Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
A delicious and quick skillet dinner featuring tender beef and bright broccoli, ready in about 20 minutes!
A hot, quick skillet dinner that hits savory, garlicky, and a little sweet — my go-to when I need a fast weeknight win. This beef and broccoli stir fry comes together in about 20 minutes and uses pantry-friendly ingredients. I like it because the beef stays tender, the broccoli keeps a bright crunch, and the whole pan requires almost no cleanup. If you enjoy bold stir-fries, you might also like my take on a spicy ground beef stir-fry for a change of pace: spicy ground beef stir-fry.
Why you’ll love this dish
This is a weeknight champion: fast, inexpensive, and flexible. It’s built on simple techniques — a searing hot pan, quick aromatics, and a short finish — that preserve the beef’s juices and the broccoli’s snap. Use coconut aminos for a lower-sodium, slightly sweeter sauce that keeps the flavor bright without needing a long marinade.
What makes it perfect: you can scale it up for guests, swap the cut of beef depending on sales, and finish it in under 25 minutes. It’s also a good protein-and-veggie one-pan meal for balanced dinners.
Preparing Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Quick overview so you know what’s coming: slice the beef thinly against the grain, heat the pan very hot, sear the beef briefly, add garlic and ginger for aroma, toss in broccoli and coconut aminos, and finish with sesame oil and seasonings. Expect three high-heat stages: sear meat, flavor aromatics, and toss vegetables — each only a few minutes long.
Key Ingredients
- 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), sliced thinly — slice across the grain for tenderness.
- 4 cups broccoli florets — bite-sized for even cooking.
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos — a soy-free, lower-sodium alternative to soy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil — or another neutral oil with a high smoke point.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced — fresh is best.
- 1 inch piece of ginger, minced — gives brightness; ground ginger won’t be as vibrant.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil — used as a finishing oil for aroma.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat, sesame seeds for garnish.
Substitutions and notes: tamari or low-sodium soy sauce can replace coconut aminos if you prefer. Use avocado or vegetable oil instead of olive oil when you want a higher smoke point. If you like a thicker sauce, whisk in 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water (optional) and add during the broccoli step.
Step-by-step instructions
- Pat the beef dry and slice it thinly across the grain. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat.
- Add the sliced beef in a single layer. Sear without moving for 1–2 minutes, then stir and cook until browned, about 3–4 minutes total. Remove beef to a plate briefly if your pan is crowded.
- Reduce heat slightly, add the garlic and ginger to the pan, and stir for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let them burn.
- Add the broccoli florets and pour in the coconut aminos. Stir to combine and cook for 5–7 minutes, until broccoli is tender-crisp. If you removed the beef, return it to the pan now and warm through.
- Drizzle with sesame oil. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like heat.
- Serve hot and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a nutty finish.
01Ingredients
Main Ingredients
02Method
- Preparation
- Cooking
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0 OF 7 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking and store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or a few drops of oil. Can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
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Best ways to enjoy it
Serve this directly over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or alongside noodles. For a low-carb plate, add a scoop of mashed sweet potato or a simple mixed-green salad. For family-style serving, transfer to a shallow bowl so everyone can reach the glossy beef and broccoli.
If you want a heartier meal, serve it with a spicy companion like a ground beef stir-fry bowl — it pairs well with rice and bold flavors for a larger spread: spicy beef stir-fry bowl.
Storage and reheating tips
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking and store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or a few drops of oil to revive the sauce and loosen any clumping. Microwaving works, but stir halfway through to heat evenly.
To freeze: cool fully, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Food safety note: avoid leaving meat at room temperature for extended periods; reheat to steaming hot before eating.
Creative twists
- Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or snow peas in the broccoli step for more color and texture.
- Swap beef for thinly sliced chicken or tofu for a different protein. If using tofu, press and pan-fry first for a firmer texture.
- For a saucier version, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) with the coconut aminos to thicken the pan juices.
- Add citrus brightness with a squeeze of lime at the end, or finish with fresh scallions for crunch.
Common questions
How long does this take from start to finish?
A: Plan on 20–25 minutes total: about 10 minutes prepping and 10–15 minutes cooking.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: You can, but thaw and drain it first. Frozen broccoli releases more moisture and may steam rather than stay crisp. Pat it dry before adding.
What’s the best cut of beef to use?
A: Flank steak and sirloin are both good choices — flank is lean with great flavor; sirloin is slightly more forgiving. The key is slice thin and against the grain.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet and add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Is this paleo or low-carb friendly?
A: Yes — coconut aminos and sesame oil keep it paleo-friendly and naturally low-carb. Swap rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
Conclusion
If you want a video to watch while you cook, this version from Natasha’s Kitchen offers a step-by-step visual guide and useful tips: a Beef and Broccoli recipe with video. For another idea, try my Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry.
Skillet Dinners
Skillet Dinners
Skillet Dinners
