Description
A quick and flavorful Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe that rivals takeout. Tender flank steak and crisp broccoli come together in a savory, slightly sweet sauce made with tamari, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Ready in just 20 minutes, this stir-fry is perfect for a fast, satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Beef and Broccoli
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for stir-frying, divided)
Sauce
- ½ cup tamari (or soy sauce)
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- 5 teaspoons garlic, minced
- Red chili flakes (optional)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Trim off any fat from the flank steak and slice it thinly across the grain into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine tamari, water, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, red chili flakes (if using), and cornstarch. Whisk well until smooth.
- Heat the skillet and cook broccoli: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet over high heat. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, tossing frequently, until tender-crisp. Remove broccoli from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Cook the steak: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and swirl to coat. Add the sliced beef in a single layer, spreading it out evenly. Let it sear undisturbed for 1 minute, then stir and flip the pieces with tongs to cook for an additional minute. The beef should be slightly rare at this point for best texture.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet with the beef. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly. Continue cooking, stirring regularly, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli, about 1-3 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
- Serve: Plate the stir fry hot, pairing with steamed rice or noodles if desired. Enjoy this flavorful homemade alternative to takeout!
Notes
- For authentic flavor, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Adjust red chili flakes based on preferred spice level or omit for mild flavor.
- Slice the flank steak thinly and against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Do not overcook the beef; leaving it slightly rare helps maintain juiciness.
- Use cornstarch to thicken the sauce quickly, ensuring a glossy finish.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
