Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry (Printable version)

Tender beef and crisp broccoli in savory soy-garlic sauce, ready in 30 minutes.

# Ingredients list:

→ For the Stir-Fry

01 - 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced across the grain
02 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
03 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
04 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
05 - 10 oz broccoli florets
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

→ For the Sauce

08 - 4 tablespoons soy sauce
09 - 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
10 - 2 tablespoons water
11 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
12 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch
13 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil

→ For Serving

14 - 1 ½ cups jasmine or long-grain rice, cooked
15 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
16 - 2 spring onions, sliced

# Steps:

01 - Toss the sliced flank steak with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes to tenderize.
02 - Whisk together 4 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Remove from pan.
04 - Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Spread marinated beef in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 1 minute. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned and nearly cooked through.
05 - Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
06 - Return broccoli to the pan. Pour in sauce mixture and toss to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens and all components are heated through.
07 - Plate over steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced spring onions if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The velveting technique makes even budget cuts of beef restaurant tender
  • Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, faster than delivery
  • The sauce strikes that perfect balance between salty, sweet, and umami
02 -
  • High heat is not optional, medium heat will give you steamed beef instead of stir fry
  • Overcrowding the pan drops the temperature and creates a stew instead of a sear
  • The sauce looks thin at first but thickens rapidly once it hits the hot pan
03 -
  • Freeze your flank steak for 20 minutes before slicing, it becomes firm and easier to cut thinly
  • Pat your beef completely dry before velvet, water prevents the cornstarch from adhering properly
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