#1 Quick Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

The Inspiration Behind the Dish

My Favorite is Quick Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry and When I first started cooking at home regularly, I often found myself craving the familiar, comforting flavors of my favorite takeout dishes. One of those was Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. It’s a classic dish that always satisfied me after a long day, but I wanted to create a version that was quick, healthy, and just as delicious as what I could order from my local Chinese restaurant. I remember thinking, “Why not make it myself?” That’s how my journey began with this recipe.

Experimenting in the Kitchen

The first time I tried making Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, I had some doubts. Would I be able to achieve that perfect balance of savory and sweet? I started by marinating thin slices of top sirloin steak, a cut that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. I wanted to keep it simple yet flavorful, so I mixed soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and a touch of sugar. The aroma from the marinade alone reassured me that I was on the right track.

The Joy of Cooking at Home

One of the things I love most about this dish is how quickly it all comes together. Once the beef is seared and the vegetables are tender, it’s just a matter of tossing everything in that savory stir fry sauce. I still remember the first time I made this for my family—they were amazed at how delicious and fresh it tasted. It was like bringing a bit of the restaurant experience right into our kitchen, and that made all the difference.

Sharing the Love

Now, whenever I make this Quick Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride. It’s become a go-to recipe, especially on busy weeknights when I want something tasty and nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen. I always serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds. It’s simple, satisfying, and a wonderful way to share a bit of homemade love with the people who mean the most to me.

Chef’s Notes-Quick Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a quick process, and having everything chopped and measured will make the cooking smoother and more enjoyable.
• Marinate the beef for at least 15 minutes, but for a deeper flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours in the fridge. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
• Use high heat when stir-frying. It helps to quickly sear the beef and vegetables, preserving their color, texture, and flavor. If your pan isn’t hot enough, the ingredients may steam instead of sear.
• If your stir fry sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more beef broth or water. If it’s too thin, let it cook a bit longer to thicken or add a bit more cornstarch mixed with water.
• Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or baby corn. These can add more color and texture to the dish.
• When searing the beef, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the beef browns properly instead of steaming.

Quick Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Course: Main CourseCuisine: American, ChineseDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

25

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

Total time

35

minutes

Dive into this mouthwatering Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, a homemade twist on the classic takeout favorite! Thinly sliced beef sirloin is marinated and seared to perfection with fresh broccoli and carrots, all tossed in a savory-sweet sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve over white rice and garnish with scallions for a restaurant-quality meal at home!

Ingredients

• 1 lb top sirloin steak thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry

• 1 tsp granulated sugar

• 1/2 tsp white pepper

• 3 cups broccoli florets

• 1 cup sliced carrots

• 2 tbsp grapeseed oil or canola oil

• 3 cloves minced garlic

• 1/2 cup beef broth or stock

• 2 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp granulated sugar

• Cooked white rice

• Sliced scallions for garnish

• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

• Marinate the Beef: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, granulated sugar, and white pepper. Add the thinly sliced beef and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
• Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef marinates, cut the broccoli into florets and slice the carrots thinly. Mince the garlic and set aside.
• Make the Stir Fry Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, and granulated sugar until smooth.
• Cook the Beef: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of grapeseed oil and swirl to coat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for about 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
• Serve: Serve the beef and broccoli stir fry over cooked white rice. Garnish with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• wok or large skillet
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 350kcal
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Potassium: 700mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Vitamin A: 120IU
• Vitamin C: 150mg
• Calcium: 10mg
• Iron: 20mg

FAQ-Quick Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, flank steak or ribeye can also work well. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.

What can I use if I don’t have a wok?

A large skillet or sauté pan works as a good alternative. Just ensure it’s large enough to allow the ingredients to move around freely.

How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?

The key is to slice the beef thinly and cook it quickly over high heat. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the beef tough.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the vegetables and marinate the beef ahead of time. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to stir fry the dish just before serving. Reheating might slightly alter the texture of the vegetables.