Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This beef and broccoli stir-fry is a classic, quick-cooking dish featuring tender strips of beef, crisp broccoli florets, and a savoury sauce. It offers a balanced and satisfying meal that comes together efficiently, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is both practical and flavourful. The beef cooks rapidly and absorbs the sauce beautifully, while the broccoli provides freshness and texture. The sauce combines soy, garlic, and subtle sweetness to create a harmonious profile that pairs well with rice or noodles. It is a reliable, versatile dish that appeals to a wide range of tastes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

beef sirloin or flank, thinly sliced
broccoli florets
vegetable oil
garlic
ginger
soy sauce
oyster sauce
cornstarch
brown sugar
sesame oil
water or beef broth
salt
pepper

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, water or broth, and a small amount of cornstarch. Set aside.

2. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.

3. Add the sliced beef, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Remove from the pan.

4. Add another small amount of oil to the pan and stir in the broccoli, cooking until bright green and slightly tender.

5. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking briefly until fragrant.

6. Return the beef to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce.

7. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli evenly.

8. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Serves 3–4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: approximately 25 minutes

Variations

– Replace beef with chicken, pork, or tofu.
– Add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for additional vegetables.
– Use low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter option.
– Add chilli paste for a spicier dish.
– Replace oyster sauce with hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavour.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Avoid overcooking the broccoli during reheating to maintain texture.

FAQs

How do I slice the beef thinly?

Partially freeze the meat for 20–30 minutes; it will slice more easily and uniformly.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but thaw and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

Why is my beef tough?

Slicing against the grain and cooking quickly at high heat helps keep the beef tender.

Can I make the sauce thicker?

Increase the cornstarch slightly or simmer longer until desired consistency is reached.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce to make the recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.

Can I add noodles instead of rice?

Yes, stir-fry noodles pair well with this dish.

What oil works best for stir-frying?

Neutral oils with high smoke points, such as vegetable or canola oil, are ideal.

Can I double the sauce?

Certainly. Many people enjoy extra sauce for serving over rice.

Can I prepare the beef in advance?

Yes. Slice and marinate the beef up to one day ahead for improved flavour.

Can I make this dish without sugar?

You may omit the sugar, though it helps balance the saltiness of the sauces.

Conclusion

This beef and broccoli stir-fry is a dependable, flavourful meal that is both simple to prepare and satisfying to eat. Its balanced blend of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and savoury sauce makes it suitable for family dinners, meal prep, or quick weeknight cooking. With minimal ingredients and consistent results, it is a timeless favourite.

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