Quick Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Ginger Garlic Sauce
Tender strips of beef stir-fried with crisp broccoli in a fragrant garlic and ginger sauce, ready in under 30 minutes. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes blends broccoli florets, divided vegetable oil, minced fresh ginger 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp, divided vegetable oil
- 2 tsp minced fresh ginger
- 3 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
- 2 sliced, for garnish scallions
- 1 tsp, for garnish sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water until smooth; set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just browned but not cooked through. Remove beef to a plate.
- Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet. Toss in 3 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tsp minced fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Return the beef to the skillet along with the prepared sauce and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and beef is cooked through.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced scallions and 1 tsp sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Ginger Garlic Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Quick Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Ginger 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 Quick Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Ginger 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 Quick Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Ginger 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 Quick Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Ginger Garlic 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.