Quick and Easy Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli: A Healthy Weeknight Dinner
Craving takeout but want something healthier? This Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli is the perfect solution. Tender beef slices, crunchy broccoli, and a rich, savoury sauce come together in just minutes for a delicious meal that rivals your favourite Chinese restaurant. This dish is quick and easy, yet packed with bold flavours and wholesome ingredients. It’s ideal for weeknights when you need something fast, flavourful, and family-approved. Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a satisfying feast!
🕒 Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Marinating Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 47 minutes
🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Yields: 4 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 18g
- Fibre: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Sodium: 680 mg
🥦 Ingredients:
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 lb beef sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye (thinly sliced against the grain)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
- 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup water (to steam broccoli)
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
1. In a medium bowl, mix the soy sauce, cornflour, and sesame oil. Add the thinly sliced beef and toss to coat evenly.
2. Let the beef marinate for at least 20 minutes while you prepare the broccoli and sauce.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, cornflour, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Step 3: Prep the Broccoli
1. Rinse the broccoli and cut it into bite-sized florets. If using the stems, peel the tough outer layer and slice thinly.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
1. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
2. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side, just until browned. Do this in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove the beef and set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Broccoli
1. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil. Toss in the broccoli (and sliced onions, if using). Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the broccoli starts to turn bright green.
2. Add 1/4 cup water to the pan and cover with a lid. Steam the broccoli for an additional 2 minutes, until it’s tender but still crisp. Remove the lid and let any excess water evaporate.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
1. Return the beef to the skillet with the broccoli. Give the sauce a quick stir (to ensure the cornflour is fully mixed) and pour it into the pan.
2. Stir everything together and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli evenly.
3. Remove from heat, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve hot over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice. Enjoy!
💡 Helpful Tips:
✔️Slice the Beef Right: For tender beef, always slice against the grain and keep the slices thin for faster cooking and better texture.
✔️Quick Steaming Shortcut: If you want to save time, microwave the broccoli for 2 minutes before stir-frying.
✔️Wok or Skillet: Use a wok if possible, as it distributes heat evenly. If using a skillet, make sure it’s large to avoid steaming instead of stir-frying.
✔️Non-Stick Cooking: Avoid crowding the pan when cooking the beef; cook in small batches to achieve a good sear.
🔄 Variations of This Recipe:
✅Protein Swap: Try this recipe with chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu instead of beef.
✅Vegetable Boost: Add other veggies such as bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots for variety.
✅Spicy Kick: Add more chilli flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
✅Low-Carb Version: Serve the stir-fry over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice or noodles.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions:
❓Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! If using frozen broccoli, thaw it first and pat it dry to prevent it from releasing excess water into the stir-fry.
❓How do I store leftovers?
Store the stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
❓Can I make this ahead of time?
You can marinate the beef and prep the veggies and sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store everything separately in the fridge and cook fresh when ready to eat.
❓Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
❓What cut of beef works best?
Beef sirloin, flank steak, or even skirt steak works great. Choose cuts that are lean and tender.
👨🍳 Chef Tips:
✅Deglaze for Flavour: After searing the beef, scrape any browned bits in the skillet before adding the sauce. These bits add incredible depth of flavour.
✅Prep Ahead: Stir-fries cook quickly, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
✅ Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Always use fresh minced ginger and garlic for the best flavour. If you’re short on time, pre-made garlic-ginger paste works as a substitute.
✅Control the Salt: If using regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium, reduce the amount or dilute it with water to prevent the dish from being overly salty.
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This Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli is a fast, flavourful, and versatile dinner that’s perfect for busy nights. Packed with protein, vibrant veggies, and a savoury sauce, it’s the ultimate takeout alternative you can feel good about. Try it tonight and see how quickly it becomes a household favourite!
