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Chinese Beef Broccoli Stir Fry Flavorful and Easy Dish

by on June 9, 2025

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Are you ready to whip up a tasty meal that’s simple and quick? Chinese Beef Broccoli Stir Fry is just what you need! With tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and savory sauces, this dish packs a punch. You’ll master the art of stir-frying in no time. Whether you’re new to cooking or a pro, this guide will help you create a dish that impresses everyone at your table. Let’s dive in!

- 1 pound beef flank steak - 3 cups broccoli florets - 4 cloves garlic - 1 tablespoon ginger - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 teaspoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup water To make a great beef broccoli stir fry, you need fresh, quality ingredients. The beef flank steak is key. It’s tender and flavorful when sliced thin. Broccoli florets add a nice crunch and color. Garlic and ginger bring a warm aroma. Soy sauce and oyster sauce give the dish a savory depth. Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce for a perfect coating. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor. Sugar balances the saltiness, while salt and pepper round it all out. - Toasted sesame seeds - Cooked rice or noodles Adding toasted sesame seeds on top gives extra crunch. Serving it over rice or noodles makes it filling and satisfying. You can mix and match these garnishes to suit your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, place your thinly sliced beef in a large bowl. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together well. This marinade adds flavor and tenderness to the beef. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This time helps the beef soak up the sauce. Next, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the marinated beef to the skillet in a single layer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally. This helps the beef cook evenly and brown nicely. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry these for about 30 seconds. You want them to become fragrant but not burn. After that, add your broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes. The broccoli should be bright green and just tender. Now, return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in 1/4 cup of water and stir everything well. Let this mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes. This step helps everything blend together. Taste the dish and adjust the flavors. You can add more soy sauce or sugar if needed. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for a nice touch. To make a great beef broccoli stir fry, heat is key. Use medium-high heat for fast cooking. This keeps the beef juicy and the broccoli bright. A wok or a large skillet is best for this dish. The wide surface helps to cook the meat and veggies evenly. One common mistake is overcooking broccoli. You want it bright green and slightly tender. Cook it for just 3-5 minutes. Another mistake is not marinating the beef long enough. Fifteen minutes is the minimum. Longer marinating adds flavor and tenderness. You can boost flavor with extra sauces. Try adding hoisin or chili sauce for more depth. Balancing sweetness and saltiness is important too. Adjust the sugar and soy sauce to your taste. This will make every bite delicious. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor absorption. If time allows, marinate overnight in the refrigerator for the best results. Perfectly Cooked Broccoli: To achieve tender yet crisp broccoli, cook it until it's bright green and slightly tender but still has a crunch. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture. Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to customize the sauce by adding a splash of rice vinegar for acidity or a bit of chili paste for heat, tailoring it to your taste preferences. Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish over jasmine rice for a fragrant experience or try it with whole grain noodles for added nutrition and a different texture. {{image_2}} You can swap beef for chicken, tofu, or shrimp. Each protein has its own taste and texture. For chicken, slice it thinly like beef. Cook it for about the same time. It should be white and juicy. For tofu, use firm or extra firm. Press it to remove excess water. Cut it into cubes and stir-fry until golden. Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it near the end. Just a few minutes will do! Want more veggies? Try bell peppers or snap peas! Cut bell peppers into strips and add them with the broccoli. They need about 3-4 minutes to cook. Snap peas can join the party too! They only need 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You want them bright and crisp, not mushy! If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This way, you keep the flavor but avoid gluten. For a vegan twist, skip the beef and oyster sauce. Use mushrooms for a meaty texture. Add some extra soy sauce for flavor. You can make this dish fit any diet! To store your leftover beef broccoli stir fry, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents odors from mixing. Use containers made of glass or BPA-free plastic. These materials are safe and easy to clean. If you want to freeze your stir fry, make sure it cools completely. Divide it into portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, you can use a microwave or skillet. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir the dish well between each burst to heat evenly. In a skillet, add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat over medium until warmed through. In the fridge, your beef broccoli stir fry will last about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, it can stay good for about 2 to 3 months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just remember to thaw it first. Drain any extra water. Frozen broccoli cooks quickly, so you may need less time than fresh. Stir-fry it until bright green. This keeps it crisp and tasty. If you avoid shellfish, try soy sauce mixed with a bit of sugar. Another option is hoisin sauce. Both give a rich flavor. You can also use mushroom sauce for a similar taste. You can add red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers. A dash of hot sauce works well too. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Start small and taste as you go. Yes, you can prep ingredients in advance. Marinate the beef and chop the veggies. Store them separately in the fridge. This keeps them fresh. Cook them right before serving for the best taste. This stir-fry guide covers essential ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for success. You learned to marinate beef, cook veggies perfectly, and avoid common mistakes. Experimenting with proteins and adding your favorite vegetables can make it your own. Remember to store leftovers safely and enjoy them later. With this knowledge, you can create tasty meals that impress. Happy cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  2. Flavorful Marinade: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil creates a deliciously rich flavor.
  3. Healthy Ingredients: Packed with broccoli and lean beef, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
  4. Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or noodles, allowing for flexibility based on your preference.

