Simple Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry
Tender strips of beef and crisp broccoli florets tossed in a savory, garlicky sauce. This quick stir-fry comes together in minutes and delivers that classic takeout flavor right from your own kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Blanch the broccoli florets.
1.Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a pot.2.Add broccoli florets and cook for 1 minute until bright green.3.Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside. - mix · ~1 min
Mix the stir-fry sauce.
1.In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and ¼ cup water.2.Whisk in cornstarch until fully dissolved. Set aside.TIPMixing the cornstarch into the sauce cold prevents lumps. - fry · ~4 min
Sear the beef in batches.
1.Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering.2.Spread half the beef slices in a single layer and let sear undisturbed for 1 minute.3.Flip and cook 30 seconds more, then transfer to a plate.4.Repeat with remaining oil and beef.TIPDon't crowd the pan — searing in batches keeps the beef from steaming. - saute · ~1 min
Cook the garlic and ginger.
1.Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the same wok.2.Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.TIPGarlic burns quickly at high heat — 30 seconds is enough. - saute · ~3 min
Combine everything and finish the dish.
1.Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer, stirring until it thickens (about 1 minute).2.Return the beef and any juices to the wok, add the blanched broccoli.3.Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until evenly coated and heated through.4.Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. - garnish
Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot.
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry and serve immediately over steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Slice flank steak against the grain into thin strips for maximum tenderness.
- 2Blanch broccoli for exactly 1 minute, then shock in cold water to preserve crunch and color.
- 3Pat beef dry with paper towels before searing to ensure a good brown crust.
- 4Cook beef in a single layer without moving it for the first minute to develop a proper sear.
- 5Make the sauce slurry ahead of time so you can add it quickly while stir-frying.
- 6Serve immediately over steamed rice — this dish does not reheat well for leftovers.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat lovers who want a kick.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Swap soy sauce for tamari (or coconut aminos) and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free — perfect for celiac or gluten-sensitive eaters.
Low Carb / KetoLow-Carb / Keto
Replace brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol and skip the cornstarch or use a small amount of xanthan gum. Serve over cauliflower rice.
Chicken VersionChicken Version
Substitute flank steak with boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into strips — cook a minute longer per batch to ensure doneness.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit beef and double the broccoli (or add tofu or mushrooms). Use vegetarian oyster sauce (made from mushrooms) and a splash more soy sauce for umami.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Iron and Protein
Flank steak provides high-quality protein and heme iron, which supports muscle repair and oxygen transport in the body.
Packed with Vitamin C
Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
Low in Added Sugars
With only 1 teaspoon of brown sugar for the whole dish, this stir-fry keeps added sugar minimal compared to many takeout versions.
Source of Fiber
Broccoli contributes dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, sirloin steak or ribeye work well — just slice thinly against the grain and avoid connective tissue-heavy cuts like chuck.
