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Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

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Quick and easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

 

A platter of beef and broccoli over rice

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry – a quick and easy restaurant-quality dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

It’s hard to beat a dinner like this! Delicious, easy and quick; the perfect solution for a weeknight meal the whole family will love. And as you’re probably heard before, homemade is so much better than take-out! This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry does not disappoint.

 

A bowl of sliced sirloin marinated in soy sauce

This easy stir-fry starts with quick marinated, lean strips of beef.

Once sliced, the beef is marinated in a simple mixture of cornstarch, soy sauce, baking soda and vegetable oil. This easy step gives the whole dish a head start on the flavor train.

Why add baking soda to the meat marinade?

According to Cook’s Illustrated, soaking in baking soda helps to tenderize the beef by raising the pH on the meat’s surface, making it more difficult for the proteins to bond excessively. This keeps the meat tender and moist when it’s cooked. A simple trick with a big payoff: tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef!

Marinate the beef in the soy sauce / baking soda mixture for at least 30-minutes. If you want to prepare the beef first, it can soak up all those umami flavors while you prep the vegetables and sauce. Don’t forget to start cooking the rice because this meal will be on the table in a flash!

What is the best cut of beef to use for this stir-fry?

Flank steak is always a favorite choice for this recipe. However, we’ve also had great results with sirloin and round steak too. Just use whatever lean meat you have on hand.

You’ll need one pound of lean beef that can be cut into thin strips, about 2-inches long. Trim any visible fat from the beef before slicing.

Beef is much easier to slice when it’s firm so here’s a simple trick to make the prep quick and easy: Slice the beef while it’s still slightly frozen. If already thawed, pop the beef in the freezer for 30-minutes before you begin. Easy peasy!

 

A bowl of raw broccoli, onions and carrot cut into matchsticks

Prep your favorite vegetables ahead to make quick work of the stir-fry.

The vegetables can be cleaned, sliced and prepped hours ahead of time. Broccoli, onions and carrots are a favorite veggie combo for this stir-fry. We also like to throw in a small can of drained water chestnuts if we have some on hand.

To prep the broccoli, cut the stalks into small florets, making it easier to cook quickly. If you prefer larger pieces of broccoli, consider steaming them for a few minutes, then draining before adding to the beef and broccoli stir-fry.

If you like scallions, feel free to add three or four with the sauce at the end. Even if you don’t sauté extra scallions in this stir-fry, be sure to sprinkle a few on top for a garnish. Toasted sesame seeds are also a must!

 

 

A skillet filled with thin sliced beef, broccoli, carrots and onions topped with sesame seeds

Once the beef and vegetables are sautéed, add the slightly sweet sauce to the skillet.

The sauce is made by whisking together:

  • soy sauce
  • oyster sauce
  • water
  • sesame oil
  • brown sugar
  • cornstarch

The sauce cooks up in just a few minutes, thickening and coating the beef and vegetables. I won’t judge if you double the sauce ingredients, just saying. If you love a saucy stir-fry, go for it!

 

A platter with rice, beef, broccoli, onions and carrots

Serve Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry over hot cooked rice for a complete meal.

If you’re ordered this dish in a restaurant and thought the beef was bland and tough, and the vegetables overcooked, don’t despair.  The homemade version is so much better, and the recipe is practically fool-proof! If you do all the prep ahead, it’s even great for company because it cooks in a flash.

 

A plate with beef and broccoli stir-fry served over rice with a cup of tea

An amazing dish made in a few easy steps:

  1. Combine the marinade ingredients, add the beef and toss to coat;
  2. Whisk the sauce ingredients together;
  3. Prep the vegetables;
  4. Quickly sear the beef in a hot skillet or wok;
  5. Sauté the vegetables;
  6. Return the beef to the pan and add the sauce;
  7. Serve over rice! Done and done 🙂

 

A close up of a plate of beef and broccoli over rice

Are leftovers good reheated?

Yes indeed! Gently rewarm the beef and broccoli stir-fry in the microwave, or enjoy it cold. I guess we’ve all eaten cold leftover take-out Chinese at one time or another.

