Simple Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry: 1 Amazing Meal

Oh, the weeknight dinner dash. We’ve all been there, staring into the fridge at 6 PM realizing we have zero energy left, but someone in the house is definitely hungry! That’s why this recipe is my absolute hero. When I need something that tastes like I spent hours on it but actually took thirty minutes tops, I whip up this Simple Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry.

Seriously, this version, using flank steak sliced just right, is the ticket. Flank steak cooks up so fast and holds onto that gorgeous sauce perfectly. It’s my go-to because it delivers huge flavor without any fuss, and cleanup is minimal if you use a big skillet like I do. You can read more about my specific beef and broccoli technique right here: the secret to a proper stir fry. Trust me, you need this in your rotation!

Why You Will Love This Simple Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

This isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s a flavor explosion that respects your time! You can get this on the table in about 30 minutes total, which is honestly amazing for how restaurant-worthy it tastes. Plus, since we are keeping everything in one big pan, cleanup is crazy simple. It’s quick, it’s satisfying, and it checks all those boxes for a fast, tasty dinner. If you are looking for more speedy options, check out my collection of quick, low-carb recipes!

• It flies off the stove in just 30 minutes, start to finish.
• That sauce hits the perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet.
• Minimal pots and pans mean less time washing dishes later.

Essential Ingredients for Your Simple Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Okay, ingredient prep is the real secret to making this a true *stir fry* and not just a pile of steamed veggies and sad beef. If you get all your components ready before the heat goes on, you won’t panic when things start cooking fast! We are grouping things here so you can mise en place like a pro. Getting your lean proteins ready is key if you want juicy results, so I always follow specific slicing rules. I’ve shared my favorite resources for handling lean protein meals if you want a deeper dive!

For the Beef and Vegetables

This bunch is what hits the high heat first, so make sure your flank steak is sliced thin—and I mean *thin*! Seriously, slicing it right against the grain makes all the difference between chewy meat and melt-in-your-mouth bites.

• 1.25 lbs flank steak, making sure it’s thinly sliced.
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, keep this divided for later!
• 2 cups broccoli florets—fresh is usually best here.
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced until it’s barely chunky.
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced finely.
• Salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy seasoning the beef!

For the Sauce Mixture

This is where the flavor magic happens! Whisk everything in a small bowl until that sugar dissolves a bit. This part needs to be ready to pour the second the beef hits that high heat.

• 1/4 cup oyster sauce—this is key for that classic savory depth!
• 1/4 cup beef broth or plain water.
• 1 teaspoon sugar (just a touch to balance the saltiness).
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil.
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce.

For the Cornstarch Slurry

You mix this right before you need it. Seriously, mix it up seconds before you pour it in, or the cornstarch will settle right back to the bottom of the bowl. It’s your thickening agent, so don’t skip it!

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch.
• 1 tablespoon cold water.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Simple Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Now that everything is chopped and mixed, it’s time for the high-heat party! Remember, stir-frying is fast. Have everything within arm’s reach. If you need more fast dinner inspiration that pairs great with stir fry, I’ve put together a list of sheet pan dinners that might save your sanity later this week!

Prepping the Vegetables and Aromatics

We need to hit the veggies first so they get tender but still have some *snap*. Heat up about 1 teaspoon of your vegetable oil in that big frying pan over medium heat. Toss in the broccoli florets and let them cook for about 4 minutes until they are bright green and perfectly tender-crisp.

Once they look good, throw in the minced ginger and garlic. Oh my gosh, the smell when fresh ginger hits the hot pan—it’s heaven! Let those cook for just 30 seconds more until you can really smell them, but don’t let them burn, okay?

Scoop all that fragrant broccoli mixture right out of the pan and put it on a clean plate. Cover it up to keep it warm while we tackle the beef. This extra step keeps the broccoli from turning mushy!

Searing the Flank Steak

Quick wipe down of your pan, maybe with a paper towel, and crank that heat up to high! We want it ripping hot for the beef. Add the last tablespoon of oil to the hot pan.

Take your seasoned steak pieces and lay them in the pan in a single layer. This is important: if you crowd the pan, the meat steams instead of searing, and you’ll lose that great texture. If you have a small pan, you absolutely must do this in two batches. Cook the beef for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Don’t overcook it, or it gets tough!

Once the beef is looking gorgeous, toss that reserved broccoli mixture right back into the pan with the steak. Let everything warm up together for about 2 more minutes.

