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Beef Broccoli Recipe Easy Stir Fry Classic

Beef Broccoli Recipe

A classic Chinese-American stir-fry featuring tender, marinated beef and crisp-tender broccoli florets in a savory garlic ginger sauce. This dish comes together quickly for a perfect weeknight meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Calories: 370

Ingredients
  

For the Beef and Marinade
  • 500 g flank steak or sirloin very thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornflour
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Stir Fry Sauce
  • 120 ml low-sodium beef broth or stock
  • 60 ml dark soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
For the Stir Fry
  • 1 large head of broccoli about 450g, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 2 tbsp vegetable or rapeseed oil divided
  • 3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • Cooked jasmine rice for serving
  • Toasted sesame seeds and sliced spring onions for garnish

Method
 

  1. Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 1 tbsp of light soy sauce, 1 tbsp of cornflour, and the sesame oil. Toss well to ensure every piece is coated. Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step, known as velveting, is crucial for tender beef.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: While the beef marinates, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a separate small bowl: beef broth, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and the remaining 1 tbsp of cornflour. Whisk until the cornflour is fully dissolved.
  3. Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a small pan of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for just 60 seconds. Immediately drain and run under cold water (or plunge into an ice bath) to stop the cooking process. This keeps it vibrant green and crisp.
  4. Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large frying pan or wok over a high heat until it's shimmering. Add the beef in a single layer, working in two batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until nicely browned but not cooked all the way through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
  5. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium-high. Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil to the pan. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let them burn.
  6. Combine and Thicken: Add the blanched broccoli to the pan and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes. Give the sauce a quick re-whisk and pour it into the pan. Bring it to a simmer, stirring constantly. I find that it thickens up beautifully in about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Finish the Dish: Return the seared beef and any accumulated juices to the pan. Toss everything together for about a minute to coat the beef and broccoli in the glossy sauce and to finish cooking the beef.
  8. Serve Immediately: Serve the beef and broccoli straight away over hot jasmine rice, garnished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh spring onions.

Notes

For the best texture, avoid overcrowding the pan when searing the beef. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.