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Easy One-Pot Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

easy one-pot beef and broccoli stir fry - featured image

This quick and easy one-pot beef and broccoli stir fry comes together in about 20 minutes, delivering deep, savory flavor with simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes like takeout but better.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound flank steak or sirloin steak, sliced thinly against the grain
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or avocado/canola oil)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (unseasoned)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
  • Cooked white rice or brown rice, for serving
  • Optional: sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep the beef: Place flank steak in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm up, then slice thinly across the grain into 1/4-inch strips. Pat dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and beef broth. In another small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Set both aside.
  3. Prep the broccoli: Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. If stems are thick, peel and slice thinly. Pat florets dry.
  4. Heat the pan: Place a large skillet or wok over high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Heat until shimmering and a wisp of smoke appears.
  5. Sear the beef: Add half the beef strips in a single layer. Sear undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until a deep brown crust forms, then flip and cook for another 1 minute. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining beef and another tablespoon of oil.
  6. Cook the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium-high. Add garlic and ginger to the pan. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Add the broccoli: Toss in broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly charred on edges. Add a splash of water or broth if the pan looks dry.
  8. Combine everything: Return the beef to the pan along with any juices. Pour the sauce over everything. Stir and let simmer for about 1 minute.
  9. Thicken the sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry, then pour it into the pan. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Adjust consistency with water if needed.
  10. Serve immediately: Remove from heat. Serve over steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

For best results, get your pan screaming hot before adding beef. Cut beef against the grain for tenderness. Prep all ingredients before starting to cook. The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits; add a splash of water when reheating leftovers. For gluten-free, use tamari and gluten-free oyster sauce. For vegetarian, replace beef with firm tofu and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef and broccoli, stir fry, one-pot, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy recipe