Beef Broccoli Recipe (Fast Stir-Fry)

Tough beef and watery sauce can ruin a quick dinner.
This beef broccoli recipe fixes both with smart prep and high heat.

You get crisp broccoli, tender slices, and a sauce that clings.

It tastes like takeout, but you control salt and sugar.

Beef broccoli recipe ingredients

Main items

• Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye, sliced very thin.

  

• Broccoli flor

• ets, fresh or frozen.

• Neutral oil (avocado, canola, or peanut).

Sauce mix

• Soy sauce (use tamari if you need gluten-free).

• Beef broth or water.

• Garlic, minced fine.

• Ginger, grated or minced.

• Brown sugar or honey.

• Cornstarch.

Beef broccoli recipe prep

Slice for tender beef

Cut the beef against the grain, very thin, like paper.
This small step changes the texture a lot.

Get broccoli ready

Blanch broccoli for 60 to 90 seconds, then drain well.
If using frozen, thaw it first, then pat it dry.

Beef broccoli recipe steps

Mix the sauce

Whisk in a bowl until smooth:

• Soy sauce, broth, sugar, and cornstarch.

• Garlic and ginger.

• 

Sear the beef

Heat the pan until it looks slightly smoky.
Add oil, then cook beef in batches for 60 to 90 seconds.

Let each batch brown, then remove it to a plate.
Do not stir too much, or it will steam.

Finish the stir-fry

Add broccoli to the hot pan and toss for 30 seconds.
Pour in the sauce, then return the beef.

Stir for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce turns glossy.
If it gets too thick, add a small splash of water.

Beef broccoli recipe tips

• Keep the heat high, and keep the cook time short.

• Crowd the pan, and the beef turns gray and soft.

• Use a wide pan, or cook in two rounds.

• Taste the sauce at the end, then adjust sweet or salt.

Easy serving ideas

• Serve with rice, or cauliflower rice for lower carbs.

• Top with sliced scallions, sesame seeds, or chili flakes.

• Add carrots or bell pepper for more crunch and color.

• Pair with a simple cucumber salad for a cool bite.

FAQ

How do you keep beef tender in beef and broccoli?

Slice thin against the grain, then sear fast on high heat.
Cook in batches, so the beef browns instead of steaming.

Can you use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well in a fast stir-fry.
Thaw and dry it first, so the sauce stays thick.

What can you use instead of soy sauce?

Use tamari for gluten-free, or coconut aminos for less salt.
Taste the sauce, then add a little more sugar if needed.

Conclusion

Make this beef broccoli recipe once, then make it your own.
Try it again next week, and test one new add-in.