Pan-Seared Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Ginger Sauce

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

Tender strips of beef and crisp broccoli florets tossed in a fragrant ginger soy sauce, perfect for a quick and nutritious weeknight meal. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes blends flank steak, thinly sliced, broccoli florets, 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 320 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the steak slices and sear for 3-4 minutes until browned but slightly pink inside. Remove steak and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add 4 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves to the broccoli. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/4 cup water, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Pour sauce into skillet and bring to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Ginger Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Ginger 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 Pan-Seared Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Ginger 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 Pan-Seared Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Ginger 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 Pan-Seared Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Ginger Sauce?

Chinese 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes