Craving a takeout favorite without leaving the house? This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick, family-friendly dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes! Packed with flavor and loaded with tender beef and crisp broccoli, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights—and even picky eaters will love it.
🥢 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes
- Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike
- Flavorful & Nutritious: High in protein with a veggie boost
- Customizable: Easily swap ingredients or tweak the sauce
🥩 What You’ll Need
For the Beef Marinade & Broccoli:
- 1 lb tender beef (sirloin tips or flank steak)
- 3–4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp baking soda (helps tenderize beef)
- Oil for cooking
For the Stir Fry Sauce:
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
📌 Tip: For a lower sodium version, substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce.
🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- Beef: Use flank steak, sirloin, or even chicken as a substitute.
- Soy Sauce: Swap with coconut aminos if needed.
- Oyster Sauce: Sub with more soy sauce (note: flavor will differ).
- Cornstarch: Can be replaced with flour in a pinch.
👩🍳 How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Step 1:
Slice the beef thinly against the grain. Add soy sauce, cornstarch, black pepper, and baking soda. Mix and let marinate while you prep the sauce.
Step 2:
In a separate bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, water, cornstarch, brown sugar, and black pepper. Set aside.
Step 3:
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add beef in a single layer. Sear on both sides until browned, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from the pan.
Step 4:
Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain. (Alternatively, steam until slightly tender.)
Step 5:
Lower the heat to medium. Add a bit more oil and cook the minced garlic until fragrant.
Step 6:
Pour in the sauce mixture. Stir until it begins to thicken.
Step 7:
Return beef to the pan along with broccoli. Toss until well coated in the sauce.
Step 8:
Serve hot over white rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
👶 Baby-Friendly Tip
If you’re serving this to little ones, set aside some plain beef before adding the sauce, or dilute a portion of the sauce with water to reduce the sodium.
🥡 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve this stir fry with:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Rice noodles
- Cauliflower rice (low-carb)
- A simple side salad or spring rolls
❓ FAQs
What cut of beef is best for stir fry?
Sirloin and flank steak are ideal—they’re both tender and cook quickly.
How do I make the beef more tender?
Using baking soda in the marinade helps break down tough muscle fibers, making the beef more tender.
Can I skip pre-cooking the broccoli?
Yes, but it may take longer to soften in the pan. Blanching or steaming gives better texture, especially for kids.
📌 Final Thoughts
This homemade Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is every bit as satisfying as your favorite takeout—without the extra cost or mystery ingredients. It’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to make weeknight dinners a breeze!