This 30-Minute Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dinner made with tender strips of beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce. Better than takeout and ready in just half an hour, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights.

30-Minute Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Easy 30-Minute Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory homemade sauce. Better than takeout and ready fast.
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and beef broth until smooth.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced beef in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until browned. Transfer the beef to a plate.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
- Stir-fry the broccoli for 3 to 4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the beef to the skillet.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beef is cooked through.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain for the most tender texture.
- Avoid overcooking the broccoli to keep it bright green and crisp.
- Stir the sauce before adding it since the cornstarch settles.
- Use a hot skillet or wok for the best sear.
- Fresh ginger adds the best flavor.
Variations
- Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Use chicken instead of beef.
- Add snap peas for extra crunch.
- Make it spicy with crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Substitute tamari for a gluten-free version.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed white rice.
- Pair with brown rice.
- Enjoy with fried rice.
- Serve over noodles.
- Pair with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb meal.
Tips
- Prep all ingredients before cooking since stir-fries cook quickly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the beef.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat.
- Double the sauce if serving with extra rice.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings
Serves: 4
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 24g
- Sodium: 760mg
FAQs
What cut of beef works best for beef and broccoli?
- Flank steak and sirloin are excellent choices because they’re tender when sliced thinly against the grain. Skirt steak also works well.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
- Yes. Thaw it first and pat it dry to remove excess moisture before stir-frying.
How do I keep the beef tender?
- Slice it thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking. Cooking the beef quickly over high heat keeps it juicy.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes. Slice the beef and mix the sauce up to one day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes. Cool completely and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry?
- Steamed rice, fried rice, lo mein noodles, or cauliflower rice all pair perfectly with this dish.
Conclusion
This 30-Minute Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a fast, flavorful meal that’s packed with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a delicious homemade stir-fry sauce. It’s an easy dinner that tastes just like your favorite takeout but comes together in only 30 minutes.