Beef Broccoli Stir Fry – Better Than Takeout and So Easy to Make!

If you’re craving a quick, hearty, and flavorful dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite Chinese takeout spot, this Beef Broccoli Stir Fry is your answer. Made with tender beef slices, vibrant broccoli, and a savory garlic stir fry sauce, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Even better? It’s made with fresh, wholesome ingredients and can be customized to your liking. Whether you’re a stir-fry pro or just getting started with Asian-inspired cooking, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Broccoli Recipe

Quick & easy – Dinner on the table in under 30 minutes
Healthier than takeout – Less oil, less sugar, and no MSG
Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or tweak the sauce to taste
Meal prep friendly – Stores and reheats beautifully

Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of these are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store:

For the Beef & Broccoli:

1 lb beef flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
2 tablespoons oil (vegetable, canola, or sesame)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Beef Marinade:

2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Stir Fry Sauce:

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup beef broth or water
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lemon juice (adds balance)
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

How to Make Beef Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Slice and Marinate the Beef

Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness. In a bowl, mix beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes while you prep everything else.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl: soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, broth, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Set aside.

Step 3: Blanch the Broccoli

Boil broccoli florets for 2 minutes or steam lightly, then shock in ice water to keep them crisp and green. Drain and set aside.

Shortcut: Skip blanching if you prefer to stir-fry the broccoli directly, but blanching gives the best texture and color.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add beef in a single layer and sear for 1 minute. Stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes until browned. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 5: Sauté the Aromatics

Add more oil if needed. Stir-fry the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6: Add Sauce & Broccoli

Re-stir your sauce (cornstarch settles) and pour it into the pan. Let it simmer and thicken slightly. Add blanched broccoli and stir to coat.

Step 7: Combine & Serve

Return beef to the pan and toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Tips for the Best Beef Broccoli

Slice beef thin and against the grain – this makes it tender and easy to chew
Don’t overcrowd the pan – Cook in batches for a proper sear
Blanch broccoli first – It helps retain a crisp-tender texture and bright green color
Use high heat – Stir-frying is all about fast, hot cooking
Adjust the sauce – Add more honey for sweetness or more oyster sauce for umami depth

Recipe Variations

Spicy Beef Broccoli – Add chili flakes or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce
Beef & Mushroom Stir Fry – Toss in sliced mushrooms for extra umami
Low Carb Version – Serve over cauliflower rice and use a sugar substitute
Vegetarian Version – Swap beef for tofu or tempeh and use veggie broth
Add More Veggies – Bell peppers, snow peas, baby corn, or shredded carrots all work well

What’s the Best Cut of Beef for Stir Fry?

Choose lean, tender cuts that cook quickly:

Flank steak – Lean and flavorful; slice thinly
Sirloin – Widely available and easy to cook
Skirt steak – Great flavor, perfect for stir frying
Ribeye or tenderloin – More luxurious and extra tender

Pro Tip: Partially freeze the beef for 20–30 minutes for easier slicing.

What to Serve with Beef Broccoli

This stir fry pairs perfectly with:

Steamed white or brown rice
Garlic fried rice
Chow mein or lo mein noodles
Cauliflower rice (for a low carb option)
Cucumber salad or kimchi on the side for contrast

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer – Freeze in meal portions for up to 2 months
Reheat – Gently reheat in a pan with a splash of broth or water to refresh the sauce

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Thaw and pat it dry to avoid watering down the stir fry. It won’t be as crisp, but it’s still tasty and convenient.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and make sure your oyster sauce and cornstarch are certified gluten-free.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes! Marinate the beef, blanch the broccoli, and mix the sauce in advance. Cook everything fresh in under 10 minutes when you’re ready to eat.

What’s the difference between oyster sauce and hoisin sauce?

Oyster sauce is savory, slightly sweet, and rich in umami — perfect for stir fries.
Hoisin sauce is thicker, sweeter, and has a bolder flavor. If substituting, use less and reduce sugar in the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Broccoli Stir Fry is your answer to quick, flavorful, and healthier comfort food. It’s the kind of meal you can throw together after a long day and still feel good about — simple ingredients, bold flavors, and way better than takeout.

Once you try this, it’ll be a regular on your weeknight rotation!