There’s a reason why beef and broccoli stir fry is one of the most beloved dishes in takeout culture. The tender beef, the crisp-tender broccoli, and that irresistible umami-rich sauce come together in a perfect harmony of flavor and texture. The good news? You don’t need to order in to enjoy this classic anymore. With this recipe, you can recreate your favorite takeout dinner in just 30 minutes—right in your own kitchen.
This version is made with a deeply flavorful homemade stir fry sauce that balances sweet, savory, and garlicky notes in every bite. You’ll find that it’s just as satisfying as your favorite restaurant version, but with cleaner ingredients and full control over the salt and sugar levels. It’s a family-friendly dinner that checks all the boxes: fast, affordable, comforting, and healthy.
Pair it with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or lo mein noodles for a complete meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Takeout Taste at Home – Skip the delivery fees and recreate the flavors you love
- Easy Stir Fry Sauce – Just a few ingredients for big umami flavor
- Tender Beef Every Time – The marinade ensures juicy, flavorful strips
- Quick & Weeknight Friendly – Ready in just 30 minutes
- Customizable – Add extra veggies or make it spicy
- Kid-Approved – Mild, savory, and perfect for picky eaters
- Healthier Than Takeout – No mystery ingredients, less oil, less sodium
Ingredients
For the Beef & Broccoli
- 1 lb beef (tender cut like flank, sirloin, or skirt steak)
- 3–4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 1–2 tbsp oil (for cooking the meat)
For the Stir Fry Sauce
- ¼ cup oyster sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Slice and Marinate the Beef
Slice the beef thinly against the grain—this breaks up the muscle fibers for maximum tenderness. Add the soy sauce, cornstarch, black pepper, and baking soda. Mix well to coat each piece and let it sit for at least 10–15 minutes. This quick marinade tenderizes the meat and sets the base for rich flavor.
2. Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, water, cornstarch, brown sugar, and black pepper. This stir fry sauce will create that glossy, savory coating that defines a great beef and broccoli dish. Set aside.
3. Cook the Beef
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1–2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Use a spoon or tongs to quickly separate the pieces so they cook evenly. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side, or until just browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
4. Blanch or Steam the Broccoli
Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli for exactly 2 minutes. This step keeps it vibrant green and crisp-tender. Drain and set aside. Alternatively, steam the broccoli in a steamer basket until just firm.
5. Sauté Garlic
Reduce the pan heat to medium and add a touch more oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
6. Thicken the Sauce
Pour the pre-mixed sauce into the pan with the garlic. Stir continuously as it comes to a simmer and begins to thicken. This will take about 2–3 minutes.
7. Combine Everything
Add the cooked beef and broccoli back into the pan. Stir well to coat everything in the glossy, thickened sauce. Let it heat through for a minute or two. Serve hot over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
Tips for Success
- Slice Against the Grain – This ensures melt-in-your-mouth beef
- Marinate for Flavor – Even a short 15-minute marinade makes a huge difference
- Don’t Overcook Broccoli – It should stay vibrant and slightly firm
- Use High Heat – Quick cooking keeps the beef tender and the veggies crisp
- Stir Constantly – Prevent the sauce from sticking or clumping
Variations
- Make it Spicy – Add chili flakes, Sriracha, or a splash of chili oil
- Swap the Veggies – Try bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms
- Add Ginger – A teaspoon of freshly grated ginger adds great zing
- Use Chicken or Tofu – The sauce works great with other proteins too
- Lower Carb Option – Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles
Make Ahead & Storage
- Make Ahead – You can slice and marinate the beef ahead of time, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours
- Store Leftovers – Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat – Microwave gently or reheat in a pan over medium heat
- Freeze – Freeze cooked beef and broccoli in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before reheating
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What cut of beef works best?
Flank, skirt, or sirloin steak are all tender cuts that work well for quick stir-fries. -
Is oyster sauce necessary?
It gives the sauce its classic depth, but you can substitute with hoisin sauce or soy sauce + a splash of fish sauce. -
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just thaw it first and adjust cooking time slightly. -
How do I keep the beef tender?
Slice it thin, marinate briefly with baking soda, and cook quickly over high heat. -
Is this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce to make it completely gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is one of those recipes that proves home-cooked meals don’t need to be complicated to be delicious. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and 30 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and way more affordable than takeout.
The beef is juicy and tender, the broccoli is perfectly crisp-tender, and the sauce? It’s that irresistible savory-sweet combo that clings to every bite. Serve it over a bowl of steaming rice or noodles, and you’ve got a meal that’s as comforting as it is crave-worthy.
Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a hungry family, this easy stir fry will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even fighting over leftovers. Save this recipe, because once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Sauce
Ingredients
For the Beef & Broccoli
- 1 lb beef tender cut like flank, sirloin, or skirt steak
- 3 –4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 1 –2 tbsp oil for cooking the meat
For the Stir Fry Sauce
- ¼ cup oyster sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Slice and Marinate the Beef
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain—this breaks up the muscle fibers for maximum tenderness. Add the soy sauce, cornstarch, black pepper, and baking soda. Mix well to coat each piece and let it sit for at least 10–15 minutes. This quick marinade tenderizes the meat and sets the base for rich flavor.
Mix the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, water, cornstarch, brown sugar, and black pepper. This stir fry sauce will create that glossy, savory coating that defines a great beef and broccoli dish. Set aside.
Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1–2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Use a spoon or tongs to quickly separate the pieces so they cook evenly. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side, or until just browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Blanch or Steam the Broccoli
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli for exactly 2 minutes. This step keeps it vibrant green and crisp-tender. Drain and set aside. Alternatively, steam the broccoli in a steamer basket until just firm.
Sauté Garlic
- Reduce the pan heat to medium and add a touch more oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Thicken the Sauce
- Pour the pre-mixed sauce into the pan with the garlic. Stir continuously as it comes to a simmer and begins to thicken. This will take about 2–3 minutes.
Combine Everything
- Add the cooked beef and broccoli back into the pan. Stir well to coat everything in the glossy, thickened sauce. Let it heat through for a minute or two. Serve hot over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
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