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Sliced beef stir-fry with broccoli, red and yellow peppers, served over white rice and topped with sesame seeds.

Steak and Broccoli Stir-Fry: A Fast, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Win

Samantha
This quick and easy steak and broccoli stir-fry packs bold flavor, lean protein, and crisp-tender veggies into one pan. Perfect for clean eating, meal prep, or a fast weeknight dinner—it’s lower in carbs, naturally gluten-free, and far better than takeout.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Asian-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb flank steak thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 large head broccoli chopped into florets
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ cup water or beef broth
  • 2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Optional Add-Ins

  • Sliced bell peppers or snow peas
  • Red chili flakes or sriracha for heat
  • Rice vinegar or lime juice for tang
  • Mushrooms or shredded carrots for volume

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
    Slice the steak thinly against the grain. Chop broccoli into small florets. Grate the ginger and mince the garlic.
  • Step 2: Make the Sauce
    In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, water (or broth), cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and optional sweetener. Set aside.
  • Step 3: Cook the Steak
    Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add steak in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and sear for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  • Step 4: Stir-Fry the Broccoli
    In the same pan, add another teaspoon of oil and the broccoli. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Add a splash of water to help steam if needed.
  • Step 5: Combine & Simmer
    Return steak to the pan. Pour in the sauce. Toss everything to coat and let simmer 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  • Step 6: Serve It Up
    Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over brown rice, cauliflower rice, or on its own.

Notes

Secret Tips for the Best Steak and Broccoli Stir-Fry

  1. Slice steak thinly across the grain – This breaks up muscle fibers and keeps the beef tender and easy to chew.
  2. Use a hot pan or wok – High heat is essential for getting that classic seared flavor without overcooking the steak or making the broccoli mushy.
  3. Velvet the beef – For ultra-tender meat, marinate sliced steak in a mix of cornstarch, soy sauce, and a splash of oil for 15–30 minutes before cooking.
  4. Don’t overcrowd the pan – Stir-fry in batches if needed to avoid steaming the ingredients.
  5. Add garlic and ginger at the right time – Sauté them briefly before tossing in the beef for maximum flavor without burning.
  6. Blanch broccoli first (optional) – For perfectly bright, tender-crisp broccoli, blanch it for 30–60 seconds and drain before stir-frying.
  7. Customize the sauce – Boost flavor by adding a teaspoon of sesame oil, a splash of rice vinegar, or a bit of honey for balance.
  8. Meal prep tip – Store the stir-fry and rice (or cauliflower rice) separately for best texture when reheating.
  9. Reheat gently – Use a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture, or microwave in 30-second intervals with a splash of water to avoid drying out.
  10. Freeze extra sauce – Double the sauce and freeze half in an ice cube tray for a future quick stir-fry.
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