Amazing 20 Min Beef Broccoli Stir Fry

You know those nights, right? The ones where by the time you finally get home, you’re starving, and the thought of chopping, stirring, and waiting feels like too much. You just want that delicious, savory fix from your favorite Chinese takeout, but you want it *now*, and maybe a little healthier. Well, friend, I totally get it! After a long day, there’s nothing I love more than whipping up something truly comforting. This beef and broccoli stir fry is exactly that. It’s packed with that unmistakable savory flavor, tender beef, and crisp broccoli, all coated in a luscious sauce. And the best part? It’s ready from start to finish in just 20 minutes. Seriously, this easy beef and broccoli recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. It tastes just like the real deal, only better because you made it yourself!

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Why This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is Your New Weeknight Go-To

Seriously, why wouldn’t you want this in your dinner rotation? We’re talking about pure magic that comes together in under 20 minutes. It hits all those delicious takeout notes—that umami-rich sauce, the perfectly cooked beef, and crisp-tender broccoli—all without leaving your kitchen. It’s incredibly easy and uses simple ingredients you probably already have. This quick stir fry is the answer to “What’s for dinner?” on your busiest nights!

Gather Your Ingredients for the Best Beef and Broccoli

Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready! Having everything prepped before you start cooking is the real secret to a speedy stir fry. This is what you’ll need to make this beef and broccoli stir fry absolutely sing:

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain. This is key for tender beef!
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce, the base for our savory marinade and sauce.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, which helps tenderize the beef and thickens our gorgeous sauce.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil, for that unmistakable nutty aroma and flavor.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or another high-heat oil like canola), for searing.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is a must for that zing!
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger. Ginger and garlic are the dynamic duo of stir-fries.
• 1 head broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets. Make sure they’re pretty even in size so they cook together.
• 1/4 cup beef broth, for building our sauce.
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, this adds a wonderful depth of savory, slightly sweet flavor that’s hard to beat.
• 1 teaspoon sugar, just a touch to balance everything out.
• Cooked rice, for serving. Jasmine rice is always a winner here!

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Mastering the Art of the 20-Minute Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Okay, time to get cooking! Making this beef and broccoli stir fry is honestly a breeze once you’ve got everything prepped. It’s all about hitting those right notes at the right times. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it, step-by-step, so you get that amazing takeout flavor right at home.

Marinating the Beef for Flavorful Beef and Broccoli

First things first, grab that bowl with your thinly sliced flank steak. Give it a good toss with the soy sauce, cornstarch, and that lovely sesame oil. You want every little piece coated! Let this sit for at least 10 minutes. That cornstarch isn’t just for thickening; it really helps tenderize the beef and makes it super flavorful. It’s like a little flavor spa treatment for your steak.

Searing the Beef: The Key to Takeout-Style Beef and Broccoli

Now for the magic! Get your skillet or wok screaming hot over medium-high heat. Add your vegetable oil and let it shimmer. Carefully add the marinated beef in a single layer. You don’t want to crowd the pan at all, or the beef will steam instead of sear! If you have a lot of beef, do it in two batches. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until it’s nicely browned. Scoop it out and set it aside. That beautiful browning? That’s where the takeout flavor comes from!

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Building the Flavorful Sauce for Your Beef and Broccoli

Lower the heat just a tiny bit if things are getting too crazy. Toss that minced garlic and grated ginger into the hot skillet – wow, that smell! Stir them around for about 30 seconds until they’re fragrant. Then, pile in your broccoli florets. Give them a quick stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. After that, pour in the beef broth, the oyster sauce, and the sugar. Give it all a good stir to combine everything into a yummy sauce. Make sure the broccoli is getting coated too!

Bringing It All Together: The Final Stir Fry

Almost there! Now, slide that beautifully seared beef back into the skillet with the broccoli and sauce. Toss everything together really well to coat. Let it cook for just another minute or two. You’ll see that sauce thicken up and cling to the beef and broccoli, making everything look and taste amazing. That’s it! Serve it up piping hot over some fluffy rice. Perfection!

Tips for the Perfect Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Okay, trust me, a few little tricks will take this beef and broccoli stir fry from good to absolutely phenomenal. It’s all about those small details that really make a difference, just like in my own kitchen when I’m trying to get that authentic takeout taste.

• Slice Your Beef Thinly and Against the Grain: This is HUGE for tender beef! Look at the direction the muscle fibers are running, and slice your flank steak *across* those lines. It makes all the difference.
• Get Your Pan HOT: Hot, Hot, Hot! Seriously, don’t skimp on preheating your skillet or wok. You want it to be nice and hot before the beef goes in. This is what gives you that gorgeous sear and locks in the flavor – no steamy, sad beef here!
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: I know it’s tempting to just dump everything in, but cooking the beef in batches if needed ensures it sears properly instead of steaming. You’ll thank me later!
• Broccoli Perfection: Tender-Crisp is Key! You want your broccoli to be bright green and have a slight bite to it, not mushy. Adding it to the hot pan for just a few minutes with the sauce is usually perfect.
• Prep Everything First: Stir-frying is FAST. Have your garlic minced, ginger grated, broccoli cut, and sauce ingredients measured out *before* you turn on the heat. It makes the whole process feel so much smoother.

Ingredient Spotlight: Understanding Your Beef and Broccoli

Let’s chat about a couple of superstars in this easy beef and broccoli stir fry! Flank steak is my go-to here because when you slice it thinly against the grain, it gets wonderfully tender and soaks up all that amazing flavor. And cornstarch? Oh, it’s a magic ingredient! It not only helps tenderize the beef but also gives our stir fry sauce that glorious glossy finish that just screams “takeout perfection!” It’s the little things, you know?

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Frequently Asked Questions About Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Beef and Broccoli

So, you’ve got some amazing beef and broccoli stir fry leftover? Lucky you! To keep it tasting just right, let it cool down a bit first, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready for round two, the microwave works fine for a quick reheat, but for the best texture, I like to use a skillet. Just add a tiny splash of water or broth and heat it over medium heat, stirring gently until everything is warmed through. This helps keep the beef tender and the broccoli from getting too soft.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Now, I know we’re all about that amazing flavor and speed, but it’s also good to have a general idea of what’s in our delicious beef and broccoli stir fry goodness! Keep in mind, these numbers are just estimates, and they might shift a little depending on the exact brands you use or if you add any extra goodies. But this gives you a pretty good snapshot of this tasty, quick meal.

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Share Your Takeout-Style Beef and Broccoli Creation!

So, did you give this speedy beef and broccoli stir fry a whirl? I’d absolutely LOVE to hear how it turned out for you! Did it hit those takeout vibes? Drop a comment below and let me know your favorite part, or even rate the recipe! Your feedback makes my day!

20-Minute Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

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A quick and easy beef and broccoli stir fry recipe that tastes like takeout, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: Cat
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 10 min
• Total Time: 20 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stir-fry
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Cooked rice, for serving

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Toss to coat and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Add the beef broth, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
5. Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the broccoli is tender-crisp.
6. Serve immediately over cooked rice.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger.
• If you don’t have flank steak, sirloin or skirt steak also work well.
• Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the beef to get a good sear.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg