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Classic Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry - Quick, Flavorful, and Weeknight-Friendly

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets (about 4 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola, avocado, or peanut), divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced or grated
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional for extra tenderness)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness and depth)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or mirin
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes or chili-garlic sauce to taste (optional)
  • Steamed rice or noodles
  • Sesame seeds (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep the beef: Freeze the steak for 15–20 minutes to firm it up. Slice it thinly against the grain into bite-size strips.
  2. Marinate: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and baking soda. Toss with the beef. Let sit 15 minutes while you prep other ingredients.
  3. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, broth, cornstarch, rice vinegar, black pepper, and chili if using. Set aside.
  4. Blanch the broccoli: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli and cook 60–90 seconds until bright green and just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water. Pat dry.
  5. Heat the pan: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high to high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil until shimmering.
  6. Sear the beef: Add half the beef in a single layer. Cook 60–90 seconds per side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove to a plate. Repeat with remaining beef, adding more oil if needed.
  7. Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium-high. Add remaining oil if the pan looks dry. Stir in garlic and ginger for 20–30 seconds until fragrant.
  8. Combine: Return the beef to the pan along with broccoli. Stir the sauce and pour it in. Toss everything and cook 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
  9. Finish: Taste and adjust with a splash more soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, or a squeeze of vinegar if needed. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
  10. Serve: Spoon over steamed rice or toss with noodles. Serve hot.