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30-Minute Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry - A Fast, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Beef: 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • Broccoli: 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh preferred)
  • Aromatics: 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
  • Oil: 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or avocado)
  • Soy sauce: 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • Brown sugar or honey: 2 tablespoons
  • Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon (optional but adds depth)
  • Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon (or mirin for a touch more sweetness)
  • Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
  • Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons (divided)
  • Beef broth or water: 1/2 cup
  • Red pepper flakes or chili-garlic sauce: to taste (optional)
  • Green onions and sesame seeds: for garnish (optional)
  • Cooked rice: for serving

Method
 

  1. Slice the beef: Freeze the steak for 15–20 minutes to firm it up, then slice thinly across the grain. Aim for 1/8-inch slices for fast, tender cooking.
  2. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth. Stir in beef broth. Add chili flakes if you like a little heat.
  3. Marinate the beef: Toss the sliced beef with 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of the sauce. Let it sit while you prep the broccoli and aromatics.
  4. Prep the broccoli: Cut florets into bite-size pieces. If using stems, peel and slice them thinly—they’re sweet and cook quickly.
  5. Stir-fry the broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and 2 tablespoons water. Stir-fry 3–4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Remove to a plate.
  6. Sear the beef: Add the remaining oil to the hot pan. Spread beef in a single layer. Let it sear for 60–90 seconds before stirring. Cook just until mostly browned, about 2–3 minutes total.
  7. Add aromatics: Stir in garlic and ginger. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let them burn.
  8. Combine and sauce: Return broccoli to the pan. Pour in the remaining sauce and bring to a simmer. The sauce will thicken and turn glossy in 1–2 minutes. If you prefer thicker, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 teaspoon water and stir in a bit at a time.
  9. Taste and adjust: Add a splash more soy for salt, a pinch of sugar for balance, or a dash of vinegar for brightness. Turn off heat.
  10. Serve: Spoon over warm rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for texture and freshness.