I’ve not tried freezing this dish because it’s never around that long. I bet you’re going to love it too!

 

 

Thanks for PINNING!

A platter with rice, beef and broccoli stir-fry garnished with sesame seeds

 

 

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4.73 from 11 votes

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
Yield: 6
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Author: Tricia
PRINT RECIPE
A quick and easy stir-fry loaded with tender beef, crispy broccoli, sweet onions and carrots.

Equipment

  • Wok or large skillet

Ingredients

For the marinade:

  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 1 pound flank steak (round or sirloin steak are okay) trimmed of fat and sliced thin against the grain

For the sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup oyster sauce
  • ⅓ cup water, or substitute chicken or beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil, optional
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For the stir fry:

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 3 small onions, cut into wedges
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into match sticks
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • scallions, sliced for garnish
  • 1 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
  • hot cooked rice for serving

Instructions

To prepare the marinade:

  • In a medium bowl combine 1 teaspoon cornstarch, baking soda, 3 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. Add the sliced steak and toss to coat. Cover and set aside for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours, stored in the refrigerator.

To prepare the sauce:

  • Combine all the sauce ingredients and whisk until blended. Set aside.

To prepare the stir-fry:

  • Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half the beef in a single layer, if possible, and cook until browned on one side and crisp around the edges. Turn the beef slices and continue cooking for about 2 minutes more, or until no longer pink. Remove to a plate and keep warm. Repeat with another tablespoon of oil and more sliced beef until all meat is browned.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of oil into the now-empty pan. Add the onion, carrots and broccoli and stir fry for 4-5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic, ginger and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Return the cooked beef to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Whisk the sauce mixture again to blend then add to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and serve over hot cooked rice, garnished with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

Recipe Notes

  • If you don’t have fresh ginger on hand, use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.
  • Optional: Add 3 or 4 fresh sliced scallions at the same time as the sauce. You can also add water chestnuts or other vegetables as desired.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 1476mg | Potassium: 632mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 2102IU | Vitamin C: 59mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 2mg

 

Originally published January 2013, updated April 2020

Here are a few more recipes you might enjoy:

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Green Pepper Steak

 

Bowls of stir fried vegetables with rice

Easy Stir-Fry Vegetables

 

A skillet filled with red peppers, broccoli and cashew chicken

Honey Cashew Chicken

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43 Comments

  1. Diana says

    April 7, 2022 at 12:44 am

    4 stars
    Everything cooked beautifully, but I have a low tolerance for sweetness. I should have just omitted the brown sugar. For some reason, I thought the brown sugar wouldn’t be so sweet. That’s my bad.

    The recipe came together nicely, but if you’re like me and don’t like sweet, omit the sugar.

    reply to this comment >
  2. mallory Mackinnon ojeda says

    June 12, 2021 at 5:44 am

    What is the nutritional info for this??

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      June 12, 2021 at 8:02 am

      I added that information for you Mallory. Enjoy!

      reply to this comment >
  3. Briana from Texas says

    April 21, 2021 at 7:18 pm

    5 stars
    This is the absolute best Beef & Broccoli recipe I have ever come across. Not only is it crazy good it’s easy to prepare as well. Just have all of your ingredients measured and ready when you are about to start. This will be the only beef & broccoli recipe that I will use from now on. Thank you for sharing it with us.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      April 22, 2021 at 7:03 am

      Thank you Briana from Texas! Your comment made my day 🙂 This has been a mainstay in our family for years and years. Thanks for taking the time to comment and for trying the recipe. Bravo!

      reply to this comment >
  4. Natalie says

    March 1, 2021 at 7:13 pm

    5 stars
    Fantastic! I used sirloin for the meat and just used whatever veggies I had. This will be my “go to” beef stir fry! Thank you!
    Natalie 🙂

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      March 2, 2021 at 7:36 am

      Thanks for the feedback Natalie! Sounds perfect 🙂

      reply to this comment >
  5. Christine says

    February 19, 2021 at 4:17 pm

    5 stars
    The best beef and broccoli ever. My family loves it. Will be doing it with chicken and shrimp. Thank you for sharing.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      February 20, 2021 at 12:35 pm

