Easy Steak and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Steak and Broccoli Stir Fry
If you’re looking for a fast, delicious, and satisfying dinner, this Steak and Broccoli Stir Fry is a total game changer. It’s the kind of dish that feels like takeout, but better—healthier, fresher, and totally customizable to your taste. Juicy slices of beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a savory homemade stir fry sauce come together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a last-minute dinner, this stir fry checks all the boxes.
You don’t need a wok (a regular skillet will do), and you won’t be scrambling for hard-to-find ingredients. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little know-how, you’ll be dishing out a restaurant-style Steak and Broccoli Stir Fry in no time.
Table of Contents
Ingredients List (Steak and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe)
Here’s everything you’ll need to make the perfect Steak and Broccoli Stir Fry:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
For the Marinade/Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup beef broth or water
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Slice the Steak
Use a sharp knife to thinly slice the steak against the grain. This helps keep the meat tender when it cooks. If the steak is slightly frozen, it’s even easier to slice thinly.
2. Marinate the Steak
In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and beef broth. Add the sliced steak and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
Tip: You can marinate the steak for up to 24 hours in the fridge for even more flavor.
3. Blanch the Broccoli
Bring a pot of water to a boil and drop in the broccoli florets. Let them cook for 1 to 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water (or run under cold tap water) to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside.
Why blanch? This quick pre-cooking keeps the broccoli vibrant and crisp-tender when stir-fried.
4. Sear the Steak
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add half the beef in a single layer and sear for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and repeat with the remaining beef. Don’t overcrowd the pan—you want that nice sear.
Pro tip: Cooking in batches ensures the beef sears instead of steams.
5. Cook the Aromatics
Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Toss in the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
6. Combine and Finish
Return the steak to the pan, add the broccoli, and pour in any remaining marinade. Stir everything together for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the steak is cooked through.
7. Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Tips and Variations
Best Cuts of Beef for Stir Fry
- Flank steak is the most popular choice because it’s lean and flavorful.
- Sirloin works well too—just slice it thinly.
- Skirt steak or ribeye can also be used for a richer flavor, though they tend to be a bit more marbled.
Ingredient Substitutions
- No oyster sauce? Use hoisin sauce or even teriyaki sauce in a pinch.
- No rice vinegar? Try apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
- No beef broth? Use chicken broth or water—you’ll still get a good result.
Add More Veggies
Want to bulk up the dish? Add:
- Sliced bell peppers
- Snap peas
- Mushrooms
- Carrots (thinly sliced)
Just add these to the skillet with the broccoli.
Make It Spicy
Add a teaspoon of Sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat. You can also use chili garlic sauce in the marinade for an extra kick.
Serve It Your Way
- Serve over jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa
- Try it with lo mein noodles or udon
- Keep it low-carb with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice
Meal Prep Friendly
This Steak and Broccoli Stir Fry stores well and reheats like a dream, making it perfect for meal prep. Store portions in airtight containers with rice or noodles and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerating
Let the stir fry cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, use the microwave or a skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked stir fry, but note that the texture of the broccoli may soften more upon thawing. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
1. Don’t Skip the Marinating
Even 15 minutes in the marinade helps tenderize the beef and infuse flavor. If you have the time, marinate it longer.
2. High Heat is Key
Stir frying is all about quick, high-heat cooking. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the beef so it sears instead of stews.
3. Prep Everything First
Stir fry moves fast, so have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready before you start cooking. It’ll make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
4. Thin is In
Slice the steak thinly against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers and makes the meat more tender.
5. Use Cornstarch in the Sauce
Cornstarch not only helps thicken the sauce but also gives the steak a slightly glossy coating that mimics restaurant stir fry dishes.
Brief Conclusion (Steak and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe)
This Steak and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe is the perfect combination of quick, nutritious, and delicious. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, a healthier alternative to takeout, and endlessly customizable based on what’s in your fridge. With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and that mouthwatering savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a repeat on your dinner menu.
So grab your skillet and give it a go—you might just skip takeout for good.
