Easy Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry
Highlighted under: Weeknight Wonders
When I want a quick yet delicious meal, this Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is my go-to. I love how it combines tender slices of beef with crisp broccoli, all coated in a savory, homemade sauce. In just 30 minutes, I can serve up a satisfying dinner that feels like takeout, but is far healthier and fresher. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, it has become a weeknight favorite in our household. Perfect for busy evenings, this dish delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, and my Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry delivers just that. I experimented with various sauces to find the right balance of sweet and savory, and the combination of soy sauce and garlic really elevates the dish. Plus, using sirloin steak ensures that the beef remains tender and juicy as it cooks.
One of my favorite tips is to blanch the broccoli for a minute before adding it to the stir fry. This retains its vibrant green color and crispness, making the dish not only delicious but visually appealing too. I’ve served this to friends and family, and they always ask for seconds!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time ideal for busy weeknights
- Savory sauce with a perfect balance of flavors
- Fresh, nutritious vegetables packed with vitamins
Mastering the Stir Fry Technique
To achieve tender beef in your stir fry, the slicing technique is crucial. Always slice against the grain for maximum tenderness. I recommend using a sharp knife to get thin, even slices, ensuring they cook uniformly. When marinating the beef, the cornstarch serves to create a silky texture while also helping to lock in moisture. Letting it sit for at least 10 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate, making each bite flavorful and juicy.
When stir-frying, it's important to use high heat to get that signature 'wok hei' or 'breath of the wok' flavor. A hot skillet allows quick cooking, which preserves the beef's juiciness and gives the broccoli a vibrant green color while keeping it slightly crisp. If you find that the beef is sticking, you can add a splash more oil to the pan just before adding the beef.
Customizing Your Beef and Broccoli
This recipe is highly adaptable to your preferences. For a spicier kick, consider adding sliced chili peppers or a dash of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. You can also swap out the broccoli for other vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas, diversifying the flavor and texture profile. These vegetables cook quickly and complement the sauce well, just like broccoli does.
If you’re looking to reduce sodium intake, try using low-sodium soy sauce or even coconut aminos as a substitute. For a vegan option, replace the beef with tofu or tempeh—this will require a different marinating process but can be equally satisfying when done right. Remember to adjust cooking times since tofu may require a bit longer to turn golden and crispy.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin beef, thinly sliced
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to customize the vegetables or add your favorite spices!
Instructions
Prepare the Beef
In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with cornstarch, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
Blanch the Broccoli
Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli for 1-2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Stir Fry the Beef
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir fry until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Combine Ingredients
In the same pan, add the remaining oil and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. Then add the blanched broccoli and cooked beef back into the pan. Pour in the oyster sauce and toss everything together for another 2-3 minutes.
Serve
Remove from heat and serve warm over cooked rice or noodles.
Enjoy your delicious and easy meal!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, add some red pepper flakes while stir frying.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is fantastic for meal prep! You can slice the beef and chop the vegetables the night before and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This not only saves time during busy evenings but also helps prevent the broccoli from becoming wilty. Just remember to keep the sauce mixture separate until you are ready to cook to maintain freshness.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet on medium heat to maintain the dish's texture. Add a splash of water or broth to help steam reheating while preventing the beef from becoming tough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stir fry over fluffy jasmine rice or hearty brown rice for a wholesome meal. Alternatively, consider pairing it with rice noodles for a more traditional Asian touch. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that still delivers on flavor and texture.
For added depth, garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions just before serving. A drizzle of sesame oil can elevate the dish’s aroma and offer a lovely nutty flavor. I love adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds right before serving—they provide a delightful crunch and boost the visual appeal.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Simply replace the beef with sliced chicken breast and follow the same cooking instructions.
→ What other vegetables can I add?
You can include bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or even mushrooms for added flavor.
→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Easy Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry
When I want a quick yet delicious meal, this Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is my go-to. I love how it combines tender slices of beef with crisp broccoli, all coated in a savory, homemade sauce. In just 30 minutes, I can serve up a satisfying dinner that feels like takeout, but is far healthier and fresher. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, it has become a weeknight favorite in our household. Perfect for busy evenings, this dish delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.
Created by: Imogen Walker
Recipe Type: Weeknight Wonders
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Stir Fry
- 1 lb (450g) sirloin beef, thinly sliced
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with cornstarch, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli for 1-2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir fry until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the remaining oil and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. Then add the blanched broccoli and cooked beef back into the pan. Pour in the oyster sauce and toss everything together for another 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat and serve warm over cooked rice or noodles.
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, add some red pepper flakes while stir frying.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 790mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g