30-Minute Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick and flavorful beef stir-fry with crisp broccoli in a savory garlic-soy sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner. This chinese-inspired asian fusion ready in about 30 minutes blends soy sauce, cornstarch, divided vegetable oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 1/4 cup soy sauce and 2 tbsp cornstarch until well coated. Set aside 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add 4 cups fresh broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Remove broccoli from pan and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the pan. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes without stirring until browned on one side, then stir-fry for another 2 minutes until mostly cooked.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger to the beef, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup beef broth, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and optional 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens and coats the beef.
  6. Step 6: Return the broccoli to the pan and toss everything together for 1 minute to combine and heat through.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does 30-Minute Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover 30-Minute Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in 30-Minute Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale 30-Minute Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with 30-Minute Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce?

Chinese asian fusion like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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