil, divided
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish
• Cooked white or brown rice, for serving

Smart Swaps:

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Swap the oyster sauce for hoisin sauce (check the label) or more soy sauce with a pinch of sugar.
• Protein: Chicken breast or thighs work beautifully here. For a vegetarian twist, use extra-firm tofu or thick slices of portobello mushroom.
• Veggies: Swap or add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. This recipe is a fantastic template for cleaning out the veggie drawer.

Timing

One of the biggest wins of this beef and broccoli stir fry is how quickly it comes together. It’s the definition of easy weeknight dinners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (includes marinating time)
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

That’s right—from fridge to table in half an hour. The active cook time is even less, making this a true weeknight superhero. It’s about 40% faster than preheating the oven for a casserole and waiting for it to bake. If you’re looking for more hands-off dinner ideas recipes, my Crockpot Beef & Broccoli is a fantastic “dump and go” alternative for those extra-busy days.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a flawless beef and broccoli stir fry every single time. The key is organization—have everything prepped and within arm’s reach before you turn on the heat.

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger for the marinade. Add the thinly sliced beef, toss to coat thoroughly, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes while you prep everything else. This short marinade is the secret to tender, flavorful beef.

Step 2: Make the Sauce & Prep Veggies

In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together all the stir fry sauce ingredients—beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Set aside. Cut your broccoli into florets and slice the onion. Having the sauce ready to go prevents scrambling later.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir fry for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are crisp-tender. If you like softer broccoli, add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan and cover it for 1-2 minutes to steam slightly. Remove the broccoli to a clean plate.

Step 4: Cook the Beef & Onion

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the hot skillet. Add the sliced onion and cook for 1 minute. Then, add the marinated beef in a single layer (you may need to do this in two batches to avoid crowding). Let it sear undisturbed for 1-2 minutes, then stir-fry until the beef is just cooked through, about 2-3 more minutes. Don’t overcook it here!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet with the beef and onions. Give your prepared sauce a quick re-whisk (the cornstarch settles) and pour it over everything. Stir constantly. The sauce will begin to bubble and thicken into a gorgeous, glossy coating within 1-2 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat immediately.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon the hot beef and broccoli stir fry over a bed of fluffy rice. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Dinner is served!

Nutritional Information

A serving of this beef and broccoli stir fry (about 1 ½ cups of stir-fry with ½ cup of white rice) provides a balanced meal. Approximate values are:

• Calories: ~480
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 16g

This dish is a great source of protein from the beef and packed with vitamins C and K from the broccoli. Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the salt content, and you can always adjust the sugar to your taste. It’s a wholesome, satisfying option that fits into a busy lifestyle.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any special gear for this beef and broccoli stir fry. A regular kitchen will have everything required.

• A Large Skillet or Wok: A 12-inch skillet is ideal. It gives the ingredients room to sear instead of steam.
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For slicing the beef against the grain and prepping veggies.
• Mixing Bowls: One for the marinade, one for the sauce.
• Whisk or Fork: For combining the marinade and sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups.

That’s it! No fancy gadgets needed. If you love one-pan wonders, you’ll also adore my One Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff or the Garlic Butter Ground Beef & Potatoes Skillet for similarly simple, skillet-based dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef and broccoli stir fry earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation for so many reasons.

1. 30-Minute Miracle: From start to finish in half an hour. It’s faster than pizza delivery and infinitely more satisfying.
2. Better Than Takeout: You control the ingredients, the salt, and the sugar. The flavor is richer, fresher, and made with love.
3. Family-Friendly Comfort Food: The savory-sweet sauce and tender beef are universally loved. It’s a cozy meal that pleases both kids and adults.
4. Meal Prep Champion: This recipe doubles beautifully and reheats like a dream for lunches throughout the week.
5. Endlessly Adaptable: Use what you have! Swap proteins, add different veggies, or adjust the sauce to your taste. It’s a perfect template.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

You can easily tweak this classic beef and broccoli stir fry to fit different dietary needs without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

• For a Lower-Carb / Keto Version: Swap the brown sugar in the sauce for a keto-friendly brown sugar substitute or a teaspoon of powdered erythritol. Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
• For a Gluten-Free Version: As mentioned, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. Ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free (or substitute with additional gluten-free soy sauce and a touch of honey).
• For a Lower-Sodium Version: Use liquid aminos instead of soy sauce, and opt for a low-sodium beef broth. You can also reduce the amount of oyster sauce and add a splash of rice vinegar for brightness.
• For a Higher-Protein Version: Increase the beef portion slightly or add a side of edamame. Using brown rice or quinoa also adds more protein and fiber.

Serving Suggestions

This beef and broccoli stir fry is a complete meal over rice, but a few simple additions can make it extra special.

• The Perfect Base: Steamed jasmine or brown rice is classic. For something different, try it over lo mein noodles or quinoa.
• Fresh Garnishes: Don’t skip the green onions and sesame seeds! A final drizzle of chili oil or sriracha adds a wonderful kick.
• Simple Sides: A quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar or a bowl of miso soup round out the meal perfectly. For another beef-centric, veggie-packed dish, try my Cheesy Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers or a vibrant Ground Beef Taco Salad on another night.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few small tweaks make the difference between a good stir-fry and a great one. Here’s what to watch for.

1. Slicing the Beef With the Grain: This is the #1 reason for tough beef. Always look for the long muscle fibers and slice across them. This shortens the fibers, guaranteeing tenderness.
2. Crowding the Pan: If you add all the beef at once, it will steam and turn gray instead of getting a flavorful sear. Cook in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough.
3. Overcooking the Beef: Stir-fry is a fast, high-heat method. The beef cooks in just 2-3 minutes total. Remove it as soon as it’s no longer pink.
4. Adding Cornstarch Directly to the Hot Pan: Always mix cornstarch with cold liquid first (like in the sauce mixture) to prevent lumps. Never sprinkle dry cornstarch into a hot stir-fry.
5. Using Old, Limp Broccoli: Fresh, crisp broccoli holds its texture and bright color. If your broccoli is sad, the whole dish feels a bit sad.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This beef and broccoli stir fry makes fantastic leftovers and is great for planning ahead.

• Refrigerating: Let the stir-fry cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store rice separately for best texture.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled stir-fry (without rice) in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. The sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but a good stir during reheating will bring it back together.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring between each.

Conclusion

At the end of a long day, there’s nothing quite like a homemade meal that comes together without stress. This beef and broccoli stir fry is exactly that—a reliable, flavorful, and deeply satisfying dinner that proves comfort food can be both easy and incredibly delicious. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again, tweaking it with your favorite veggies or a little extra heat, making it your own.

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Regular kitchen, regular time, great results. That’s the Harmony Meal promise.

If you give this a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Share your creations or tag me on Pinterest @HarmonyMeal. And if you’re looking for more quick and cozy dinner ideas recipes, be sure to check out my other family favorites like the One Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff or the Garlic Butter Ground Beef & Potatoes Skillet. Happy cooking.

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