This Beef Broccoli Stir Fry is a perfect choice! With tender beef and fresh broccoli, it’s a flavorful and healthy dish you can make in no time. Whether you’re cooking for the family or just for yourself, this easy recipe is sure to satisfy. Plus, you can easily tweak it to your liking, adding extra veggies or switching up the protein.
Key Benefits
This Beef Broccoli Stir Fry isn’t just a delicious dinner option – it’s packed with benefits that make it a perfect choice for any meal. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this tasty dish on the table in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re short on time or craving something simple yet satisfying, this stir fry is a total lifesaver.
- Nutrient-Packed: The star of this recipe is the combination of lean beef and fresh broccoli. Beef provides a great source of protein, which helps to keep you full longer, while broccoli is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C and fiber, making this a healthy, well-balanced meal.
- Versatile: One of the best things about stir fry is how customizable it is! You can easily swap out the beef for chicken, tofu, or even shrimp, depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Add in extra veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for even more flavor and nutrients.
- Packed with Flavor: The savory stir fry sauce, infused with garlic, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil, creates an irresistible umami-rich flavor that ties the dish together. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory – a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb version, you can skip the rice and serve it over cauliflower rice or enjoy it on its own. It’s a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
Ingredients
Beef (flank steak or sirloin) – Tender and quick-cooking, perfect for stir fry.
Broccoli florets – Fresh broccoli works best for a crisp-tender texture.
Sesame oil – Adds rich, nutty flavor.
Garlic – Freshly minced for aroma and taste.
Ginger – Freshly grated for a zesty kick.
Soy sauce – Provides savory umami flavor.
Oyster sauce – Adds sweetness and depth.
Honey – Balances the savory flavors with sweetness.
Chili flakes (optional) – For a bit of heat.
Cornstarch (optional) – Thickens the sauce.
Rice or cauliflower rice (for serving) – Base for the stir fry.
Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delicious Beef Broccoli Stir Fry. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready in no time!
Prep the Ingredients
Thinly slice the beef into strips, cutting against the grain for tenderness. Chop the broccoli into small, even florets. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
Cook the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Broccoli
In the same pan, add the remaining sesame oil. Toss in the garlic and ginger, stir for 30 seconds. Add the broccoli and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
Make the Sauce
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and chili flakes. If using cornstarch, whisk it into the sauce.
Combine Everything
Return the beef to the pan. Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli. Stir to coat, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve over rice or cauliflower rice. Garnish with chili flakes or sesame seeds for extra flavor, and enjoy!
Pro Tips
To make sure your Beef Broccoli Stir Fry turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips that will help elevate your dish:
Slice the Beef Thinly: For the best texture, make sure you slice the beef as thinly as possible. Cutting it against the grain ensures that it stays tender, and it cooks quickly in the stir fry, keeping it juicy and flavorful.
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Broccoli can quickly go from crispy and vibrant to mushy if overcooked. Keep a close eye on it and stir-fry just until it turns bright green and tender-crisp. If you prefer a softer texture, add a splash of water and cover the pan for a minute to steam it gently.
Use High Heat: Stir-frying works best at high heat, so make sure your pan or wok is preheated before adding the ingredients. This allows the beef to sear quickly, locking in flavor, while the broccoli remains crisp-tender.
Balance the Sauce: If you like your stir fry a bit sweeter, feel free to add an extra drizzle of honey. If you prefer more heat, adjust the chili flakes to your liking. Don’t be afraid to tweak the sauce to suit your personal taste preferences!
Make It a Meal: While this Beef Broccoli Stir Fry is delicious on its own, you can easily add more vegetables to make it even heartier. Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots are great additions that will boost both the flavor and nutrition.
Meal Prep Tip: If you’re looking to save time, you can prep all the ingredients in advance. Slice the beef and chop the broccoli ahead of time, and even prepare the sauce the day before. When you’re ready to cook, just throw everything in the pan, and you’ll have dinner ready in minutes!
