Easy Beef and Broccoli
This quick and satisfying stir-fry features tender beef and crisp broccoli coated in a sweet-savory soy-sesame sauce, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry
- 1 lb beef (sirloin or flank steak), sliced thinly against the grain Flank or sirloin work best. For even faster prep, ask your butcher to slice it thin.
- 2 cups broccoli florets Frozen florets will work in a pinch—thaw and drain first.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Use low-sodium if you’re watching salt.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil Omit if necessary and finish with a drizzle of toasted sesame seeds instead.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil Use high-heat oil.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Instructions
Preparation
- Whisk the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Stir until smooth.
- Heat the pan: Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Let it shimmer.
Cooking
- Sear the beef: Add the thinly sliced beef in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 1–2 minutes to get a good sear, then stir and cook until mostly browned (about 2–3 minutes total).
- Add aromatics and broccoli: Push the beef to the side, add minced garlic, then add the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until broccoli is bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Finish with sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes as the sauce bubbles and thickens to a glossy glaze that coats everything.
Serve
- Remove from heat and serve hot over steamed rice or your favorite grain.
Notes
For a heartier meal, toss in sliced bell pepper or mushrooms. You can also prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time to cut down on prep time.