Stir-Fried Beef with Broccoli and Sesame Sauce

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

Quick-cooked flank steak with crisp-tender broccoli in a savory-sweet sesame sauce, ideal for busy weeknights. This chinese-inspired asian ready in about 39 minutes pairs flank steak, soy sauce, cornstarch for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 415 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 14 min Serves 2 Chinese cuisine 415 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine sliced flank steak with 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp rice wine, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add marinated beef to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but still pink inside. Remove and set aside with broccoli.
  4. Step 4: Add minced garlic and ginger to the wok and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Whisk together chicken broth, 1 tbsp soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and 1/2 tsp cornstarch. Pour into wok and bring to a simmer, stirring until sauce thickens (about 1 minute).
  6. Step 6: Return beef and broccoli to the wok and toss to coat. Cook for 1 minute until heated through. Garnish with 1 tbsp sesame seeds.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Beef with Broccoli and Sesame Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 39 minutes (25 min prep + 14 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Broccoli and 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Broccoli and 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Broccoli and Sesame Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 with Broccoli and Sesame Sauce?

Chinese asian 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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