Variations
One of the best things about this Beef Broccoli Stir Fry is how easy it is to customize based on your preferences. Whether you’re looking to switch up the protein, add more veggies, or change up the flavor profile, here are a few variations to try:
Swap the Beef for Chicken or Tofu
If you’re not a fan of beef or simply want to change it up, chicken breast or thighs make a great substitute. For a vegetarian option, tofu is a fantastic alternative – just be sure to press out any excess moisture before cooking to get that crispy texture.
Add More Vegetables
Stir fries are all about versatility, so feel free to throw in more veggies! Carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms add both flavor and texture. You can also try leafy greens like spinach or kale for added nutrients.
Make It Spicy
If you love a little heat, you can turn up the spice level! Add extra chili flakes, fresh sliced chili peppers, or even a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick. Adjust it to your taste – from mild to fiery!
Serving Suggestions
Once your Beef Broccoli Stir Fry is ready, you’ll want to serve it up in style. Here are a few delicious serving suggestions that will complement your dish and make it even more satisfying:
Over Steamed Rice
The classic choice! Serve your stir fry over a bed of fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice. The rice soaks up the savory sauce and makes for the perfect base to balance the flavors. For a healthier alternative, try brown rice for added fiber.
With Cauliflower Rice
If you’re looking to keep things low-carb or keto-friendly, cauliflower rice is an excellent option. It’s light and nutritious and absorbs the sauce just like regular rice. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
Alongside a Fresh Salad
For a light and refreshing contrast, serve your stir fry with a simple side salad. A mix of greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette can offer a great balance to the rich, savory flavors of the stir fry. You could also try a cucumber and sesame salad for a more Asian-inspired side.
Pair with Noodles
If you’re craving something a little heartier, serve your Beef Broccoli Stir Fry over noodles. Whether it’s soba, udon, or rice noodles, the chewy texture and mild flavor of the noodles complement the stir fry perfectly. It’s a great way to make this dish feel like a complete meal.
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FAQs
How do I make my Beef Broccoli Stir Fry more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your stir fry, be sure to season the beef properly with salt and pepper before cooking. You can also adjust the sauce by adding extra soy sauce for saltiness, honey for sweetness, or chili flakes for heat. Experimenting with different sauces like hoisin or teriyaki can also give the dish a unique twist!
What kind of beef is best for stir fry?
The best cuts of beef for stir fry are tender cuts like flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye. These cuts cook quickly and remain juicy. It’s important to slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure it stays tender and easy to chew.
Can I make Beef Broccoli Stir Fry ahead of time?
Yes! This dish can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, just reheat it in a pan on medium heat until warmed through. For the freshest results, it’s best to cook the broccoli right before serving to retain its crispness.
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
While fresh broccoli is ideal for stir-frying, you can use frozen broccoli in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in your stir fry. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
Is Beef Broccoli Stir Fry a healthy meal?
Yes, Beef Broccoli Stir Fry is a nutritious and balanced dish. It’s packed with protein from the beef and fiber from the broccoli. To keep it even healthier, you can serve it over cauliflower rice or reduce the amount of oil used in the stir fry.
beef broccoli stir fry
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1- inch piece of ginger grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp chili flakes optional
- 2 tbsp cornstarch optional, for thickening
- Rice or cauliflower rice for serving
Instructions
Prep the Ingredients
- Start by thinly slicing the beef into bite-sized strips. Make sure to cut against the grain for tenderness. Next, chop the broccoli into small florets, ensuring they are even in size for uniform cooking. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger to bring out their flavors.
Cook the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
Stir-Fry the Broccoli
- In the same pan, add the remaining sesame oil. Toss in the garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until the broccoli turns vibrant green and starts to soften. If you like your broccoli a little more tender, you can add a splash of water and cover the pan for a couple of minutes to steam it.
Make the Sauce
- While the broccoli is cooking, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and chili flakes in a small bowl. If you’re using cornstarch to thicken the sauce, whisk it into the mixture to prevent lumps.
Combine Everything
- Once the broccoli is ready, return the cooked beef to the pan. Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli mixture. Stir everything together, ensuring the sauce evenly coats the beef and broccoli. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your Beef Broccoli Stir Fry over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Garnish with extra chili flakes or sesame seeds for a bit of extra flavor and texture. Enjoy your savory, quick, and nutritious meal!