Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a classic dish that's full of flavor and simple to make. Tender slices of beef cooked just right, paired with fresh, crisp broccoli florets,…

By Julia • December 29, 2025 • Reading time: 6 min

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Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a classic dish that’s full of flavor and simple to make. Tender slices of beef cooked just right, paired with fresh, crisp broccoli florets, all coated in a tasty, slightly sweet soy-based sauce. The mix of tender meat and crunchy veggies makes every bite satisfying and balanced.

I love making this stir fry on busy weeknights because it comes together quickly, and the ingredients feel fresh and wholesome. One little trick I use is to marinate the beef a bit before cooking; it makes the meat extra juicy and tasty. Plus, cooking the broccoli just until bright green keeps it perfectly crisp, adding a nice texture to the dish.

My favorite way to enjoy this beef and broccoli is served over a bed of steaming white rice or noodles, soaking up all that delicious sauce. It’s one of those easy meals that everyone seems to like, and it’s great for sharing with family or friends. Whenever I make it, I feel like I’m treating everyone to something both comforting and fresh, without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Beef: Flank steak or sirloin work best as they’re tender and cook quickly. If you want a budget-friendly option, try skirt steak or even thinly sliced chicken or pork. Just slice against the grain for tenderness.

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets provide a nice crunch and bright color. Frozen broccoli can work in a pinch, but fresh is best for stir fries to keep that crisp texture.

Sauces: Soy sauce and oyster sauce give the savory, umami flavor. For a vegetarian version, swap oyster sauce with mushroom stir-fry sauce or soy sauce alone. Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness.

Thickener: Cornstarch thickens the sauce nicely and gives it that glossy look. Tapioca starch or arrowroot powder can be good alternatives if you don’t have cornstarch.

How Do You Get Tender Beef and Crisp Broccoli Every Time?

Getting that perfect balance of tender beef and crisp broccoli is key to this stir fry.

• Slice beef thinly: Cutting against the grain makes it easier to chew. Partial freezing the beef for 30 minutes before slicing helps get thin, even pieces.
• Cook beef quickly: High heat and a short cook time keep it tender. Cook in one layer without overcrowding the pan.
• Steam-fry broccoli: Stir-fry broccoli first to get vibrant color and crunch. Removing broccoli before cooking beef prevents overcooking.
• Combine at the end: Adding broccoli back with the sauce at the end lets everything heat through without getting soggy.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large wok or skillet – great for high-heat cooking and tossing ingredients quickly.
• Sharp chef’s knife – makes slicing the beef thin and cutting broccoli easy and safe.
• Cutting board – use sturdy and easy to clean for prepping your veggies and meat.
• Mixing bowl – perfect for whisking together your sauce and marinade.
• Spatula or wooden spoon – helps stir and toss ingredients without scratching your pan.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap beef for thinly sliced chicken or tofu to change up protein; both soak up the sauce nicely.
• Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
• Stir in red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Top with crushed peanuts or cashews for added texture and nutty flavor.

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For The Beef and Broccoli:

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

For The Sauce:

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
• 1/4 cup beef broth or water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For Garnish and Serving:

• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Cooked white rice, for serving

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. The quick cooking time keeps the beef tender and broccoli crisp, making it perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Sauce:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar (or honey), beef broth (or water), and cornstarch until smooth. Set this sauce mixture aside for later.

2. Prep the Beef:

Slice your beef thinly against the grain to keep it tender. You can toss the beef with a little soy sauce or cornstarch and let it sit for 10 minutes if you like—it helps make the beef juicier.

3. Cook the Broccoli:

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, just until they’re bright green and still a bit crunchy. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside.

4. Cook the Beef:

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil into the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Spread the sliced beef in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until it’s browned but not fully cooked.

5. Combine and Finish:

Put the broccoli back in the pan with the beef. Pour the sauce over everything and stir well to coat. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beef is fully cooked.

6. Serve and Garnish:

Take the pan off the heat. Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if you’d like. Serve the beef and broccoli hot over cooked white rice for a filling and delicious meal.

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen broccoli completely and drain any excess water before cooking to avoid sogginess. Stir-fry it a little longer if needed to get a nice texture.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover beef and broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and substitute oyster sauce with a gluten-free alternative like mushroom sauce. This way, the recipe stays tasty and safe for gluten-sensitive diners.

What Can I Substitute for Beef?

You can swap beef with thinly sliced chicken, pork, or tofu for different flavors and textures. Just adjust cooking times slightly depending on the protein to ensure it’s cooked through but still tender.