Beef Broccoli Stir Fry is a classic Chinese dish easily made home with simple ingredients. The combination of tender strips of beef and crisp broccoli florets tossed in a savory brown sauce will satisfy any cravings for takeout. While the recipe is fairly straightforward, cooking the beef can be tricky. Overcooking can result in tough and chewy meat, while undercooking can be unpleasantly raw. In this regard, there are a few tips and tricks to ensure that your beef stays tender and juicy, making your homemade Beef Broccoli Stir Fry even more delicious.
What is Beef Broccoli?
Beef and broccoli is a popular Chinese-American stir-fry dish consisting of thinly sliced beef and broccoli florets cooked in a savory sauce. It's known for its delicious combination of tender beef and crisp-tender broccoli, all in a flavorful sauce.
Beef Broccoli Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
For the Beef Marinade:
- Flat iron steak: Provides the main protein source and texture for the dish.
- Dark soy sauce or low sodium soy sauce: Adds saltiness and a savory flavor while also helping to tenderize the meat.
- Peanut oil or sesame oil: Imparts a nutty flavor and helps in marinating the meat.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickener for the marinade and helps create a coating on the beef.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle spiciness and enhances the overall flavor.
For the Sauce:
- Water combined with Knorr Reduced sodium Beef or chicken flavored bouillon: Forms the base of the sauce and adds a savory, umami taste.
- Shaoxing wine: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce's flavor.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides saltiness and contributes to the overall savory profile.
- Mushroom-flavored dark soy sauce or dark soy sauce: Enhances the sauce's color and imparts a rich, deep flavor.
- Oyster sauce: Offers sweetness, umami, and a glossy texture to the sauce.
- Sugar: Balances the flavors by adding a touch of sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Functions as a thickening agent for the sauce.
- Rice wine: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Asian toasted sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma and flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: Introduces a subtle heat to the sauce.
For the Stir-fry:
- Broccoli florets: Contribute texture, color, and a fresh, slightly bitter taste to the dish.
- Peanut oil: Serves as the cooking oil and adds a neutral flavor to the stir-fry.
- Garlic cloves: Enhance the dish with a pungent, aromatic flavor.
- Fresh ginger: Provides a warm, zesty, and slightly spicy element to the stir-fry.
- Dried red chilies: Impart spiciness and fragrance to the dish, adding a touch of heat.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Beef Broccoli Stir Fry
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Microwave the broccoli in a glass bowl covered with plastic wrap (holes poked for ventilation) for about 2 minutes until tender. Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips. Then, place the beef into a medium mixing bowl, add the marinade ingredients to the bowl, and stir to combine. Let it sit for at least 15 to 20 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
In a separate small bowl, stir together all the sauce ingredients until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Heat a 14-inch wok on high heat and add the oil. Once hot, toss the chilies and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the marinated beef to the pan. Cook for about 1 minute, continually moving the meat so it browns on all sides but is still rare.
Once the beef is seared, add the garlic and ginger, and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the broccoli and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the sauce mixture and keep it all moving. Scrape any bits off the bottom of the pan before they start to burn once the sauce has turned into a thick glaze, about 1 minute or so. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Transfer the beef broccoli to a serving platter and serve with white rice and Chinese cucumber salad. Enjoy our Beef Broccoli!
Substitutions
- Beef: You can use other cuts of beef, such as sirloin, ribeye, or ground beef. Just be sure to cut it into thin strips if it's a thicker cut.
- Soy Sauce: If you don't have mushroom-flavored dark soy sauce, you can use regular dark soy sauce or a combination of regular soy sauce and low-sodium soy sauce.
- Shaoxing wine: If you don't have Shaoxing wine, you can substitute it with dry sherry or rice vinegar.
- Oil: You can use other neutral-flavored oils, such as canola or vegetable oil.
- Cornstarch: You can use potato starch or tapioca starch instead of cornstarch.
- Seasonings: You can adjust the seasonings to your taste, using more or less black pepper, red pepper flakes, or dried red chili.