Combining and Thickening the Simple Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry Sauce

Now for the flavor bomb! Take your pre-whisked sauce mix—the oyster sauce, broth, sugar, sesame oil, and soy sauce—and pour it all over the beef and vegetables. Let that bubble away for just about 30 seconds; you’ll see it start coating everything nicely.

Finally, give that cornstarch/water slurry one last quick whisk, and pour it in. Bring the whole thing to a steady boil and let it cook for just 1 more minute. It thickens up surprisingly fast! Keep stirring so the sauce adheres evenly to the beef and broccoli.

That’s it! Scoop this gorgeous Simple Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry onto bowls immediately. If you’re serving it over rice, make sure the rice is already waiting!

Tips for the Best Simple Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Even though this recipe is wonderfully fast, a couple of little tricks will elevate it from good to take-out quality. I’ve learned these things through a lot of trial and error—mostly trial when I got distracted and let the pan cool down! If you want that perfect tender texture, pay attention to these two main points.

First up: slicing that flank steak. I can’t stress this enough! You need to look closely at the meat and find the direction the muscle fibers are running—that’s the grain. You always want to slice your steak thinly *across* those lines, or against the grain. If you slice with the grain, you end up with long, chewy strands, even if you cook it perfectly. Slicing against it shortens those tough fibers right up, making every bite tender. It just completely changes the texture!

The second biggest game-changer is heat management. We are stir-frying, right? That means we need serious, high heat! Before you even think about adding that seasoned beef, your pan needs to be screaming hot, and the oil should be shimmering—almost smoking, but not quite. If you add the steak to a lukewarm pan, the oil soaks in, the meat releases its juices, and you end up stewing your thin slices instead of getting that quick, flavorful sear. Don’t be afraid of the high flame for the beef portion, just be fast!

If you want more dinner inspiration that’s totally reliable for busy evenings, pop over and check out my best dinner ideas recipes. Happy cooking!

Ingredient Substitutions for Your Simple Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

I get it—sometimes the grocery store is weird, or maybe you just ran out of that one specific thing. This recipe is so solid, though, that it handles a few small swaps really well without totally falling apart on you. We don’t want to compromise that amazing flavor, but flexibility is key for a weeknight staple!

If you can’t find flank steak, don’t panic. The next best thing is usually skirt steak. It cooks up super fast just like flank, but you need to be even more careful with slicing it against the grain because it can sometimes be a bit tougher if you cut it wrong. You might need to adjust the cooking time by about 30 seconds per side, tops.

What about the broccoli? Fresh is definitely my preference because it retains that signature crispness, but if you’re grabbing frozen bags because the fresh bunches look questionable, go for it! Just don’t thaw it first. Toss those frozen florets right into the hot pan with the 1 teaspoon of oil, but you’ll definitely need to add an extra 2 to 3 minutes to the initial cooking time to let the excess water steam off before you add the aromatics. You don’t want a soggy stir fry!

And for the oyster sauce—that adds depth, but if you have a dietary restriction or just plain don’t keep it stocked, you can substitute it! Use an extra splash of soy sauce mixed with a tiny bit more sugar for balance, or if you can find vegetarian mushroom stir-fry sauce, that works as a terrific flavor stand-in. Just remember, the sauce needs *something* savory and robust to hold the dish together!

Serving Suggestions for Your Simple Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

This Simple Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry is fantastic all on its own, but honestly, it needs a base to soak up all that incredible, glossy sauce we worked so hard to make. It’s all about presentation and support, right?

The absolute classic pairing, and what I always reach for, is steamed white rice. It’s neutral, fluffy, and just eats up every last drop of that oyster sauce coating. If I’m feeling a little healthier or just want something with more chew, I’ll use brown rice instead. The slightly nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the sesame oil in the sauce.

If you need a serving suggestion that’s a little different, you could always check out my recipe for Greek Lemon Rice—it’s bright and zesty, which is a fun contrast to the savory stir fry! But usually, steamed is the way to go.

Now, for the garnish! This is where you make your dish look like it came straight from your favorite Asian restaurant. When I serve this up, I always sprinkle a light dusting of toasted sesame seeds right over the top. They add a little textural pop that’s just delightful.

And you absolutely cannot forget the green onions! Slice them thinly on a long diagonal cut. That bright green color against the dark sauce and the deep green broccoli just looks fantastic. Plus, that mild onion bite right at the end is the perfect finishing touch. Seriously, don’t skip the pretty stuff!

