If you’re craving a comforting yet fresh and vibrant dish that combines tender meat with crisp greens, this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is your new go-to. The juicy, thinly sliced flank steak soaks up a flavorful marinade and a luscious sauce that perfectly complements the bright crunch of fresh broccoli. This dish is packed with umami from the soy and beef broth, a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, and the nutty warmth of toasted sesame oil, making it an irresistible meal that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours perfecting it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl at the center holds thin strips of raw red meat with light marbling. Below it, a white bowl is filled with bright green broccoli florets. Surrounding these two bowls, several small clear glass bowls and containers are arranged on a white marbled surface. One contains light yellow grated ginger, another holds a pale yellow liquid, and a third has a white powder. A white rectangular dish in the middle left corner is divided into two sections with salt and cracked black pepper. A white pitcher with a handle holds brown sauce, placed near a small wooden spoon and a glass bowl with minced garlic. Additional small glass bowls contain a golden liquid, light brown powder, pale seeds, and a dark liquid, completing the ingredients setup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the basics right is what makes this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe shine. Each ingredient is simple but essential, ensuring every bite bursts with balanced flavors and delightful textures—meaty, crunchy, savory, and a little bit sweet.

Flank steak (1 ½ lbs, thinly sliced against the grain): Choosing flank steak gives you tender, flavorful beef that cooks fast when sliced thin.
Frying oil (2 tbsp): Needed to sear the beef and broccoli to perfection without sticking.
Broccoli florets (1 cup): Provides a fresh crunch and a vibrant pop of green that’s full of nutrients.
Sesame seeds (1 tbsp for serving): Toasted on top, they add a delightful nutty crunch and beautiful garnish.
Brown sugar (2 tsp total): Gives a subtle sweetness to the marinade and sauce, balancing salty and savory flavors.
Soy sauce (10 tbsp total, divided): Adds deep, salty umami that binds the entire dish.
Cornstarch (2 tsp total): Helps thicken both marinade and sauce for a luscious finish.
Lemon juice (1 tsp): Brightens the marinade to tenderize the beef and add a refreshing tang.
Grated ginger root (1 tsp): Brings a spicy warmth that complements the garlic and beef beautifully.
Grated garlic (3 cloves): A classic aromatic that gives the dish a delicious depth.
Beef broth (⅓ cup): Enriches the sauce with savory goodness and great mouthfeel.
Sesame oil (1 tbsp): Adds an irresistible toasty aroma and smooth finish to the sauce.
Salt & pepper (⅕ tsp each): Just enough to season without overpowering the natural flavors.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by mixing brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, and lemon juice to create a simple but magical marinade. Stir it until the cornstarch dissolves completely. Toss the thinly sliced flank steak in this mixture and let it rest for 15 minutes. This tenderizes the beef and infuses it with savory, lightly sweet flavors that bring the whole dish together.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

Heat frying oil in a hot pan and add the broccoli florets, frying them for about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir often so they stay crisp yet tender, retaining their vibrant green color and fresh texture. Once done, transfer the broccoli to a plate and set it aside — they’ll rejoin the beef later for that perfect finish.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a deep bowl, whisk together grated ginger, garlic, beef broth, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. This sauce is the heart of the stir-fry, offering a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and aromatic notes. Giving it a good whisk ensures the flavors meld smoothly and the sauce thickens beautifully when cooked.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

Add frying oil to a hot pan, then add your marinated beef. Stir and fry for 5 to 6 minutes over medium heat. Because your beef is sliced thinly and fully marinated, it cooks quickly and stays tender—no toughness from overcooked meat here. Transfer it to a plate when done, keeping that juicy goodness intact.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce and Combine

Pour the prepared sauce into the hot pan and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Watch as it thickens into a glossy coating that will cling perfectly to the beef and broccoli. Then return the beef to the pan, tossing it in the sauce for an additional 3 minutes so every bit is soaked with flavor.

Step 6: Add Broccoli and Finish

Finally, add the broccoli back into the pan and stir-fry everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes. This step marries the tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and rich sauce into one mouthwatering dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving to add that delightful nutty crunch and Instagram-worthy finish.

How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

A grey frying pan filled with cooked beef strips and bright green broccoli pieces mixed together, all coated in a glossy brown sauce. The beef slices are thin and uneven, scattered evenly with the broccoli florets which have small stalks attached. The surface beneath the pan is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling sesame seeds on top is a classic, but you can also add sliced green onions or a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick. The garnishes don’t just make the dish beautiful—they add layers of flavor and texture that elevate every bite.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the sauce, or try it over a bed of fluffy quinoa for a wholesome twist. For a low-carb option, serve alongside cauliflower rice or even noodles like soba or rice noodles for a heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe in individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg for added richness, or fill lettuce cups with the stir-fry for a fresh, handheld delight. Even packing portions for lunchboxes transforms this simple dish into a fantastic meal on the go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy, quick meals during your busy week.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked beef and broccoli stir-fry for up to 2 months. Just portion into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy later without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the broccoli crisp and the beef tender—this way your Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe tastes just as amazing as the first time you made it.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir-fry?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking time, you can also use sirloin or skirt steak sliced thinly. Just be cautious not to overcook tougher cuts to avoid chewiness.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap out the beef for firm tofu or seitan for a plant-based version. Adjust the cooking times accordingly, and keep the sauce the same for that delicious umami flavor.

What’s the best way to slice the beef?

Slicing thinly against the grain is the key to tenderness. This breaks up the muscle fibers, preventing the beef from becoming tough or chewy after stir-frying.

Can I prepare the marinade and sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! You can marinate the beef and mix the sauce a few hours (or even the day) before cooking. Just keep the marinated beef refrigerated to maintain freshness and flavor.

Is this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe spicy?

No spice is included in this basic version to let the natural flavors shine, but feel free to add chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies if you like a little heat!

Final Thoughts

This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients, when treated with care and cooked thoughtfully, can create a dish that feels both homey and special. It’s fast enough for a weeknight dinner yet packed with flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Once you try it, this will quickly become one of your favorite recipes to make again and again.