- Knorr Reduced Sodium Beef flavor bouillon: You can substitute with beef broth or bouillon cubes.
Variations
- Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry: Substitute chicken breast for beef and follow the recipe as directed. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra flavor.
- Tofu Broccoli Stir Fry: Substitute firm tofu for beef and follow the recipe as directed. Be sure to press the tofu to remove excess water before using it.
- Mushroom Broccoli Stir Fry: Use a variety of mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster, or cremini, instead of beef. Follow the recipe as directed, adding the mushrooms to the broccoli.
- Spicy Beef Broccoli Stir Fry: Add extra red pepper flakes, sliced fresh chili peppers, or a drizzle of hot chili oil for extra heat.
- Garlic Beef Broccoli Stir Fry: Add extra garlic to the recipe, using minced instead of granulated garlic.
- Ginger Beef Broccoli Stir Fry: Add extra ginger to the recipe, using freshly grated ginger instead of ground ginger.
How to Serve
- Steamed Rice: Serve the Beef Broccoli Stir Fry over white, brown, or fried rice.
- Side Salad: Serve a simple salad of cucumber slices or mixed greens dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance out the dish's richness.
- Vegetable Side: Serve a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables, such as baby bok choy or snow peas, to add more nutrition and color to the meal.
- Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped scallions or cilantro over the Beef Broccoli Stir Fry before serving for added freshness and flavor.
- Condiments: Serve soy sauce, hot sauce, or chili oil on the side for those who want to add extra flavor or heat to their dish.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Let it cool to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It's important to use a container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent air and moisture from entering, which can cause the dish to spoil or dry out. Before storing, separate any leftover rice or noodles from the beef and broccoli to prevent the vegetables from getting mushy.
To reheat: You can use a few different methods. One simple method is to microwave it in a covered microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes or until heated. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet or wok with a little oil over medium heat, occasionally stirring until heated.
If the dish seems dry, add a little water or broth to moisten it. Be careful not to overheat the beef, as this can cause it to become tough and dry. Once reheated, serve the Beef Broccoli Stir Fry with freshly steamed rice and any desired condiments or garnishes.
Make-Ahead
Beef Broccoli Stir Fry can be partially made ahead to make cooking dinner faster and easier. You can slice the beef and chop the garlic and ginger beforehand, then store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge until ready to use. You can also make the sauce ahead of time and store it in a separate container in the fridge. On the day of serving, cook the broccoli and stir-fry the beef according to the recipe, then add the garlic, ginger, and sauce as directed.
How to Freeze
Beef Broccoli Stir Fry can be frozen for up to 2-3 months, but it's important to freeze the beef and broccoli separately to prevent the vegetables from getting mushy. To freeze, let the Beef Broccoli Stir Fry cool to room temperature, then transfer the beef to a freezer-safe container and the broccoli to a separate freezer-safe container. Label and date the containers, then place them in the freezer.
When ready to eat, thaw the beef and broccoli in the fridge overnight, stir-fry the beef according to the recipe, add the garlic, ginger, and sauce as directed, and steam the broccoli separately. Freezing may affect the texture of the vegetables, so it's best to enjoy the Beef Broccoli Stir Fry fresh if possible.
Tips for Making The Best Beef Broccoli Stir Fry
- Cut the beef against the grain: This will help to break down the muscle fibers and make the beef more tender.
- Marinate the beef for at least 15-20 minutes: This will infuse the beef with flavor and help to tenderize it.
- Use high heat: Stir-frying is a quick cooking method that requires high heat to ensure that the beef and vegetables cook quickly and evenly. Be sure to heat your wok or skillet thoroughly before adding the oil.
- Don't overcook the beef: Overcooking it can make it tough and chewy. Cook the beef until it's browned on the outside but still pink on the inside.
- Use fresh broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, trim the stems and cut the florets into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Thicken the sauce: Cornstarch thickens the sauce and gives it a glossy appearance. Be sure to dissolve the cornstarch completely in the sauce to avoid lumps.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning: Before serving, taste the Beef Broccoli Stir Fry and adjust the seasoning as needed. Depending on your taste, you may need to add more salt, soy sauce, or sugar.
