Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic-Black Pepper Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef strips tossed with crisp broccoli in a savory garlic and black pepper sauce, making a quick and satisfying stir fry. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 22 minutes blends (about 200 g) broccoli florets, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves 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 350 calories and feeds 3, 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: 12 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tsp cornstarch; whisk until smooth and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper to the oil, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the beef is browned but still tender.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 cups broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry together with the beef for 2 minutes, allowing the broccoli to brighten in color and become crisp-tender.
  6. Step 6: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic-Black Pepper 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 Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic-Black Pepper 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 Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic-Black Pepper 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 Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic-Black Pepper 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.

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