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Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry with Easy Soy Garlic Sauce

beef and broccoli stir fry - featured image

This quick and easy beef and broccoli stir fry features tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory soy garlic sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and tastes just like your favorite takeout, but healthier and homemade.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
  • 2–3 cups broccoli florets (about 7 oz, fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or avocado oil)
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced (yellow or white, optional)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (Kikkoman or Tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup water or beef broth
  • 1/2–1 tsp freshly grated ginger (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
  • Sliced green onions (optional garnish)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine sliced beef with 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Toss to coat and marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. Rinse and dry if fresh, or thaw and pat dry if frozen. Optional: Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 1 minute, then plunge into ice water and drain.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tsp cornstarch, 1/2 cup water or beef broth, grated ginger, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
  4. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear undisturbed for 1 minute, then stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove beef to a plate and cover.
  5. Add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add sliced onion and broccoli to the pan. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Return beef and any juices to the pan. Pour in the soy garlic sauce and toss to coat. Stir constantly as the sauce thickens and turns glossy, about 2 minutes.
  7. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness. Use high heat and avoid crowding the pan for best sear. Prep all ingredients before cooking as stir fry moves quickly. For gluten-free, use Tamari and check oyster sauce labels. Add extra veggies or swap proteins as desired. Leftovers keep well for meal prep.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef and broccoli, stir fry, soy garlic sauce, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Asian recipe, takeout, gluten-free option, meal prep