Beef Stir-Fry with Charred Broccoli and Garlic-Sesame Sauce

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

Thinly sliced beef quickly stir-fried with smoky charred broccoli, tossed in a savory garlic-sesame sauce for a fast flavorful meal. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs flank steak, broccoli florets, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet or wok over high heat. Add 3 cups broccoli florets and cook without stirring for 3 minutes until edges are charred, then stir-fry for 2 more minutes until tender-crisp. Remove broccoli and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 2 tbsp vegetable oil to the hot skillet. Add 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned and just cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Toss to coat the beef.
  4. Step 4: Return charred broccoli to the skillet and toss everything together for 1 minute until heated through and sauce coats all ingredients.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Beef Stir-Fry with Charred Broccoli and Garlic-Sesame Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Beef Stir-Fry with Charred Broccoli and Garlic-Sesame Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep flank steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Beef Stir-Fry with Charred Broccoli and Garlic-Sesame 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 Beef Stir-Fry with Charred Broccoli and Garlic-Sesame Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Beef Stir-Fry with Charred Broccoli and Garlic-Sesame Sauce?

Asian beef 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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