Broccoli Beef Stir Fry

This Broccoli Beef Stir Fry is an easy Chinese-style dinner made with tender marinated beef, crisp broccoli, garlic, and a savory oyster sauce. It comes together quickly in one wok or skillet and is perfect served with rice!

Jump to:

• What Kind of Beef Is Best for Stir Fry?
• Ingredients
• How to Make Broccoli Beef Stir Fry
• Storage & Reheating
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Broccoli Beef Stir Fry
• Pin for later!
• More Delicious Broccoli Recipes
• Want to learn more?

Growing up, a typical home-cooked Chinese meal in my family usually included some combination of meat, seafood, and plenty of vegetables. So when I first heard people describe Chinese food as unhealthy, I was honestly confused!

Later, I realized that a lot of people were thinking specifically about Chinese-American takeout dishes, which can sometimes be heavier on oil, sweet sauces, or breading.

But Chinese home cooking can be incredibly simple. This beef and broccoli stir fry is a great example: tender beef, lots of fresh broccoli, garlic, and a flavorful sauce, all cooked quickly in a wok.

And bonus: it's much easier to make at home than you might think!

What Kind of Beef Is Best for Stir Fry?

Tender cuts of beef work best for stir frying because they cook quickly over high heat.

Some good options include:

• Sirloin
• Ribeye
• Flat iron
• Tenderloin
• Tri-tip
• Top loin

For the version pictured here, I used ribeye, but I switch it up depending on what I have available.

No matter which cut you choose, the most important thing is to slice the beef thinly against the grain. This helps keep it tender and allows it to cook quickly and evenly.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 pound steak, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 5 garlic cloves, crushed and roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 8 ounces broccoli florets
• ¼ cup broth or water
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• Salt, to taste

You can buy a bag of pre-cut broccoli florets to make prep even easier, or simply cut a fresh head of broccoli into bite-size florets.

How to Make Broccoli Beef Stir Fry

1. Marinate the beef

In a large bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch.

Mix well so the beef is evenly coated.

Let the beef marinate for at least 15-30 minutes.

If you're preparing it ahead of time, cover and refrigerate until you're ready to cook.

2. Stir fry the beef

Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat.

Add the cooking oil, then add the marinated beef and chopped garlic.

Stir fry for a few minutes until the beef is mostly browned but not completely overcooked.

Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.

3. Cook the broccoli

If the wok looks dry, add a little more cooking oil.

Add the broccoli florets and stir fry for about 1 minute.

Pour in the broth or water, then cover the wok and let the broccoli steam for about 1-2 minutes.

Cook until the broccoli reaches your preferred tenderness. I like mine cooked but still a little crisp.

4. Bring everything together

Remove the lid and return the beef to the wok.

Add the oyster sauce and a little salt to taste.

Stir fry everything together for about 1 more minute, or until the beef is cooked through and the sauce coats the beef and broccoli.

Remove from heat and serve!

I definitely recommend serving this with some steamed rice to soak up that savory sauce.

Storage & Reheating

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigerator:
  Let the broccoli beef stir fry cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer:
  You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind the broccoli will soften after thawing. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat

• Stovetop (Best):
  Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a small splash of water or broth. Stir gently until warmed through.
• Microwave:
  Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-45 second intervals, stirring in between.
• From Frozen:
  Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using one of the methods above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is broccoli beef healthy?

Homemade broccoli beef can be very healthy! It's packed with protein from the beef and nutrients from the broccoli, and when made at home, you control the oil, sodium, and ingredients - unlike many takeout versions.

What cut of beef works best for stir fry?

Tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, top loin, tenderloin, flat iron, or tri tip work best. Always slice the beef thinly and against the grain for the most tender results.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. You can slice the beef and marinate it up to 24 hours in advance. Broccoli can also be pre-cut and stored in the fridge until ready to cook.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

You can, but fresh broccoli gives the best texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain well first to avoid excess water in the stir fry.

Do I have to use oyster sauce?

Oyster sauce adds depth and savory flavor, but if you don't have it, you can substitute with a mix of soy sauce and a small amount of hoisin sauce.

Why is my beef tough?

Beef can turn tough if it's sliced with the grain, overcooked, or cooked at too low of a heat. High heat and quick cooking are key for tender stir fry beef.

Here's a video of it:

@ohsnapletseat

Broccoli Beef Stir Fry! 🥦🥩 Tender beef, crunchy broccoli, and a super easy savory sauce. Full recipe link in bio! #beefandbroccoli #stirfryrecipes #asianrecipes #easyrecipes #tiktokfood

♬ original sound - Tina - Oh Snap! Let's Eat!

Pin for later!

More Delicious Broccoli Recipes

• Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry - Ground beef stir-fried with crushed garlic, sliced onions, and crunchy broccoli in a tasty sauce. Ready in 20 minutes!
• Chinese Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry - Marinated cubed chicken stir-fried with crunchy broccoli in a flavorful sauce. Ready in about 25 minutes!
• Broccoli Pork Stir Fry - Tender pork stir-fried with fresh broccoli in a savory sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
• Shrimp Broccoli Stir Fry - Juicy shrimp tossed with broccoli and a light garlic sauce. Prep and cook in 25 minutes.

Want to learn more?

Check out my FULL BLOWN "How to Stir Fry at Home" eBook! You will learn everything you need to know to master stir fries at home!