Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry: A Quick and Delicious Dinner

Sometimes, you just need a dinner that’s fast, easy, and packed with flavor. That’s where Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry comes in! This dish is a perfect mix of tender beef, crispy broccoli, and a rich, savory sauce. It’s a takeout favorite, but guess what? You can make it at home in under 30 minutes!

Not only is it quick, but it’s also healthier than takeout. You control the ingredients, so you can make it just the way you like—less salt, more veggies, or even a little extra spice! Plus, it’s cooked in just one pan, which means fewer dishes to wash (yay!).

If you’ve never made a stir-fry before, don’t worry. This recipe is super simple, and I’ll walk you through every step. Whether you’re cooking for your family, yourself, or even meal-prepping for the week, this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a meal you’ll want to make again and again!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25-30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Better than Takeout – Fresh ingredients and homemade sauce make it even tastier.
• One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes mean less cleanup!
• Customizable – Add more veggies, adjust the spice level, or swap the beef for chicken or tofu.
• Family-Friendly – A meal that both kids and adults will love.

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Ingredients

For the Beef and Marinade:

• 1 lb (450g) beef (flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye), sliced thin
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ cup water or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• ½ cup sliced onions (optional)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Cooked rice, for serving

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That’s everything you need to get started! In the next steps, we’ll bring it all together to create a delicious, restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

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Kitchen Tools Needed

To make this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry, you don’t need any fancy equipment—just a few basic kitchen tools:

• Cutting board & sharp knife – For slicing the beef and chopping the broccoli.
• Mixing bowls – To marinate the beef and mix the sauce.
• Measuring cups & spoons – For getting the perfect balance of flavors.
• Large skillet or wok – A wok is ideal for stir-frying, but a large non-stick pan works too.
• Tongs or spatula – For flipping and stirring the beef and veggies.
• Small whisk or fork – To mix the sauce smoothly.

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Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and sugar.
2. Stir well until the beef is evenly coated.
3. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes while you prep the rest of the ingredients. This helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor!

Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, sugar, water (or beef broth), garlic, and ginger.
2. Set the sauce aside—it’s going to bring everything together later!

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in your skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until they turn bright green but are still slightly crisp.
3. If needed, add a splash of water to help steam and soften them a little.
4. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

1. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
2. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and let it sear for 1-2 minutes before stirring.
3. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, until the beef is browned and cooked through.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

1. Give your stir-fry sauce a quick stir, then pour it into the pan with the beef.
2. Stir everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
3. Add the broccoli back in, tossing it with the beef and sauce.
4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds (if using).

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

• Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
• Enjoy your homemade takeout-style meal!

More Recipes >>>>>>> Simple Banana Bread Recipe

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Tips and Tricks for Success

• Slice the beef thinly! The thinner the slices, the more tender they’ll be. If it’s hard to slice, freeze the beef for 15 minutes before cutting.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli. It should be crisp-tender, not mushy.
• Use high heat. Stir-frying works best at high heat to get a nice sear on the beef.
• Prepare everything before cooking. Stir-frying happens fast, so have all your ingredients measured and ready to go.
• Want it saucier? Add an extra ¼ cup of water or broth to thin out the sauce.
• Spice it up! Add a dash of sriracha, chili flakes, or fresh chili for extra heat.

This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is so simple, delicious, and way better than takeout. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. Enjoy your homemade stir-fry!

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Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this stir-fry is how versatile it is! Here are some ways to switch things up:

Beef Substitutes

• Chicken – Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. Slice them thin and cook the same way as the beef.
• Shrimp – Shrimp cooks quickly! Just stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until pink.
• Tofu – For a vegetarian version, use firm or extra-firm tofu. Press out excess moisture and cut into cubes before stir-frying.
• Mushrooms – Portobello or shiitake mushrooms can add a rich, meaty texture.

Vegetable Additions

Want more veggies? Try adding:

• Carrots (thinly sliced)
• Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• Snap peas or snow peas
• Baby corn

Sauce Variations

• Gluten-Free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Less Sweet – Reduce or skip the sugar in the sauce.
• More Spice – Add sriracha, chili flakes, or diced fresh chili for heat.

With these swaps, you can make this dish exactly how you like it!

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Serving Suggestions

This stir-fry is delicious on its own, but here are some great ways to serve it:

Best Side Dishes

• Steamed white rice – Classic and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Brown rice – A healthier, fiber-rich option.
• Fried rice – Try it with homemade fried rice for extra flavor!
• Noodles – Serve over lo mein, rice noodles, or even spaghetti.
• Cauliflower rice – A low-carb alternative.

Toppings for Extra Flavor

• Sesame seeds – Adds a slight crunch.
• Green onions – Fresh, mild onion flavor.
• Chili oil or sriracha – For those who love spice!

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store and reheat them properly.

Storage

• Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer – You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Reheating

• Stovetop (Best Method) – Heat a pan over medium heat, add a little oil, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• From Frozen – Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What’s the best cut of beef for stir-fry?

The best options are flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye because they stay tender and cook quickly. Just make sure to slice against the grain for the best texture!

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the beef and sauce up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to eat, just cook everything fresh for the best taste.

3. How do I make the beef more tender?

• Slice it thinly.
• Marinate with soy sauce and cornstarch (this locks in moisture).
• Don’t overcook it—high heat and quick cooking are key!

4. Can I make this without oyster sauce?

Yes! Just replace it with extra soy sauce and a teaspoon of brown sugar for a similar depth of flavor.

5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! It’s mildly flavored, but you can reduce the soy sauce or sugar if needed.

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This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is one of those meals that’s quick, easy, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to my version or try some fun variations, it’s a delicious dinner that’s better than takeout.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!