If you’re looking to jazz up your dinner menu, look no further than this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry! It’s a fantastic option for cozy weeknight meals—full of flavor, economical, and ready in a flash. Tender beef paired with crunchy broccoli enveloped in a sweet and savory sauce? Yes, please!

This dish is perfect for those evenings when you’re pressed for time but still want to whip up something that tastes like it’s from a restaurant. Serve it solo or alongside rice or noodles, and your family will be asking for seconds!

For more quick and delectable dinner options, consider trying out Creamy Chicken Tortellini, Creamy Tuscan Salmon, or Sweet and Sour Chicken!

The Best Beef and Broccoli 😋

When it comes to dinner choices, Beef and Broccoli stands out, whether you’re a seasoned chef or trying it for the first time. Here’s why this recipe has become my favorite:

• Quick and Easy: Apart from marinating time (which can be prepped in advance), this meal can be ready in 30 minutes or less! The sauce comes together seamlessly with just a handful of ingredients.
• Cozy Comfort: There’s something so inviting about tender beef, crispy broccoli, and a perfectly balanced sauce. When served over rice or noodles, it creates a comforting and balanced meal.
• Versatile Choice: Perfect any day of the week, beef and broccoli is a versatile dish that the whole family will love. You can easily tweak it to match your preferences!
• Flavor-Packed Sauce: The sauce is truly what elevates this dish! With its sweet and savory notes, it beautifully complements the beef and broccoli, making it ideal for drizzling over rice or noodles.

Ingredients You Need

NOTE: Check the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and their measurements.

• Steak: Flank steak works well here for its tenderness and quick cooking time. Skirt steak or top sirloin are also great alternatives.
• Fresh Broccoli: Opt for fresh florets to maximize texture and flavor.
• Fresh Garlic and Ginger: These aromatic powerhouses add depth to your dish. Use them fresh for the best results!
• Beef Broth: Forms the base of your sauce. Choose low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: This can be swapped with apple cider or white wine vinegar if necessary, but it may slightly alter the taste.
• Dark Brown Sugar: While light brown sugar will work too, dark brown sugar gives a richer flavor that enhances the dish.
• Dark Soy Sauce: This gives your dish a gorgeous color—low-sodium is preferred.
• Cornstarch: Essential for tenderizing the beef and achieving a glossy finish.
• Hoisin Sauce: Infuses a rich, savory flavor into the sauce.
• Oyster Sauce: This adds a delicious salty, umami richness that balances the dish.
• Oil: Choose a high smoke point oil (such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil) for cooking.
• Browning Sauce: An optional addition for a deeper flavor and color. You can easily find this in stores or make it at home!

How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

1. Marinate the Beef: Thinly slice the beef and combine cornstarch, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add beef strips, tossing well to coat. Cover and marinate for 20 to 30 minutes in the fridge (or up to an hour). You can kick off this step and continue with other preparations in the meantime.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce until smooth. Set aside.
3. Blanch the Broccoli: Boil water in a large pot and add broccoli florets. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they become bright green and just tender. Drain and set aside.
4. Cook the Aromatics and Beef: Heat your chosen oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When hot, add finely chopped garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Layer the marinated beef in the skillet, cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until browned and nearly cooked through.
5. Add the Sauce and Finish: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef, ensuring even coverage. Toss in the blanched broccoli and mix well. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and the broccoli is nicely heated through.

Recipe Tips

• Prep Ingredients Ahead: For a smoother cooking experience, having everything prepped before you start cooking (a.k.a. mise en place) makes the process much easier, especially since everything cooks quite rapidly.
• Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to substitute up to half of the broccoli with other veggies like snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms. For a delightful crunch, add water chestnuts or unsalted cashews.

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or leftovers. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, simply toss everything back in a skillet over low heat, stirring until warmed throughout.

Other Easy Steak Dinners

If you love steak, you’ll enjoy this Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry as well as other simple steak dinner ideas! They’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead. Enjoy!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

While fresh broccoli yields the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen broccoli. Just be sure to thaw and drain it prior to adding it to the stir fry.

2. How can I make this dish spicier?

If you’d like to spice things up, you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a kick of heat.

3. Is it necessary to marinate the beef?

Marinating helps to tenderize the beef and enhances its flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, you can sauté it without marinating; just ensure it’s seasoned well.

4. What can I serve with beef and broccoli stir fry?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it alongside an Asian-inspired salad.

5. How do I store leftovers properly?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.