Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Tender slices of beef and crisp broccoli florets tossed in a rich, savory garlic-ginger sauce. This classic Chinese-American takeout favorite is surprisingly easy to make at home in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Velvet the Beef
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp cornstarch, baking soda, and white pepper.
- c.Mix thoroughly until every piece is coated. This process, known as velveting, ensures the beef stays tender and moist.
- d.Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare Broccoli and Sauce
- b.Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 60-90 seconds until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp.
- c.Immediately drain the broccoli and plunge it into an ice water bath (or rinse under cold running water) to stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside.
- d.In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, 1/4 cup soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil to create the stir-fry sauce.
- e.In a separate, smaller bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp of cold water until smooth to create the slurry. Set both aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sear the Beef
- b.Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke.
- c.Carefully add half of the marinated beef in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until well-browned but still slightly pink inside.
- d.Remove the seared beef to a clean plate. Add another tablespoon of oil and repeat with the remaining beef.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir-fry Aromatics and Broccoli
- b.Reduce the heat to medium-high. If the wok is dry, add the last tablespoon of oil.
- c.Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- d.Add the blanched broccoli to the wok and toss for 1-2 minutes to heat through and coat with the aromatics.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Thicken Sauce
- b.Return the seared beef and any accumulated juices back to the wok with the broccoli.
- c.Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over everything and bring it to a simmer, tossing to combine.
- d.Give the cornstarch slurry a quick re-whisk, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly.
- e.Continue to cook and stir for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency that coats the beef and broccoli.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve
- b.Remove from heat. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds.
- c.Serve immediately with hot steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra tender beef, slice it very thinly against the grain. Partially freezing the steak for 20-30 minutes makes it much easier to slice.
- 2Don't skip blanching the broccoli. It guarantees the florets are perfectly tender-crisp and vibrant green without overcooking in the wok.
- 3High heat is the secret to a great stir-fry. Ensure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding ingredients to achieve a proper 'wok hei' sear.
- 4Cook the beef in batches to prevent overcrowding. This allows it to sear and brown properly rather than steam.
- 5Prepare all your ingredients (mise en place) before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a very fast process, so you won't have time to chop once you begin.
- 6If you don't have Shaoxing wine, you can substitute it with dry sherry or mirin.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the beef with thinly sliced chicken breast, pork tenderloin, or firm tofu. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Vegetable Add insVegetable Add-ins
Add other vegetables like sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or water chestnuts. Add them with the broccoli in step 4.
Spicy VersionSpicy Version
Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and ginger for a spicy kick.
Nut GarnishNut Garnish
For extra crunch and flavor, garnish with a tablespoon of roasted cashews or peanuts before serving.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Beef is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs for muscle repair, growth, and overall function.
Rich in Vitamins and Fiber
Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and dietary fiber, which supports immune function, bone health, and digestion.
Provides Essential Iron
Beef is a great source of heme iron, a type of iron that is more easily absorbed by the body than the non-heme iron found in plants. Iron is crucial for preventing anemia and maintaining energy levels.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry contains approximately 450-500 calories, excluding any rice or noodles it's served with. The final count can vary based on the specific cut of beef and brands of sauces used.