This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick and delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Loaded with tender beef strips and crisp broccoli in a savory homemade sauce, this recipe fits right in with quick and easy recipes, easy recipes for dinner, and healthy and easy recipes. It’s a budget-friendly and satisfying option for anyone craving a homemade takeout-style meal, ideal for fans of easy stir-fry beef recipes and cheap Chinese food recipes.
Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- 4) How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- 5) Tips for Making Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- 6) Making Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- 8) Try these Dinners next!
- 9) Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal prep.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients for big flavor.
- Pairs great with rice or noodles for a full meal.
- Customizable with different proteins or veggies.
2) Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
This easy beef and broccoli stir-fry recipe is a lifesaver when you’re craving something savory, healthy, and homemade but are short on time. At Lila Cooks, we love meals that are fast and flavorful, and this one is a winner. The tender beef is cooked just right, paired with bright, crisp broccoli, and everything is tossed in a delicious sauce that’s sweet, salty, and slightly spicy. It’s one of those quick and easy recipes that becomes a weeknight staple and is perfect if you’re looking for easy recipes for dinner. This dish is also a smart addition to any meal rotation focused on healthy and easy recipes, and it won’t break the bank — making it one of our favorite cheap Chinese food recipes. Whether you’re new to stir-frying or a seasoned pro, you’ll love how effortless this dish is to prepare. Trust us, this is one of the best easy stir-fry beef recipes you’ll ever try.
3) Ingredients for Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Flank Steak: Thinly sliced against the grain, this cut of beef becomes tender and flavorful when cooked quickly in a hot pan. It’s perfect for stir-frying because it absorbs marinades well and stays juicy.
Cornstarch: A light coating of cornstarch gives the beef a velvety texture and helps thicken the stir-fry sauce so it clings to every bite.
Soy Sauce: This salty, umami-rich ingredient is the backbone of the sauce, delivering deep savory flavor to both the beef and the broccoli.
Oyster Sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet and earthy taste to the sauce that complements the beef beautifully and elevates the dish.
Brown Sugar: Just a touch balances out the saltiness of the soy sauce and enhances the overall depth of flavor in the sauce.
Sesame Oil: This fragrant oil adds a nutty aroma and authentic Asian flair, giving the dish a warm, toasted finish.
Ginger & Garlic: These classic aromatics bring a burst of pungent, spicy freshness that enhances every bite of the stir-fry.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For those who enjoy a little heat, this spice brings a mild kick that balances the sweet and savory notes of the dish.
Water: A splash of water helps thin the sauce and allows the ingredients to meld together while simmering.
Broccoli Florets: A bright and nutritious veggie that adds color, crunch, and a healthy dose of vitamins and fiber to your stir-fry.
Olive Oil: Used for stir-frying, this oil ensures even browning and cooking of both the beef and broccoli while keeping the dish light.
Cooked Rice or Noodles: These are perfect accompaniments to soak up all the delicious sauce and make the dish a complete, filling meal.
4) How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Step 1: Start by preparing the beef. Slice the flank steak into thin strips against the grain and toss them with cornstarch. Let them rest for about 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce and veggies.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and water to create a rich, balanced stir-fry sauce that’s perfect for coating the beef and broccoli.
Step 3: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and sauté for 4–5 minutes, or until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Add the remaining olive oil to the pan and cook the beef strips in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear each side for 1–2 minutes until browned and caramelized.
Step 5: Return the broccoli to the pan and pour in the sauce. Toss everything together and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens and evenly coats all ingredients.
Step 6: Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal that brings takeout flavors right to your home kitchen.
5) Tips for Making Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Use fresh, high-quality flank steak and slice it thin against the grain for the best texture. Don’t skip the cornstarch step—it’s essential for tender beef and a glossy sauce. When cooking, use high heat to get a good sear without overcooking. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this causes the beef to steam instead of sear. For a lower sodium version, use low-sodium soy sauce. If you’re craving more veggies, bell peppers or snap peas make great additions. Want to switch it up? Try this recipe with chicken or tofu for another twist on easy stir-fry beef recipes.
6) Making Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Ahead of Time
This meal can be made ahead for a quick reheat during busy nights. Prepare the beef and sauce, cook the broccoli, and keep everything in separate airtight containers. Combine and reheat in a skillet when ready to serve. For meal prep, divide into portions with rice or noodles and store for the week. It’s one of our favorite healthy and easy recipes for weekly meal planning and keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
7) Storing Leftover Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. For best results, sprinkle with a few drops of water to loosen the sauce. This recipe reheats beautifully and makes for a delicious second-day meal — truly one of those easy recipes for dinner that keeps on giving.
8) Try these Dinners next!
9) Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry – Easy Stir-Fry Beef Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with cornstarch. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and water to make the sauce.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the beef in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Work in batches if needed.
- Return the broccoli to the skillet with the beef. Pour the sauce over and toss everything to coat evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe | Calories: 370 | Sugar: 6g | Sodium: 720mg | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Carbohydrates: 24g | Fiber: 3g | Protein: 28g | Cholesterol: 65mg
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