Savory Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
A Quick, Restaurant-Style One-Pan Meal
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Dietary: Can be gluten-free (with tamari), dairy-free
Equipment Needed:
- Large wok or heavy-bottom frying pan
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Alternative tools:
- Regular skillet instead of wok
- Non-stick pan for easier cooking
Ingredients:
For the Beef & Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp (30ml) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15ml) cornstarch
- 1 tsp (5ml) sesame oil
For the Stir-Fry:
- 4 cups (400g) broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp (10g) fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tbsp (45ml) vegetable oil, divided
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup (120ml) beef broth
- ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce
- 2 tbsp (30ml) oyster sauce
- 2 tsp (10ml) sesame oil
- 1 tsp (5g) brown sugar
- 2 tsp (10g) cornstarch
Method:
1. Marinate the Beef
Combine sliced beef with marinade ingredients in a bowl.
Let rest for 15 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Sauce
Whisk all sauce ingredients in a bowl until cornstarch is fully dissolved.
Set aside.
3. Cook Broccoli
Heat 1 tbsp oil in wok over medium-high heat.
Add broccoli, stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until bright green.
Remove and set aside.
4. Cook Beef
Add remaining oil to wok over high heat.
Add beef in a single layer.
Cook 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
Remove and set aside.
5. Finish Dish
Add garlic and ginger to wok.
Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Return beef and broccoli to wok.
Pour in sauce.
Cook 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats everything.
Crucial Tips:
- Slice beef AGAINST the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking beef.
- Have all ingredients ready before starting (mise en place).
- Pat beef dry before cooking for better browning.
Storage & Scaling:
Storage:
- Refrigerate up to 3 days.
- Freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat in pan with a splash of water.
Scaling:
- Recipe doubles easily.
- Use a larger pan or cook in batches.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
Common Mistakes:
- Overcooking the beef (results in tough meat).
- Not getting the pan hot enough.
- Adding too much cornstarch.
- Overcrowding the pan.
Variations:
- Swap broccoli for mixed vegetables.
- Use chicken instead of beef.
- Make it spicy with chili oil.
- Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
