Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This recipe delivers a classic, savory, and satisfying stir-fry with tender beef and crisp-tender broccoli florets. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that comes together quickly and is packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- For the Beef and Marinade:
- 1 lb beef, such as sirloin, flank steak, or top round, thinly sliced against the grain into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 heads of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for a similar flavor)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, minced garlic, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. The cornstarch is crucial here as it helps to tenderize the beef and gives it a velvety texture when cooked, also preventing it from drying out.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and sesame oil until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Set this aside. This sauce is the key to a glossy, flavorful coating for the stir-fry.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and about 2-3 tablespoons of water. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside. This pre-cooking step ensures the broccoli is perfectly cooked without overcooking the other ingredients.
- Cook the Beef: Add another tablespoon of oil to the same skillet over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until it’s browned and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to do this in batches. This high heat is important for a good sear. Once cooked, remove the beef and set it aside with the broccoli.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion, sliced red bell pepper, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the vegetables begin to soften and the aromatics are fragrant.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked beef and broccoli to the skillet with the vegetables. Give the pre-made sauce a quick whisk to ensure the cornstarch hasn’t settled, then pour it over everything. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients. The cornstarch in the sauce will make it glossy and cling to the beef and vegetables, creating a rich, restaurant-quality finish.
- Serve: Spoon the beef and broccoli stir-fry generously over a bed of warm, fluffy white rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!