This easy beef and broccoli stir fry delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. I’ve been making this recipe for over twenty years, and it never fails to satisfy my family’s craving for takeout without leaving the house.
There’s something magical about the sizzle of beef hitting a hot pan and the vibrant green of fresh broccoli that takes me back to my early days of marriage. My husband used to request Chinese takeout every Friday night, but after learning this recipe from a dear friend, I realized I could make it better at home. The secret is cutting the beef against the grain and getting that pan smoking hot—two little tricks that make all the difference. Now this easy beef and broccoli stir fry has become our go-to weeknight dinner, and I’m excited to share it with you. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
This homemade version brings all the comfort of your favorite Chinese restaurant right to your dinner table, with the added bonus of knowing exactly what goes into every bite. I’ve served this to countless family gatherings, and it never fails to disappear from the serving dish first.
Quick and easy preparation in just 30 minutes from start to finish
One-pan cooking means minimal cleanup on busy weeknights
Healthier than takeout with no preservatives or excess sodium
Budget-friendly using affordable cuts of beef that become incredibly tender
Customizable with your family’s favorite vegetables or protein substitutions
Perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day
This savory stir fry is more than just dinner—it’s a reliable recipe that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
Ingredient Note List
London Broil Steak: I always choose London broil because it becomes incredibly tender when sliced thin against the grain, and it’s much more budget-friendly than expensive cuts while delivering amazing flavor.
Fresh Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli gives you that perfect crisp-tender texture that frozen just can’t match, plus the bright green color makes this easy beef and broccoli stir fry look restaurant-beautiful.
Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Using low sodium soy sauce lets you control the saltiness while still getting that rich, umami depth that makes this dish so satisfying.
Sesame Oil: This aromatic oil adds a nutty, toasted flavor that’s essential for authentic-tasting stir fry—a little goes a long way.
Light Brown Sugar: The subtle sweetness balances the salty soy sauce perfectly and helps create that glossy, caramelized coating on the beef.
Fresh Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics form the flavor foundation of the sauce — also key to bold dishes like my garlic butter shrimp pasta. and I always use fresh because the difference in taste is remarkable.
Cornstarch: This thickening agent creates that silky, restaurant-style sauce that clings beautifully to every piece of beef and broccoli.
How to Cook Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Step 1.I always start by getting my rice going first since it takes the longest — a step that pairs beautifully with cozy recipes like creamy white chicken chili too.—this way everything finishes at the same time for a perfectly coordinated meal.
Step 2. My grandmother taught me to slice beef when it’s slightly frozen because it cuts much cleaner, so I pop mine in the freezer for 15 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips.
Step 3. In a small bowl, I whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth—this easy beef and broccoli stir fry sauce comes together in seconds and smells absolutely incredible.
Step 4. I heat one tablespoon of oil in my largest skillet over medium heat, then add the broccoli with a splash of water and cover it to steam for about 5 minutes until bright green.
Step 5. After removing the broccoli, I crank the heat to medium-high and add the remaining oil—the pan needs to be hot enough that the beef sizzles immediately when it hits.
Step 6. I spread the beef strips in a single layer and resist the urge to move them for 2 minutes — just like when I make my skirt steak tacos and want that perfect sear.which creates that beautiful golden sear that locks in all the juices.
Step 7. Once I flip the beef and cook another 2 minutes, I pour in the sauce and watch it bubble and thicken as the heat works its magic.
Step 8. The final step is adding back the broccoli and tossing everything together until every piece is coated in that glossy, flavorful sauce.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store any leftover easy beef and broccoli stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop overnight, making leftovers taste even more delicious than the original meal.
For freezing, I recommend portioning the cooled stir fry into individual containers where it keeps well for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.
When reheating, I prefer using a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through—just cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Quick and healthy 30-minute beef and broccoli stir fry in a rich garlic-ginger sauce. Better than takeout and perfect for meal prep!
If serving with rice, start cooking it according to package instructions.
Cut steak thinly across the grain. Partially frozen meat slices more easily.
In a small bowl, mix hot water, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and pepper until smooth.
Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a skillet over medium. Add broccoli and 2 tbsp water, cover, and steam for 5 minutes until bright green. Transfer to a bowl.
Heat remaining oil in skillet over medium-high. Add beef in a single layer and sear for ~2 minutes per side until browned (cook in batches if needed).
Pour sauce over beef. Reduce heat and simmer for 4–5 minutes until thickened.
Add broccoli back to skillet and toss to coat.
Serve hot over rice and garnish with sesame seeds, if desired.
Notes
Slice steak thinly against the grain for tenderness. Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor. For meal prep, keep sauce separate and mix upon reheating.
What to Serve with Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy, slightly sticky texture of jasmine rice perfectly soaks up every drop of that savory stir fry sauce, making each bite complete.
Coconut Rice: For something special, I love serving this over coconut rice—the subtle sweetness complements the salty-sweet flavors beautifully.
Rice Noodles: Wide rice noodles turn this into a completely different but equally satisfying meal that feels like restaurant pad see ew.
Simple Asian Cucumber Salad: The crisp, refreshing crunch of cucumber salad with rice vinegar provides the perfect cooling contrast to the warm, savory stir fry.
Steamed Dumplings: My family loves when I add frozen dumplings to make it feel like a complete Chinese feast without any extra work.
Crispy Egg Rolls: Store-bought egg rolls become something special when served alongside this homemade easy beef and broccoli stir fry for a satisfying combination of textures.
FAQs
How do I make the beef extra tender in this stir fry?
I recommend slicing the beef against the grain when it’s slightly frozen, which makes cutting easier and ensures every bite is tender rather than chewy.
Can I substitute the London broil with a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! I often use flank steak, sirloin, or even tri-tip when they’re on sale—just make sure to slice them thin against the grain for the best results.
Why does my sauce turn out too thick or too thin?
The cornstarch needs to be whisked completely smooth with the other liquid ingredients before adding to the hot pan, and remember that it thickens quickly once it heats up.
How many calories are in this easy beef and broccoli stir fry?
Each serving contains approximately 320-350 calories when served over rice, making it a reasonably light but satisfying dinner option that’s high in protein and nutrients.
