Asian-inspired beef and broccoli stir-fry is quick to prepare and tastes even better than takeout.
I used to be intimidated by Asian-style recipes until chef Jet Tila’s simple ingredient list convinced me to try this beef and broccoli stir-fry. He made it sound effortless, and it truly is—few ingredients, straightforward steps, and delicious results.
This dish delivers savory umami flavor, tender beef, and bright, fresh broccoli. It’s a home-cooked version that’s fast, satisfying, and pantry-friendly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Beef sliced for stir-fry (about 1 lb)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons cornstarch, divided
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (about 2 green onions)
Choosing the Best Beef
Look for packages labeled “beef for stir-fry” at the store, or slice your own from flank steak or chuck. Trim excess fat and slice thinly against the grain to help tenderize the meat and keep each bite tender after a quick, high-heat cook.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
1. Marinate the beef. Toss the sliced beef with baking soda and 2 teaspoons of the cornstarch. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. The baking soda lightly tenderizes the meat while the cornstarch helps protect it during cooking.
2. Prepare the sauce. Whisk together the oyster sauce, beef broth, the remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and minced garlic until smooth. Set aside; you’ll add it at the end.
3. Cook the broccoli. Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil) in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the broccoli, stirring often, until slightly browned and mostly tender, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the beef. Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet and cook the beef until browned and cooked through, 7–8 minutes, allowing it to develop some caramelized bits for extra flavor.
5. Add sauce and green onions. Reduce heat to medium, return the broccoli to the skillet, and pour in the sauce. Stir until the beef and broccoli are evenly coated, the sauce thickens slightly, and any browned bits release from the pan, 1–2 minutes. Stir in sliced green onions, or sprinkle them on top as a garnish.
6. Serve. Plate the stir-fry with steamed rice or your preferred side and enjoy immediately.
Tips for Success
- Use a stainless steel or cast-iron skillet rather than nonstick so the beef can brown and develop flavorful fond.
- Do not skip the short “marinade” with baking soda and cornstarch—this step improves tenderness and texture.
- Oyster sauce gives the most authentic savory-sweet flavor. If you use soy sauce, increase the cornstarch in the sauce to 2 tablespoons so it thickens properly.
- Two tablespoons of sesame oil add a strong nutty aroma. For a milder flavor, use 1 tablespoon sesame oil and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, or use all vegetable oil.
- Serve this dish right away for best texture. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to a week. For make-ahead prep, keep the sliced beef, broccoli florets, and sauce stored separately in the fridge for a few days before cooking.
Recipe Summary
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef for stir-fry
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons cornstarch, divided
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided (or vegetable oil)
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (2 green onions)
Instructions
- Toss sliced beef with baking soda and 2 teaspoons cornstarch; let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to tenderize.
- Whisk together oyster sauce, beef broth, remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and garlic until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook broccoli until slightly browned and mostly tender, 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil and cook beef until browned and cooked through, 7–8 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium, return broccoli to the skillet, and add the sauce. Stir until coated and sauce thickens slightly, 1–2 minutes. Stir in or garnish with green onions.
- Serve with steamed rice or your preferred side.
Notes
- Buy beef labeled for stir-fry or slice flank or chuck steak thinly against the grain.
- Oyster sauce gives the best balance of savory and sweet; if substituting soy sauce, use 2 tablespoons cornstarch in the sauce for proper thickening.
- Adjust sesame oil to taste—1–2 tablespoons depending on how bold you want the sesame flavor.
Have you tried this recipe? Leave a rating and review, or share a photo on social media to show how your stir-fry turned out.