- Serve immediately: Beef Broccoli Stir Fry is best served immediately while hot and fresh. If you need to reheat leftovers, be careful not to overcook the beef or broccoli.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of protein?
The beef can be substituted with other ingredients like chicken, pork, or tofu.
What type of beef do you use for stir fry?
Use tender beef cuts such as sirloin, flank steak, tri-tip, ribeye, shoulder blade, top sirloin, tenderloin, and flat iron.
How do you make beef tender?
I recommend stabbing the beef with a fork to help tenderize the meat. This technique usually works great for cheap steak with muscle fibers.
Can I use frozen broccoli in Beef Broccoli Stir Fry?
You can use frozen broccoli in Beef Broccoli Stir Fry. Steam the frozen broccoli in the microwave or stovetop until tender, then add it to the stir-fry as directed.
Can I use a different cut of beef in a Beef Broccoli Stir Fry?
You can use a different cut of beef, such as sirloin, ribeye, or ground beef. Just be sure to cut it into thin strips if it's a thicker cut.
Can I make Beef Broccoli Stir Fry ahead of time?
You can partially make Beef Broccoli Stir Fry ahead of time by slicing the beef and chopping the garlic and ginger, then storing them in the fridge until ready. You can also make the sauce ahead of time and store it in a separate container in the fridge. However, it's best to cook the broccoli and stir-fry the beef fresh on the day of serving.
Related Recipes:
- Hot Chili Oil
- Salt and Pepper Shrimp
- Spicy Honey Chicken “No Deep Frying Required”
- General Tso Chicken
- Sweet Sour Fish
Recipe
Easy Beef Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 lb flat iron steak , cut into ¼ inch thick strips
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce or low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil or sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper , to taste
For the Sauce:
- ⅓ cup water combined with ¼ teaspoon Knorr Reduced sodium Beef or chicken flavored bouillon
- 2 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon mushroom flavored dark soy sauce or dark soy sauce
- ¼ cup oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons rice wine
- 1 teaspoon Asian toasted sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the Stir-fry:
- 1-½ pounds broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil
- 3 garlic cloves , minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger , grated
- 3 dried red chilies
Instructions
- Microwave the broccoli in a glass bowl covered with plastic wrap (holes poked for ventilation), about 2 minutes until tender.
- Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips. Then, place the beef into a medium mixing bowl, add the marinade ingredients to the bowl and stir to combine. Let it sit for at least 15 to 20 minutes or as long as overnight in the refrigerator.
- In a separate small bowl, stir together all the sauce ingredients until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Heat a 14-inch wok on high heat and add the oil. Once hot, toss the chilies and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the marinated beef into the pan. Cook for about 1 minute, continually moving the meat, so it browns on all sides but is still rare.
- Once the beef is seared, add the garlic, ginger, and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the broccoli and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the sauce mixture and keep it all moving. Scrape any bits off the bottom of the pan before they start to burn once the sauce has turned into a thick glaze, about 1 minute or so. Taste and adjust salt, if needed. Transfer the beef broccoli to a serving platter and serve with white rice and Chinese cucumber salad. Enjoy our Beef Broccoli!
Notes
- Chinese Beef Broccoli Stir Fry can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days. Then, reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
- The beef can be substituted by other ingredients like chicken, pork, or tofu.
If you reduce the heat during the cooking of the first batch, return it to medium-high, adding more oil as needed; once the oil is shimmering, repeat with the remaining beef. - Frying the beef in batches can help ensure an evenly golden crust on all of them; make sure to move them around for consistent cooking.
- You can use any neutral frying oil with a high smoke point. I like to use peanut oil or sunflower oil.
- Adjust the sweetness and spiciness level according to your taste.
- I recommend stabbing the beef with a fork to help tenderize the meat: This technique usually works great for cheap steak with muscle fibers. You can also add one teaspoon of baking soda to the marinade to help tenderize the meat.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.