Ingredients

List of Essential Ingredients

– 1 pound beef flank steak

– 3 cups broccoli florets

– 4 cloves garlic

– 1 tablespoon ginger

– 1/4 cup soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch

– 2 teaspoons sesame oil

– 1 tablespoon sugar

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1/4 cup water

To make a great beef broccoli stir fry, you need fresh, quality ingredients. The beef flank steak is key. It’s tender and flavorful when sliced thin. Broccoli florets add a nice crunch and color. Garlic and ginger bring a warm aroma. Soy sauce and oyster sauce give the dish a savory depth. Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce for a perfect coating. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor. Sugar balances the saltiness, while salt and pepper round it all out.

Optional Garnishes

– Toasted sesame seeds

– Cooked rice or noodles

Adding toasted sesame seeds on top gives extra crunch. Serving it over rice or noodles makes it filling and satisfying. You can mix and match these garnishes to suit your taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Beef Marinade

First, place your thinly sliced beef in a large bowl. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together well. This marinade adds flavor and tenderness to the beef. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This time helps the beef soak up the sauce.

Cooking the Beef

Next, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the marinated beef to the skillet in a single layer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally. This helps the beef cook evenly and brown nicely. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

Stir-Frying the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry these for about 30 seconds. You want them to become fragrant but not burn. After that, add your broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes. The broccoli should be bright green and just tender.

Final Assembly and Serving

Now, return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in 1/4 cup of water and stir everything well. Let this mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes. This step helps everything blend together. Taste the dish and adjust the flavors. You can add more soy sauce or sugar if needed. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for a nice touch.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Stir Fry

To make a great beef broccoli stir fry, heat is key. Use medium-high heat for fast cooking. This keeps the beef juicy and the broccoli bright. A wok or a large skillet is best for this dish. The wide surface helps to cook the meat and veggies evenly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is overcooking broccoli. You want it bright green and slightly tender. Cook it for just 3-5 minutes. Another mistake is not marinating the beef long enough. Fifteen minutes is the minimum. Longer marinating adds flavor and tenderness.

Enhancing Flavor

You can boost flavor with extra sauces. Try adding hoisin or chili sauce for more depth. Balancing sweetness and saltiness is important too. Adjust the sugar and soy sauce to your taste. This will make every bite delicious.

Pro Tips

  1. Marinate for Flavor: Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor absorption. If time allows, marinate overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.
  2. Perfectly Cooked Broccoli: To achieve tender yet crisp broccoli, cook it until it’s bright green and slightly tender but still has a crunch. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture.
  3. Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to customize the sauce by adding a splash of rice vinegar for acidity or a bit of chili paste for heat, tailoring it to your taste preferences.
  4. Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish over jasmine rice for a fragrant experience or try it with whole grain noodles for added nutrition and a different texture.

Variations

Alternative Proteins

You can swap beef for chicken, tofu, or shrimp. Each protein has its own taste and texture. For chicken, slice it thinly like beef. Cook it for about the same time. It should be white and juicy. For tofu, use firm or extra firm. Press it to remove excess water. Cut it into cubes and stir-fry until golden. Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it near the end. Just a few minutes will do!

Vegetable Additions

Want more veggies? Try bell peppers or snap peas! Cut bell peppers into strips and add them with the broccoli. They need about 3-4 minutes to cook. Snap peas can join the party too! They only need 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You want them bright and crisp, not mushy!

Dietary Modifications

If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This way, you keep the flavor but avoid gluten. For a vegan twist, skip the beef and oyster sauce. Use mushrooms for a meaty texture. Add some extra soy sauce for flavor. You can make this dish fit any diet!

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store your leftover beef broccoli stir fry, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents odors from mixing. Use containers made of glass or BPA-free plastic. These materials are safe and easy to clean.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to freeze your stir fry, make sure it cools completely. Divide it into portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

For reheating, you can use a microwave or skillet. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir the dish well between each burst to heat evenly. In a skillet, add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat over medium until warmed through.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, your beef broccoli stir fry will last about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, it can stay good for about 2 to 3 months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just remember to thaw it first. Drain any extra water. Frozen broccoli cooks quickly, so you may need less time than fresh. Stir-fry it until bright green. This keeps it crisp and tasty.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

If you avoid shellfish, try soy sauce mixed with a bit of sugar. Another option is hoisin sauce. Both give a rich flavor. You can also use mushroom sauce for a similar taste.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers. A dash of hot sauce works well too. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Start small and taste as you go.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep ingredients in advance. Marinate the beef and chop the veggies. Store them separately in the fridge. This keeps them fresh. Cook them right before serving for the best taste.

