Description
A classic Beef and Broccoli stir-fry featuring tender flank steak and crisp-tender broccoli florets tossed in a savory, slightly sweet soy-ginger sauce. Quick to prepare and perfect served over white rice for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Broccoli
- 1 lb flank steak, very thinly sliced into bite-sized strips
- 2 Tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil, divided
- 1 lb fresh broccoli, cut into 6 cups of florets
- 2 tsp sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Sauce
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (loosely packed)
- 2 tsp garlic, grated (from 3 cloves)
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 6 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
- 3 Tbsp packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp corn starch
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Prep: Start cooking white rice first so it’s ready when the stir fry is done. Cover and freeze the steak for 30 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly, then slice against the grain into bite-sized strips.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine all stir fry sauce ingredients — ginger, garlic, hot water, soy sauce, brown sugar, corn starch, black pepper, and sesame oil. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and mix evenly. Set the sauce aside.
- Cook Broccoli: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp oil. Add broccoli florets and sauté, partially covered with a lid, for 4-5 minutes, stirring or tossing occasionally until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. For softer broccoli, add 2 Tbsp water before covering to steam cook. Remove broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Beef: Increase heat to high and add the remaining 1 Tbsp oil. Add beef in a single layer and sauté about 2 minutes per side, or just until cooked through. Test doneness by removing a piece to check.
- Add Sauce and Combine: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add the cooked broccoli back into the pan and stir to combine. If desired, stir in 1-2 Tbsp water to thin the sauce. Serve hot over white rice, garnished with sesame seeds if using.
Notes
- Freezing the steak for 30 minutes before slicing helps achieve very thin cuts, which cook quickly and stay tender.
- Adjust broccoli doneness by steaming with water under the lid if you prefer softer textures.
- You can substitute low sodium soy sauce with gluten-free tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Serve with freshly steamed white rice for an authentic pairing.
- For added flavor, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: beef and broccoli, stir fry, quick dinner, Chinese recipe, flank steak, homemade stir fry sauce
