Want to know a secret? I have a weakness for Chinese take-out. Some nights nothing hits the spot quite like those takeout favorites, right? I’ve been ordering beef and broccoli for years and was pretty confident I could make my own version that would be every bit as good or better than my favorite takeout joint.
I’ve made several different versions of this beef and broccoli stir-fry over the past few years and combined a few I liked to make this version. The meal was an instant hit with my whole family and has become our favorite easy dinners over the past 10+ years. With the zing of fresh ginger and plenty of garlic, the stir-fry sauce pairs so well with tender strips of beef and crisp broccoli. The broccoli is cooked until tender, without becoming even a little bit mushy. Next time you get a craving for Chinese food, skip the take-out order and make this instead. It’s just as quick as ordering delivery and tastes even better.
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Both flank and sirloin steak work equally well in this beef and broccoli stir-fry. Sliced into ultra-thin strips, the beef winds up amazingly tender and full of flavor from the sauce. I’ve found some stir-fry recipes everything ends up getting overcooked and mushy from the sauce. That is NOT the case here! The broccoli stayed slightly crisp with a nice bite while the meat has a browned exterior and juicy inside. The sauce for this beef and broccoli stir-fry is one of the best I’ve ever tasted. A combination of oyster sauce and soy sauce lends the salty, savory flavor we can’t get enough of. Two different kinds of vinegar–balsamic and rice wine–add acidity. Don’t skimp on the garlic in this recipe. We use six cloves when we make this recipe and the taste is perfect. Fresh ginger brings everything together with a zest that just can’t be matched by the powdered stuff. If you like a little sweetness to your sauce, a tablespoon of brown sugar will do the trick. I make this both with and without the sugar depending on my mood and enjoy it both ways. Kitchen Tip: I use my favorite skillet and this spatula to make this recipe.
Beef Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe: Stir Fry Ingredients
flank, skirt, or sirloin steak cornstarch soy sauce olive oil broccoli
Sauce Ingredients
oyster sauce rice wine vinegar balsamic vinegar garlic ginger brown sugar, optional
Enjoy the beef and broccoli stir-fry over plain white rice, brown rice, or with this Simple Asian Rice. It’s also tasty with your favorite Asian noodles or served all on its own. For more recipes that are even better than your takeout favorites, check out my Sweet and Sour Noodle Bowls and this Cheater Sesame Chicken by Foodie With Family.
Easy Beef Stir-Fry
Since I first shared this recipe, we’ve found a few more fantastic beef stir-fry recipes that are way better than take-out–and just as fast. Thai Steak and Green Bean Stir Fry is another favorite as is this Mongolian Beef with Noodles. If you like Korean flavors, you’re sure to love Cheater Korean Beef which was inspired by one of our favorite restaurant dishes and remains a much-requested meal. For more great stir fry recipes, check out this Spicy Chicken and Bacon Stir Fry. It has been one of my favorite go-to dinners for years now. We also love this Sweet and Sour Ham Ball Stir Fry and this Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry by Center Cut Cook {originally published 4/12/14 – recipe notes and photos updated 8/14/23} recipe inspired by and/or adapted from with thanks to Steamy Kitchen, America’s Test Kitchen, Mel’s Kitchen Cafe, Everyday Food
