How to Make the Perfect Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Chinese-American · Medium · 30 min · 4 servings
Tender sliced beef and crisp broccoli florets tossed in a savory umami-rich sauce better than takeout. This classic Chinese-American dish is ready in 30 minutes from start to finish.
Why this recipe works
This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 380 calories with 32g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 10 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.25 lbs flank steak thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 0.33 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch divided
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 0.5 cup beef broth
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Toss to coat and let marinate for 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, remaining cornstarch, and remaining sesame oil. Set aside. This sauce goes in fast so having it ready is important.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the broccoli and stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Add the remaining oil to the wok and heat until smoking. Add the beef in a single layer and sear without stirring for 1 minute. Add garlic and ginger, then stir fry everything together for another 1 to 2 minutes until beef is browned.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the broccoli to the wok and pour the sauce over everything. Toss and stir fry for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients. Serve immediately over steamed white rice.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- flank steak → sirloin steak or skirt steak
- oyster sauce → hoisin sauce for a slightly sweeter flavor
- broccoli → broccolini or snap peas
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Slicing the beef with the grain instead of against it which makes it chewy
- Using a pan that is not hot enough which steams the beef instead of searing it
- Skipping the cornstarch marinade step which helps tenderize the beef through velveting
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 380 calories, 32g protein, 22g carbs, 18g fat, 3g fiber.
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