Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Tender strips of marinated beef are wok-seared to perfection and tossed with crisp broccoli florets in a savory, glossy sauce. This classic stir-fry is a quick and satisfying weeknight meal that brings authentic Chinese-American flavors right to your table.

• Prep time: 14 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 39 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Medium
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1/4 cup soy sauce, divided
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 pound broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch, beef broth, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil to create the sauce.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary) and stir-fry until browned, about 2-3 minutes. Remove beef from the wok and set aside.
4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender-crisp.
5. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the wok with the broccoli and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Return the cooked beef to the wok. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and coats everything, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Serve immediately over hot cooked white rice.

Tips

• Slice the beef very thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Ensure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding the beef to achieve a good sear.
• Don't overcook the broccoli; it should remain crisp-tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, sirloin steak or skirt steak can be substituted, but flank steak is preferred for its tenderness and ability to marinate well.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce isn't thick enough, you can mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce until thickened.

What vegetables can I add besides broccoli?

Carrot slices, bell pepper strips, snap peas, or water chestnuts are excellent additions that complement the beef and broccoli.