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Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

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4.3 from 67 reviews

This classic Beef and Broccoli stir-fry recipe features tender, thinly sliced flank steak sautéed with crisp-tender broccoli florets in a savory, slightly sweet low sodium soy sauce-based sauce, all cooked quickly in a skillet for a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Protein

  • 1 lb flank steak (very thinly sliced into bite-sized strips)

Vegetables

  • 1 lb fresh broccoli (cut into 6 cups of florets)

Sauces and Oils

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil, divided
  • 6 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce or GF Tamari
  • 2 Tbsp sesame oil

Flavorings and Aromatics

  • 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated, loosely packed)
  • 2 tsp garlic (grated from 3 cloves)
  • 3 Tbsp packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup hot water

Thickener

  • 1 1/2 Tbsp corn starch

Garnish

  • 2 tsp sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Steak: For easier slicing, cover and freeze the flank steak for 30 minutes, then thinly slice it against the grain into bite-sized strips.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, corn starch, grated ginger, grated garlic, black pepper, hot water, and sesame oil. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and mix evenly. Set aside.
  3. Cook Broccoli: Heat 1 Tbsp olive or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli florets, cover partially with a lid, and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring or tossing frequently until broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. For softer broccoli, add 2 Tbsp water before covering to steam it. Remove broccoli from skillet and set aside.
  4. Cook Beef: Increase the heat to high and add the remaining 1 Tbsp oil. Add the sliced flank steak in a single layer and sauté for about 2 minutes per side, or until just cooked through. Test one piece for doneness.
  5. Combine and Simmer: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked beef in the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in the cooked broccoli and combine well. If the sauce is too thick, add 1-2 Tbsp water to thin it to your desired consistency.
  6. Serve: Serve the beef and broccoli stir-fry hot over cooked white rice. Optionally garnish with toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain ensures tenderness.
  • Freezing the steak briefly makes slicing easier.
  • Using low sodium soy sauce helps control the salt content of the dish.
  • Adjust cooking time of broccoli to your preferred texture—add water and cover to steam if you like it softer.
  • Sauté beef quickly over high heat to retain juiciness and avoid toughness.
  • Serving over white rice complements the savory sauce and completes the meal.