      Thank you Christine! You made my day 🙂

      reply to this comment >
  6. Kathy says

    February 13, 2021 at 10:06 pm

    Super easy and it looked fabulous – then I tasted it. Too salty. I didn’t add any salt and used low sodium soy sauce, but sadly I couldn’t finish it. Maybe it was the oyster sauce and the baking soda. Sadly, this recipe is not for anyone who is trying to cut down on sodium or doesn’t eat much as a rule, Too bad. If it weren’t for the excess salt, I would’ve called it a great success.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      February 16, 2021 at 9:39 am

      I’m very salt sensitive Kathy and this recipe doesn’t bother me. Perhaps your oyster sauce is excessively salty. This is a solid recipe and was not advertised as a low-sodium choice. Sorry you didn’t care for it.

      reply to this comment >
  7. Mike says

    January 4, 2021 at 5:29 pm

    4 stars
    Tried this recipe tonight and was very pleased the way it turned out. One thing I will improve on will be is not to forget my broccoli in the steamer.
    Will definitely try this again!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      January 5, 2021 at 9:08 am

      Thanks for the feedback Mike. Glad it turned out well for you. Adding broccoli makes it that much better!

      reply to this comment >
  8. Jen Holland says

    December 20, 2020 at 6:49 pm

    5 stars
    Made this tonight with fresh venison steak and substituted hoisin sauce for the oyster because that was what I had on hand! It was delicious.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      December 20, 2020 at 7:37 pm

      Yum! So glad this was a hit with venison Jen. I’ll let my son know so he can give it a try. Thank you for the feedback and for trying the recipe. Sounds terrific 😉

      reply to this comment >
  9. Briana from Texas says

    August 6, 2020 at 2:11 pm

    5 stars
    My family was absolutely wowed by this recipe. There were no leftovers. I didn’t have the ginger, but it still turned out delicious. Definitely a keeper.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      August 6, 2020 at 2:47 pm

      Thanks for the feedback Briana! My family loves it too. Hope you get the change to try it with ginger next time.

      reply to this comment >
    • Jan says

      November 12, 2020 at 11:45 am

      4 stars
      Made exactly as written. It was delicious with plenty of sauce. The only thing I’d change is to reduce the saltiness by using reduced sodium soy sauce or cutting back on the oyster sauce. We used sirloin. Loved the ginger flavor. We served it on brown rice. We will definitely make this again.

      reply to this comment >
      • Tricia Buice says

        November 13, 2020 at 4:20 pm

        Thanks for the feedback Jan. I often cook with reduced sodium soy sauce myself. Glad you enjoyed the recipe!

        reply to this comment >
  10. Gail Aftergood says

    May 1, 2020 at 10:42 pm

    5 stars
    This dish tasted better than the restaurant. I had to substitute with chicken instead of beef, and served over soba noodles instead of rice. If I could, I would have given it more stars.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      May 2, 2020 at 8:23 am

      Thank you Gail. Good to know it works well with chicken, too. I love soba noodles as well so this is a great idea. We have to use what we have on hand these days. Thanks again for making the recipe and for taking the time to comment.

      reply to this comment >
  11. b says

    April 6, 2020 at 5:25 pm

    5 stars
    Great Meal! Loved the tender beef with that wonderful sauce and
    the veggies. You are correct better than takeout.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      April 7, 2020 at 9:32 am

      Thanks so much B! Glad you tried it and we appreciate you taking the time to let us know how it turned out for you. Bravo 🙂

      reply to this comment >
  12. Pamela says

    April 6, 2020 at 2:10 pm

    Can this be done in the Instant Pot?

