Beef and broccoli: a fast and delicious stir-fry recipe

This easy-to-make stir-fry is as mouthwateringly tasty as it is healthy. Beef and broccoli is a quick recipe you can whip up in under 20 minutes, which makes it a stellar option for busy families looking to keep things simple without skimping on flavor or nutrition. It's a healthier take on a takeaway favorite that you can tuck into without worrying about excess grease or salt content. Wondering what kind of sauce is used for beef and broccoli? It's a lightly sweet, wonderfully fragrant ginger-garlicky soy sauce that is just so good. This ultra-appetizing beef and broccoli boasts loads of fresh flavors and is a fantastic way to get your kids to eat freshly prepared vegetables. You have a few options for cuts of beef, but as far as what kind of beef is best for beef and broccoli, look to flank steak. Flank steak is the best option for this recipe – it stays tender and can hold up to a longer cook time without getting tough.

How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry

Whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with the water in a large bowl.

Add the beef and stir to combine.

In a small bowl, pour the soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic.

Whisk in the remaining tablespoon of cornstarch.

Heat oil in a large wok over medium heat. Add the beef and sauté until nearly cooked through, about 4-5 minutes, making sure to stir continuously. Remove the beef from the wok using a slotted spoon, and set aside.

Add the broccoli and onions to the wok – you can add more if needed.

Stir the vegetables occasionally, and cook until you broccoli becomes fork-tender, about 4 minutes.

Put the beef back into the wok and pour in the soy sauce mix.

Allow it to come to a boil, then simmer for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Garnish with spring onions.

Enjoy on its own or with rice or noodles.

What beef to use for stir fry?

Flank steak (called a bavette in French) is definitely the way to go for this recipe. It has great flavor and won't get tough, especially if you cut it against the grain.

What makes beef tender or tough?

The cut of beef you use will play a major role in whether your beef is tender or tough. Certain cuts don't hold up well to longer cook times and need to be enjoyed medium-rare or lightly seared. If you choose a different cut from flank steak, there are a few ways to make the meat more tender. Use a meat tenderizer, let it come up to room temperature before frying, or marinate the beef ahead of time. Finally, you'll want to cut against the grain of the meat for maximum tenderness.

Can I make beef and broccoli ahead for my busy family?

Beef and broccoli is an excellent make-ahead recipe. To save time during the week, you can meal prep beef and broccoli over the weekend.

How to store beef and broccoli

Whether you're cooking your beef and broccoli ahead of time or want to save leftovers, you can put this dish into air-tight containers and store it in the fridge or freezer. Beef and broccoli lasts about 2-3 days in the refrigerator and about 1 month in the freezer.

Instructions

Whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with the water in a large bowl. Add the beef and stir to combine.

In a small bowl, pour the soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Whisk in the remaining tablespoon of cornstarch.

Heat oil in a large wok over medium heat. Add the beef and sauté until nearly cooked through, about 3-4 minutes, making sure to stir continuously. Remove the beef from the wok using a slotted spoon, and set aside.

Add the broccoli and onions to the wok – you can add more if needed. Stir the vegetables occasionally, and cook until you broccoli becomes fork-tender, about 4 minutes.

Put the beef back into the wok and pour in the soy sauce mix. Allow it to come to a boil, then simmer for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Garnish with spring onions.

Enjoy on its own or with rice or noodles.