beef and broccoli stir fry cooked in a skillet with tender beef and fresh broccoli

Simple Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

This beef and broccoli stir fry is a quick and easy beef dinner that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. It’s a flavorful dish that rivals takeout, featuring tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is not only simple but also customizable, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the sauce to your liking.

Simple Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

This simple beef and broccoli stir fry is a quick, better-than-takeout dinner made with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: beef and broccoli stir fry, easy beef stir fry, quick beef dinner
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  • 1 lb flank steak or sirloin thinly sliced
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
  • cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • cup water
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil optional

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil. Set aside.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
  • Add beef and cook for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
  • Add remaining oil, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds.
  • Add broccoli and stir fry for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  • Return beef to the skillet and pour in the sauce.
  • Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
  • Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

Slice the beef against the grain for the most tender texture. Serve over rice or noodles if desired. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

This simple beef and broccoli stir fry is a fast, flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender slices of beef and crisp broccoli are cooked in a savory sauce that tastes better than takeout.

Made in one pan and ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal prep and cleanup.

Ingredients That Make It Better Than Takeout

This recipe comes together quickly, so having everything prepped before cooking is key. Cooking the beef over high heat keeps it tender while allowing the broccoli to stay bright and crisp.

Once the sauce is added, it thickens in just minutes, bringing everything together into a glossy, flavorful stir fry.

Cooking Tips for Tender Beef

Slice the beef thinly and against the grain to ensure each bite is tender. Using a hot skillet or wok helps sear the beef quickly without overcooking.

Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this allows the meat to brown properly and keeps the vegetables from steaming.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this beef and broccoli stir fry over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles for a complete meal. It also pairs well with cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for extra flavor and presentation.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

Add a small splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen the sauce if needed.

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