Looking for a delicious and quick dinner idea? This easy beef and broccoli stir-fry recipe is a weeknight lifesaver! It’s packed with flavor, super simple to make, and perfect for beginner cooks.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Beef: Flank steak or sirloin are best. You can also use thinly sliced chicken breast.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets work wonderfully. Frozen broccoli can be used, just thaw it first.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
- Ginger & Garlic: Fresh is always best for flavor! Powdered versions can work in a pinch (about 1/2 teaspoon each).
- Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce. No good direct substitute for this.
Ingredients:
For the Beef:
* 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Sauce:
* 1/2 cup beef broth
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Stir-Fry:
* 4 cups broccoli florets
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
* Cooked rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools Needed: Large skillet or wok, whisk, cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef
First, slice your beef very thinly against the grain. This makes it tender! In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with cornstarch, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Set it aside while you prepare everything else.
2. Whisk Together the Sauce
In a separate small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk until smooth and the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This sauce is what makes your beef and broccoli stir-fry so delicious!
3. Cook the Broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Cook the Beef
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot skillet. Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
5. Combine and Thicken
Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet with the beef. Give your prepared sauce a quick whisk again, then pour it over the beef and broccoli. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken quickly as it heats.
6. Serve Your Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking (it should coat the back of a spoon), your easy beef and broccoli stir-fry is ready! Serve immediately over hot cooked rice. Enjoy this simple and satisfying meal!
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover easy beef and broccoli stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave until warmed through, or gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use frozen beef?
Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before marinating and cooking. - What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
You can use apple cider vinegar as a substitute, but use slightly less as it’s stronger. - My sauce isn’t thickening. What should I do?
Ensure you’ve whisked the cornstarch well into the sauce mixture. Continue simmering over medium heat, stirring, and it should thicken. - Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Sliced carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas would be delicious additions. Add them with the broccoli. - Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy. If you like heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger. - How do I get tender beef in stir-fry?
Slicing thinly against the grain and not overcooking are key. The cornstarch in the marinade also helps tenderize the beef.