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      April 6, 2020 at 2:21 pm

      I bet it can Pamela but I’m not much of an Instant Pot expert. If you’re used to cooking in one, I’m sure this is similar to any other stir-fry recipe you’ve made. Good luck!

      reply to this comment >
  13. Nancy Ludwick says

    April 6, 2020 at 11:42 am

    I’m allergic to seafood. Can I omit oyster sauce or substitute something else? Thanks!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      April 6, 2020 at 2:19 pm

      Hi Nancy. Yes you can omit the oyster sauce and add a little more soy sauce, another 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar and a dash or two of Worcestershire sauce. Be careful not to add too much soy sauce or the flavor may be a little off. Good luck and enjoy!

      reply to this comment >
  14. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says

    April 6, 2020 at 9:43 am

    5 stars
    One of my favourites! Such a classic and always delicious and satisfying for dinner 🙂 Yours looks perfect!

    reply to this comment >
  15. Leo Martin says

    June 13, 2013 at 6:44 am

    I think your recipe is very easy to cook based on the tips that you've put in your blog on how to cook <a href="http://beststirfryrecipes.blogspot.com/2013/06/beef-stir-fry.html&quot; rel="nofollow">beef stir fry</a>. I will copy this and cook for my breakfast tomorrow. Thank you for sharing!

    reply to this comment >
  16. Anonymous says

    April 18, 2013 at 9:18 am

    Was great, followed exactly with the sauce! Used broccoli and Carrot. YUM!

    reply to this comment >
  17. Anonymous says

    February 11, 2013 at 12:24 am

    Trish, Just made this for dinner tonight except I used snow peas and red pepper. My husband really liked how nice and "saucy" this was. Thanks for the inspiration. I found your blog a few months ago and have enjoyed it and tried other recipes too. Thanks! Keep up the great posts! <br /><br />Lauren

    reply to this comment >
  18. SavoringTime in the Kitchen says

    February 7, 2013 at 10:51 pm

    I made this for my husband last week and we loved it! What a great recipe.

    reply to this comment >
  19. Kari Lindsay says

    February 4, 2013 at 11:15 pm

    Tricia, I love your new wok. Does this mean lots of Asian dishes in the future? Love me a good stir fry!

    reply to this comment >
  20. Joyti says

    February 2, 2013 at 8:42 pm

    Yes, I'm sure the tastier homemade version is FAR healthier. And it looks pretty quick and easy too.<br />Lovely photos 🙂

    reply to this comment >
  21. Gerry @Foodness Gracious says

    February 1, 2013 at 7:06 am

    Mmmmmmm, I so want this right now, one of my favs 🙂

    reply to this comment >
  22. Sue/the view from great island says

    January 31, 2013 at 9:14 pm

    I can't tell you how many times we've ordered this in our family…and wy oh why did I never think to make it myself? This looks perfect, I want it for dinner tonight.

    reply to this comment >
  23. Big Dude says

    January 31, 2013 at 5:54 pm

    Very nice presentation Tricia

    reply to this comment >
  24. Angie's Recipes says

    January 31, 2013 at 2:10 pm

    I had some chicken and broccoli stir-fry for the lunch today 😉 Love yours with beef…looks delish!

    reply to this comment >
  25. Joanne says

    January 31, 2013 at 12:28 pm

    Take-out at home is the best! this looks so perfectly cooked!

    reply to this comment >
  26. Pam says

    January 31, 2013 at 1:57 am

    This is great and I want to try it soon! Woks are a wonderful things, for sure! I like your blog!

    reply to this comment >
  27. TLady says

    January 31, 2013 at 1:36 am

    OH MY GOODNESS TRICIA! This looks WONDERFUL!!!!!!!! OH HOW I LONG to have a wok again!!!!!!!!!!! 🙁 MAYBE, I'll have to put that on my list of "wants!" I WON'T be watching the football! We're just not into ANY of it!!!!!!!!! 🙂 SOOOO MANY OTHER THINGS TO DO!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂

    reply to this comment >
  28. Mary Younkin says

    January 30, 2013 at 2:16 pm

    I just got a wok for Christmas too!! (Technically, it was a gift card that = a wok) I'd be willing to bet it's the exact same one too. That's funny.<br /><br />I'm going to try this version of beef and broccoli. You already know that I love a good stir fry. This one looks perfect.

    reply to this comment >
  29. Tanna at The Brick Street Bungalow says

    January 30, 2013 at 1:34 pm

    The temperatures have been roller coaster here, too! I'll be watching the commercials with you…. not the football! LOL! The stir fry looks delicious, as always!! blessings ~ tanna

    reply to this comment >

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