This stir-fry guide covers essential ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for success. You learned to marinate beef, cook veggies perfectly, and avoid common mistakes. Experimenting with proteins and adding your favorite vegetables can make it your own. Remember to store leftovers safely and enjoy them later. With this knowledge, you can create tasty meals that impress. Happy cookin

- 1 pound beef flank steak - 3 cups broccoli florets - 4 cloves garlic - 1 tablespoon ginger - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 teaspoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup water To make a great beef broccoli stir fry, you need fresh, quality ingredients. The beef flank steak is key. It’s tender and flavorful when sliced thin. Broccoli florets add a nice crunch and color. Garlic and ginger bring a warm aroma. Soy sauce and oyster sauce give the dish a savory depth. Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce for a perfect coating. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor. Sugar balances the saltiness, while salt and pepper round it all out. - Toasted sesame seeds - Cooked rice or noodles Adding toasted sesame seeds on top gives extra crunch. Serving it over rice or noodles makes it filling and satisfying. You can mix and match these garnishes to suit your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, place your thinly sliced beef in a large bowl. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together well. This marinade adds flavor and tenderness to the beef. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This time helps the beef soak up the sauce. Next, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the marinated beef to the skillet in a single layer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally. This helps the beef cook evenly and brown nicely. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry these for about 30 seconds. You want them to become fragrant but not burn. After that, add your broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes. The broccoli should be bright green and just tender. Now, return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in 1/4 cup of water and stir everything well. Let this mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes. This step helps everything blend together. Taste the dish and adjust the flavors. You can add more soy sauce or sugar if needed. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for a nice touch. To make a great beef broccoli stir fry, heat is key. Use medium-high heat for fast cooking. This keeps the beef juicy and the broccoli bright. A wok or a large skillet is best for this dish. The wide surface helps to cook the meat and veggies evenly. One common mistake is overcooking broccoli. You want it bright green and slightly tender. Cook it for just 3-5 minutes. Another mistake is not marinating the beef long enough. Fifteen minutes is the minimum. Longer marinating adds flavor and tenderness. You can boost flavor with extra sauces. Try adding hoisin or chili sauce for more depth. Balancing sweetness and saltiness is important too. Adjust the sugar and soy sauce to your taste. This will make every bite delicious. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor absorption. If time allows, marinate overnight in the refrigerator for the best results. Perfectly Cooked Broccoli: To achieve tender yet crisp broccoli, cook it until it's bright green and slightly tender but still has a crunch. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture. Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to customize the sauce by adding a splash of rice vinegar for acidity or a bit of chili paste for heat, tailoring it to your taste preferences. Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish over jasmine rice for a fragrant experience or try it with whole grain noodles for added nutrition and a different texture. {{image_2}} You can swap beef for chicken, tofu, or shrimp. Each protein has its own taste and texture. For chicken, slice it thinly like beef. Cook it for about the same time. It should be white and juicy. For tofu, use firm or extra firm. Press it to remove excess water. Cut it into cubes and stir-fry until golden. Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it near the end. Just a few minutes will do! Want more veggies? Try bell peppers or snap peas! Cut bell peppers into strips and add them with the broccoli. They need about 3-4 minutes to cook. Snap peas can join the party too! They only need 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You want them bright and crisp, not mushy! If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This way, you keep the flavor but avoid gluten. For a vegan twist, skip the beef and oyster sauce. Use mushrooms for a meaty texture. Add some extra soy sauce for flavor. You can make this dish fit any diet! To store your leftover beef broccoli stir fry, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents odors from mixing. Use containers made of glass or BPA-free plastic. These materials are safe and easy to clean. If you want to freeze your stir fry, make sure it cools completely. Divide it into portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, you can use a microwave or skillet. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir the dish well between each burst to heat evenly. In a skillet, add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat over medium until warmed through. In the fridge, your beef broccoli stir fry will last about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, it can stay good for about 2 to 3 months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just remember to thaw it first. Drain any extra water. Frozen broccoli cooks quickly, so you may need less time than fresh. Stir-fry it until bright green. This keeps it crisp and tasty. If you avoid shellfish, try soy sauce mixed with a bit of sugar. Another option is hoisin sauce. Both give a rich flavor. You can also use mushroom sauce for a similar taste. You can add red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers. A dash of hot sauce works well too. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Start small and taste as you go. Yes, you can prep ingredients in advance. Marinate the beef and chop the veggies. Store them separately in the fridge. This keeps them fresh. Cook them right before serving for the best taste. This stir-fry guide covers essential ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for success. You learned to marinate beef, cook veggies perfectly, and avoid common mistakes. Experimenting with proteins and adding your favorite vegetables can make it your own. Remember to store leftovers safely and enjoy them later. With this knowledge, you can create tasty meals that impress. Happy cooking!

Beefy Broccoli Delight

A savory stir-fry featuring tender beef and vibrant broccoli in a flavorful sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound beef flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 quarter cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 quarter cup water
  • for garnish toasted sesame seeds
  • for serving cooked rice or noodles

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes until browned. Stir occasionally to cook evenly. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender.
  • Return the cooked beef to the skillet and pour in 1/4 cup of water. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, adding more water if necessary until the broccoli is tender but not overcooked.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more soy sauce or sugar based on your preference.
  • Serve hot over a bed of cooked rice or noodles, garnished with toasted sesame seeds for an added crunch.

Notes

Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Keyword beef, broccoli, quick meal, stir-fry

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