Storing Leftovers of Your Simple Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

One of the best things about making a great stir fry? Having lunch set for the next day! This Simple Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry actually holds up really well in the fridge, which is such a bonus when you’re trying to get ahead on meals.

When it comes to storage, airtight containers are your absolute best friend. You want to seal that flavor in and keep everything fresh. I usually portion it out right away into the single-serving containers I know I’ll eat the next day. You can safely store leftovers in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Trust me, it’s still delicious on day three!

Now, reheating needs a little attention so you don’t end up with dry meat or mushy broccoli. Because the sauce thickens up as it cools down, you usually need to introduce a little moisture back in. I have two favorite ways to bring this back to life.

Microwaving for Speed

If you’re absolutely starved and need this fast, the microwave works. Put the serving in a microwave-safe bowl. Before you cover it, add just a teaspoon or two of water or broth right on the side of the food—not directly on it. Cover it loosely, leaving a small vent so steam can escape.

Heat it in 45-second bursts, stirring briefly between each one. This gentle reheating keeps the beef from getting tough and helps rehydrate that sauce slightly. It’s fast, but you have to keep an eye on it so you don’t overheat the meat!

Stovetop Revival for Best Texture

If you have a few extra minutes, I highly recommend the stovetop method—it really restores the texture. Dump your leftovers right into a skillet over medium heat. Add maybe a splash of beef broth or water, just a tablespoon is usually enough. You are reviving the sauce, not making soup!

Stir gently as it heats up. The moisture will steam the veggies back to life, and watching that sauce loosen and coat the beef again is so satisfying. This method keeps the broccoli firmer and the beef much more tender than the microwave ever could. It pretty much tastes like it was freshly made!

Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

I love hearing from folks who are trying this out, and usually, the questions revolve around making tweaks or getting that beef texture just right. No worries, I’ve got the answers for you! When you’re dealing with quick cooking times, the prep makes all the difference. If you are looking for more general helpful advice, be sure to check out my tips on easy, healthy recipes!

What is the best way to slice flank steak for stir fry?

This is perhaps the BEST question because if you slice this wrong, you’ll have a chewy mess! Flank steak is known for having a very visible grain, which means you need to look closely at the meat hanging out on your cutting board. Find the direction those long muscle fibers are running—that’s the grain. You must take your sharpest knife and slice thinly *perpendicular* to that grain, or against it.

Slicing thinly against the grain shortens those tough fibers, so when you cook it fast, it stays incredibly tender. If you accidentally slice *with* the grain, those long, cooked fibers act like little rubber bands in your mouth. Aim for strips about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. It takes an extra minute of looking, but trust me, it’s worth the effort for this Simple Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry.

Can I add other vegetables to this Simple Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry?

Of course! Stir fry is the perfect vehicle for cleaning out the crisper drawer. Since this recipe cooks so fast, you want vegetables that either cook quickly or that you can give a head start to, just like we did with the broccoli.

I frequently toss in thinly sliced carrots along with the broccoli; they just need a little extra time in that initial step since they are firmer. Another wonderful addition is sliced mushrooms—I love cremini mushrooms—but you should add those right when you add the ginger and garlic because they cook down fast. Just avoid anything super watery like zucchini, or you’ll end up steaming your whole dish instead of stir-frying it!

Oh, and if you want to make the sauce spicier, just whisk in about half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha right in with the oyster sauce mixture. Instant heat!

Estimated Nutritional Data for This Simple Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

I know when I’m making a quick meal like this Simple Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry, I still want to have a decent idea of what’s going into my body. So, I ran the numbers based on the ingredients listed here, assuming the recipe makes exactly four generous servings, as I’ve written it.

Keep in mind these numbers are always just estimates—your exact measurements and brands might shift things around a little bit. If you want more details on how I track my meals, I have some great resources over on my diet and nutrition page!

For four servings, here is generally what you’re looking at:

• Calories: 266 per serving
• Fat: 12 grams
• Protein: A whopping 32 grams! That flank steak really delivers.
• Carbohydrates: Only 6 grams

That’s a fantastic ratio for a hearty dinner, and it keeps the carbs low if you are skipping the rice! You can also see we have good numbers for Iron (2.5mg) and Vitamin C (40.6mg) thanks to that bright green broccoli. It’s a genuinely balanced dish, even when it comes together in half an hour. Enjoy!