Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe

If you’re craving that comforting, takeout-style dish but want to whip it up fresh at home, you’ll absolutely love this Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe. It hits all the right notes — tender, savory beef swimming in a rich garlic sauce, with crisp-tender broccoli to keep things bright and fresh. When I first tried making this at home, I was blown away by how quickly it came together and how close it tastes to my favorite Chinese restaurants. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips so your version turns out just as fantastic.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe plays a role in layering flavor and texture. The flank steak is great for tender slices, while the broccoli adds freshness and bite. Don’t overlook the sauce — it’s where all those amazing flavors come together. Shopping tip: grab fresh broccoli florets and a quality soy sauce to really elevate the dish.

• Flank steak: Choose a fresh cut; slicing it thin against the grain is key for tenderness.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh is best here for that crisp-tender bite after stir-frying.
• Green onions: Use the green parts for a mild oniony pop at the end.
• Baking soda: The secret tenderizer for the beef — don’t skip this step!
• Veggie oil (avocado, canola, or peanut): For high-heat cooking without burning the garlic or steak.
• Fresh garlic: Lots of minced garlic delivers punchy, fragrant flavor.
• Salt and fresh cracked black pepper: Simple seasoning basics that bring everything together.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce — you can substitute water if needed.
• Cornstarch: For thickening the sauce perfectly.
• Black vinegar or rice vinegar: Gives the sauce a subtle tang and brightness.
• Light brown sugar: Balances out the tangy and salty elements.
• Soy sauce: Provides that signature umami base.
• Dark soy sauce (optional): Adds rich color and depth if you have it.
• Oyster sauce: Brings a savory, slightly sweet complexity to the sauce.
• Toasted sesame oil: Adds that irresistible nutty aroma at the end.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick if you like it spicy.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe is how adaptable it is. You can tweak it based on what you like or what you’ve got in the fridge — perfect to keep things interesting or accommodate different dietary needs.

• Vegetable swaps: I sometimes add snap peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms to mix up the veggies — they all toss well in the garlic sauce.
• Protein alternatives: I’ve tried this with thinly sliced chicken breast or tofu for a different spin, and it works great—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Spice level: If you like it hot, feel free to amp up the red pepper flakes or add a fresh sliced chili for that extra kick.
• Gluten-free version: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and check your oyster sauce label to keep it friendly to gluten-free diets.

How to Make Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Tenderize and Prepare the Beef

Slice your flank steak thinly, about an eighth of an inch thick, making sure to cut against the grain — this keeps it tender once cooked. Lay the slices flat and sprinkle about a teaspoon of baking soda on one side, then flip and sprinkle the other teaspoon on the opposite side. I discovered this baking soda tenderizing method when I wanted that authentic takeout texture at home, and it seriously makes a massive difference! Let the beef rest for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Don’t forget to season one side with salt and cracked black pepper before cooking.

Step 2: Mix Your Flavor-Packed Sauce

While the beef is resting, whisk together chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth. Then add black vinegar, light brown sugar, soy sauces, oyster sauce, toasted sesame oil, and optional red pepper flakes. The oyster sauce might not fully combine here, but don’t worry — it will melt into the sauce as you cook. This sauce blend is what gives the dish its rich, savory depth with just the right touch of sweetness and tang.

Step 3: Crisp the Beef

Heat your oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the beef slices carefully into the pan so they aren’t crowded — I like to do this in batches if needed. Let them sear undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes until they’re nicely browned on one side, then stir and cook for another 90 seconds or so. The beef might still look a bit pink due to the tenderizing process, but it’s completely safe and delicious.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli and Garlic

Turn the heat down to medium, push the beef to the edges of the pan, and add the broccoli florets right in the center. Add a splash more oil if your pan looks dry. Stir and cook the broccoli for about two minutes. Then push the broccoli to the sides, add a bit more oil and the minced garlic in the middle, and cook until fragrant — about 1 minute. Garlic burns quickly, so keep your eyes on it and stir often.

Step 5: Combine with Sauce and Finish

Lower the heat to medium-low and pour your prepared sauce into the pan. Stir everything together well and let the sauce thicken and cling to the beef and broccoli. This takes just a few minutes — watch how it really brings the dish to life. Finally, stir in the sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds if you have them handy. Serve it immediately, ideally over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice for that classic pairing.

How to Serve Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish off the dish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds — they add both vibrant color and a subtle nutty crunch. Sometimes I’ll add a few extra red pepper flakes at the table if someone wants more heat. These little touches make a big difference and bring the dish alive on the plate.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry pairs beautifully with steaming jasmine or brown rice to soak up that rich sauce. On busy nights, I sometimes serve it alongside simple stir-fried noodles or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Steamed dumplings or a crisp Asian cucumber salad also make excellent companions if you want a bigger spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I like to serve this dish family-style in a large bowl surrounded by small ramekins of garnishes like extra sesame seeds, sliced chilies, and fresh herbs like cilantro. It’s fun to let friends customize each plate. Alternatively, serving the stir-fry over rice paper rolls or wrapped in lettuce leaves creates a fresh handheld option that’s always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken as it cools, so just add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it back up. Leftover beef can sometimes get slightly firmer, but reheated gently, it’s still super tasty.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe a couple of times — it freezes well if you separate the rice. Just cool everything completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a little splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and help loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you can — this helps keep your beef tender and the broccoli crisp-tender instead of mushy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe has quickly become one of my family’s favorite weeknight staples. It’s comforting, flavorful, and doesn’t require any crazy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. I love how easy it is to customize and how every bite feels like a treat. I’m confident once you try it, you’ll keep this recipe in your rotation too — it’s the kind of dish that makes home feel a little more special, one tasty forkful at a time.

Print