Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
This easy Beef and Broccoli stir fry includes tender juicy marinated flank steak with fresh broccoli in a sweet and savory sauce full of Asian flavors. Save money and calories when you make this Chinese takeout favorite from the comfort of your home!
Beef and broccoli is my go-to order when I’m craving Chinese takeout so I understand the urge to order delivery multiple times a week. But homemade beef and broccoli is a delicious and healthier option!
Hear me out: tender beef and crisp broccoli drenched in a yummy garlicky, tangy brown sauce that includes soy, ginger, and garlic. Making it always satisfies my craving! Make a mouthwatering meal that the whole family will love! And did I mention how easy this recipe is? This easy beef and broccoli stir fry will become a family favorite and save you some coins!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS BEEF AND BROCCOLI RECIPE
- Quick and Easy. Beef and broccoli stir fry is great for dinner on a busy weeknight.
- Better Than Takeout. Save some money and calories. Skip P.F. Chang’s and Chinese takeout and make this meal your way instead!
- A Healthier Choice. Skip the side of white rice and this is a carb-free meal, full of protein and veggies.
What is the Best Beef for a Stir Fry?
I use flank steak for beef and broccoli stir fry because it is a lean, flavorful cut of meat. Other good cuts of beef for this recipe include tri-tip, chuck roast, and top sirloin.
BEEF AND BROCCOLI INGREDIENTS
For Marinade
- Low-sodium soy sauce: For the umami flavor, this is essential.
- Lime: For the juice and zest.
- Toasted sesame oil: This is a pantry staple in Asian cuisine and brings a distinct, nutty flavor to the beef.
- Brown sugar: This tenderizes the beef.
- Ginger: Freshly grated.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly grated.
- Green onion: Sliced.
- Flank Steak: Slice it very thinly, against the grain.
For the Stir-Fry
- Marinated sirloin
- Bayou City All Purpose Seasoning
- Bayou City Garlic Pepper
- Cumin
- Corn starch: This gives the beef a crispy texture.
- Grapeseed oil: This holds up in high heat and has a neutral flavor.
- Chili flakes: For a bit of spice.
- Sesame seeds: This is toasted in the pan but some is also used to top the final dish.
- Garlic cloves: Minced.
- Green onion: Thinly sliced, plus more for garnish.
- Kosher salt: To taste.
- Large head of broccoli: Cut it into florets.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: It may seem odd to use chicken broth for a beef recipe but it provides a depth of flavor. However, if you prefer beef you can use that instead.
- Hoisin sauce: This thick, fragrant sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy so it’s a delicious flavor base for beef and broccoli.
- Reserved marinade: This was set aside from the marinade used to flavor and tenderize the flank steak.
How To Make Beef and Broccoli
Marinade the Steak
In a bowl, combine marinade ingredients. (Leave out the steak.) Set aside 1/3 cup marinade and then add steak to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate for 30 minutes up to an hour.
Cook the Steak
Drain marinated beef. In a large bowl, toss together cornstarch, Bayou City Seasonings, cumin, and beef. In a skillet on medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil. Add steak a little at a time to not overcrowd the pan and cook until seared, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove steak and set aside.
Add in Broccoli and Other Ingredients
Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil, then add chili flakes, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, garlic, green onion, and a pinch of salt. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes. Add in broccoli and cook, for about 4 minutes. Then add in broth and cook until broccoli is tender, 3 or 4 minutes.
Add Reserved Marinade to Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Add hoisin and 1/3 cup marinade that was previously set aside. Bring to a simmer. Add back cooked steak and toss until evenly coated. Let cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens.
Garnish with more sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with rice!
Recipe Variations
- Extra Veggies: Want to add even more nutrients? Consider adding peas, mushrooms, and shredded carrots.
- Spicy: For spicy beef and broccoli, add siracha, chili oil, or your favorite hot sauce.
- Sides: Beef and broccoli with white rice is a classic choice but not the only one! Serve it with brown rice, quinoa, noodles, or even your favorite pasta.
Pro-Tips
- Use low-sodium broth ingredients when you can to control the amount of salt.
- It’s important to slice against the grain when cutting the steak. This ensures the beef is tender.
- Add the steak to the pan when it is very hot so that it can sear properly. A good sear seals in the juices.
- Do not overcrowd the pan or the dish can turn out soggy.
Storing Leftovers
Once the leftovers have cooled down, you can add it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you are ready to reheat, pop it in the microwave for 60 – 90 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can beef and broccoli be made ahead?
Yes! This is great for meal prep. Simply portion it into individual serving, refrigerate, and reheat to enjoy throughout the week.
Is this beef and broccoli recipe keto-friendly?
No, but for keto beef and broccoli, omit the cornstarch and serve without rice.
How do you tenderize beef for beef and broccoli?
The best way to ensure your beef is tender is to choose a lean cut and marinate it for at least an hour. You can also use the baking soda method (a common practice in Chinese restaurants). Mix in 1/2 a teaspoon of baking soda to the marinade.
Do you need a wok to make stir fry?
No, a wok is not required. I use a skillet to make beef and broccoli.
If you loved this Beef and Broccoli recipe, let me know in the comments. For more delicious recipes, follow me on TikTok and Instagram!
Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ingredients
For Marinade
- ⅓ cup Low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 Lime juiced
- 1 Lime zest
- 2 tsp Toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Freshly grated ginger
- 3 Garlic cloves grated
- 1 Green onion sliced
- 1 lb Flank Steak sliced very thinly against the grain
For the Stir-Fry
- Marinated sirloin
- 1 tbsp Bayou City All Purpose Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Bayou City Garlic Pepper
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 3 tbsp Cornstarch
- 3 tbsp Grapeseed oil divided
- 1 tsp Chili flakes
- 2 tbsp Sesame seeds divided
- 2 Garlic cloves minced
- 1 Green onion thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
- pinch Kosher salt
- 1 Large head broccoli cut into florets
- 1 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Hoisin sauce
- ⅓ cup Reserved marinade
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine marinade ingredients. (Leave out the steak.)
- Set aside 1/3 cup marinade and then add steak to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate for 30 minutes up to an hour.
- Drain marinated beef. In a large bowl, toss together cornstarch, Bayou City Seasonings, cumin, and beef. In a skillet on medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil. Add steak a little at a time to not overcrowd the pan and cook until seared, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove steak and set aside.
- Return the skillet to medium heat. Add remaining 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil, then add chili flakes, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, garlic, green onion, and a pinch of salt. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes. Add in broccoli and cook, about 4 minutes. Add in broth and let cook until broccoli is tender, 3 or 4 minutes.
- Add hoisin and 1/3 cup marinade that we set aside. Bring to a simmer. Add back cooked steak and toss until evenly coated. Let cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with more sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with rice!
