If you are craving a dinner that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is here to satisfy your taste buds and your heart. Tender slices of flank steak marry beautifully with crisp-tender broccoli in a luscious, savory sauce that captures all the best flavors of classic Chinese takeout—but best of all, you make this dish yourself in under 30 minutes. It’s flavorful, quick, and oh so comforting, making it one of my all-time favorites to whip up on busy weeknights or whenever you want that perfect balance of nutritious and downright delicious. Let me show you how simple it is to bring that restaurant-quality magic straight to your table.

The image shows a close-up of a dish with dark brown, saucy beef pieces mixed with bright green broccoli florets on a white plate. The beef is glossy and tender-looking, with visible texture and sauce coating each piece. The broccoli has a fresh and slightly steamed look with a vibrant color and some sauce on it as well. Above the plate, a pair of brown chopsticks holds a square piece of beef, highlighting its rich sauce and texture. In the background, there is a white bowl of plain white rice, all set against a soft pink backdrop with some green leafy decor visible. The whole scene is on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Preparing this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is wonderfully straightforward because each ingredient plays a vital role in the dish’s incredible depth and texture. From the tender beef perfectly enhanced by the marinade to the vibrant broccoli adding a fresh crunch and gorgeous color, every element combines to make this stir fry shine.

1 lb flank steak thinly sliced 1/4 inch thick against the grain: Thin slices ensure quick cooking and maximum tenderness.
1 teaspoon baking soda: A gentle tenderizer that keeps your beef melt-in-your-mouth soft.
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine: Adds a rich, authentic depth of flavor to both the beef and the sauce.
1 tablespoon light soy sauce: Provides umami and saltiness without overpowering.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness and complexity to the dish.
¼ teaspoon white pepper: Adds gentle heat and a fragrant kick.
2 tablespoons water: Helps the marinade coat the beef evenly.
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for marinating beef): Locks in juices and develops a silky texture when cooked.
For the stir-fry sauce: Oyster sauce, light and dark soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, granulated sugar, low sodium chicken broth, and cornstarch combine to make a savory, luscious glaze.
1 lb broccoli cut into bite-sized pieces: This vibrant veggie adds freshness, color, and crunch.
5 garlic cloves minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
½ tablespoon ginger minced: Adds a bright spice that balances the savory sauce.
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: A finishing touch that delivers a nutty fragrance and richness.

How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

The secret to perfectly tender and flavorful beef starts with the marinade. Combine thin slices of flank steak with baking soda, Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, white pepper, water, and cornstarch. This mixture not only tenderizes the beef but also infuses it with a burst of umami that will shine through every bite. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to soak up all the goodness.

Step 2: Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce

While your beef is marinating, whisk together the sauce made with a blend of oyster sauce, light and dark soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch. This sauce will become gloriously thick, glossy, and packed with flavor as it cooks, faithfully coating every piece of beef and broccoli.

Step 3: Blanch the Broccoli

To get broccoli to that perfect tender-crisp texture, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and briefly cook the florets for about 1 to 2 minutes. This quick blanch keeps the broccoli vibrant green and just the right bite, preventing it from turning mushy during the stir-fry.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the marinated beef out in a single layer and sear each side for about 30 seconds until it’s beautifully browned. This quick cooking locks in juices while developing a savory crust. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside for the next stage.

Step 5: Stir Fry All Together

Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet and toss in garlic and ginger, sautéing just until fragrant — you’ll immediately feel that mouthwatering aroma. Then add the blanched broccoli and cook for about a minute, letting it soak up those flavors. Return the beef to the pan, pour in your prepared stir-fry sauce, and toss everything together for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is coated evenly. Finish with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for that irresistible fragrant finish.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your beautiful Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry right away, pairing it with steamed rice or your favorite grains. The colors, aromas, and succulent flavors come together to make a meal that feels both homey and special.

How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

The dish shows a bowl filled with dark brown beef pieces and bright green broccoli florets mixed in a glossy brown sauce, giving a rich texture. The bowl is white and round, sitting on a white marbled surface with a soft pink cloth nearby. In the background, there is a white bowl inside filled with white rice, and a small green plant in a white pot adds a touch of color. Pink chopsticks rest near the bottom right of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly diced green onions add a lovely pop of color and a mild oniony brightness that complements the rich sauce perfectly. Sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds on top for an added crunch and nutty finish that will make each forkful even more inviting.

Side Dishes

The dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice, which soak up all the extra sauce. If you want to add more veggies, a simple cucumber salad or lightly pickled carrots bring a refreshing contrast to this savory stir fry.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving your Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry over cauliflower rice or inside lettuce cups for a low-carb option. You can also add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat or toss in some toasted cashews for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes great cold or reheated, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you want to save the stir fry for a longer time, freeze it in a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to 2 months, just make sure to cool the dish completely before freezing to preserve flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much in the fridge. Avoid microwaving long-term frozen leftovers as slow reheating preserves the beef’s tenderness and broccoli’s texture best.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking, sirloin or skirt steak also work well. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain to keep the meat tender.

Is Shaoxing wine necessary, and what can I substitute it with?

Shaoxing wine adds a unique depth of flavor, but if you don’t have it, dry sherry or a mild sake can be good substitutes. For a non-alcoholic option, try a splash of white grape juice with a teaspoon of rice vinegar.

How do I make sure the broccoli doesn’t get soggy?

Blanching the broccoli quickly in salted boiling water and then draining it well before stir-frying ensures it stays crisp yet tender. Avoid overcooking during the stir-fry stage by cooking it briefly and at high heat.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! Mixing the stir-fry sauce ahead makes the cooking process even faster. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a quick stir before using to make sure the cornstarch is fully incorporated.

What if I don’t have a wok? Can I use a regular pan?

Yes, a large skillet or frying pan will work just fine as long as it can handle high heat. The key is to keep the ingredients moving in the pan for even cooking and to prevent steaming.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about making your own Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe at home. It combines simplicity with incredible flavor and invites you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the wait. I can’t recommend it enough for busy nights, special occasions, or whenever you want a comforting, wholesome dinner. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection just like it is in mine!

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe