Description
My simple Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a lifesaver for busy evenings. Tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce pure comfort!
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Tender Beef:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Vibrant Veggies & Aromatics:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- The Savory Stir Fry Sauce:
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Finishing Touches (Optional):
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Beef, Mama Tessa Style:: First things first, let’s get that beef ready! Slice your flank steak super thin, against the grain. This is where the tenderness magic happens, trust me. In a bowl, toss the beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Give it a good mix with your hands – yes, get in there! Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes while you get everything else prepped. This little marinade step makes all the difference for a juicy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry.
- Veggies and Sauce, Ready to Go:: While the beef is doing its thing, chop your broccoli into bite-sized florets. Mince your garlic and ginger – I always aim for a generous amount, you know? And slice your onion. Now, for the sauce: in a separate small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, remaining cornstarch, and the rest of the sesame oil. Whisk until it’s smooth and the cornstarch is dissolved. Having everything prepped before you start cooking is key; stir-frying moves fast, and you don’t want to be scrambling!
- Searing the Beef for Your Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry:: Time to get cooking! Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your wok or a large skillet over high heat until it’s shimmering. Add about half of the marinated beef in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or it’ll steam instead of sear, and we want a beautiful brown crust! Cook for just 1-2 minutes per side until it’s nicely browned. Remove the beef to a plate and repeat with the remaining beef, adding a little more oil if needed. It should smell amazing already, that savory beef scent is just the best!
- Broccoli’s Moment to Shine:: Add another tablespoon of oil to the same wok. Toss in your broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, until they’re bright green and just tender-crisp. I like mine with a little char, honestly. If they look a bit dry, a tiny splash of water (like a tablespoon) and covering for a minute can help steam them a bit. Remove the broccoli to the plate with the beef. This step gets the kitchen smelling like a fresh garden, it’s lovely.
- Aromatics and Bringing it All Together:: Reduce the heat to medium-high. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the wok. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Now, pour in your prepared sauce, whisking constantly. Let it simmer and thicken for about 1-2 minutes; it should get wonderfully glossy. This is where the magic happens, watching that sauce transform! It’s such a satisfying moment, honestly.
- Final Stir Fry Magic:: Once the sauce is thick and bubbly, return the seared beef and the tender-crisp broccoli to the wok. Add your sliced onion now, too. Toss everything gently to coat it evenly in that glorious, glossy sauce. Cook for another minute or two, just until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded. The whole kitchen should smell incredible now, like a bustling takeout joint! Serve your Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry immediately and enjoy that satisfying warmth.