Garlicky Beef and Broccoli with Sesame Oil
A quick, flavorful stir-fry with tender beef strips and crisp broccoli in a savory sesame-garlic sauce, perfect for a low-carb weeknight meal. This asian-inspired beef (low-carb, gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs flank steak, soy sauce, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 276 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz flank steak
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups florets broccoli
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Add the sliced flank steak and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned on the outside but still pink inside; remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated ginger to the skillet, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 3 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup chicken broth and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Pour the mixture into the skillet, stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the broccoli (about 1-2 minutes).
- Step 6: Return the beef to the skillet, toss to combine, and cook for 1 more minute. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp sesame seeds before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlicky Beef and Broccoli with Sesame Oil take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Garlicky Beef and Broccoli with Sesame Oil?
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 Garlicky Beef and Broccoli with Sesame Oil?
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 Garlicky Beef and Broccoli with Sesame Oil 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.
Is Garlicky Beef and Broccoli with Sesame Oil low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! So quick for weeknights and the sesame oil really elevated it.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my kids and they devoured it! The garlic aroma was perfect without overpowering.
- ★★★★☆
Great flavor, but the broccoli was slightly overcooked for my taste. Would add more garlic next time.
