Go Back

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Print Recipe
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the stir fry
  • For the marinade/sauce
  • For serving
  • 1 pound lean beef (flank steak, top sirloin, or eye of round), thinly sliced against the grain
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head), stems peeled and sliced if desired
  • 1 tablespoon avocado or grapeseed oil plus 1 teaspoon if needed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or 1/4 teaspoon ground
  • 2 green onions, sliced white and green parts separated
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or extra soy + 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce for depth
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth or water
  • 1 to 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch adjust for thicker/thinner sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional heat
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice
  • Sesame seeds and extra green onion for garnish optional
  • Lime wedges optional but excellent

Method
 

  1. Freeze the beef for 20 minutes to firm it up. Slice thinly against the grain—this is the difference between tender and chew toy.
  2. In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, beef broth, cornstarch, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Reserve 2 tablespoons to toss with the sliced beef as a quick marinade.
  3. Toss beef with 2 tablespoons of the sauce and let sit while you prep the broccoli. No long marinating needed—FYI, cornstarch acts like a velvet jacket for the beef.
  4. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high. Add 1/2 teaspoon oil, then broccoli and a splash of water. Stir-fry 2–3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Remove to a bowl.
  5. Increase heat to high. Add 1/2 tablespoon oil. Spread half the beef in a single layer; don't crowd it. Sear 60–90 seconds per side. Repeat with remaining beef, adding a little more oil if needed.
  6. Return all beef to the pan with the white parts of the green onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk the remaining sauce (cornstarch settles), then pour it in. Cook 1–2 minutes until glossy and thickened.
  7. Add broccoli back to the pan and toss to coat. If too thick, splash in 1–2 tablespoons water. If too thin, simmer another 30–60 seconds.
  8. Spoon over warm brown rice. Top with green onion greens, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime. Snap a photo, flex like you meant to do that.