Stir-Fried Beef with Spicy Garlic Sauce and Broccoli

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

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with crisp broccoli florets in a bold, spicy garlic sauce that packs a flavorful punch. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes blends cornstarch, soy sauce, 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 350 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 2 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp soy sauce until beef is evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the beef in a single layer and sear without stirring for 2 minutes, then stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef from wok and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the wok. Add 3 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes to the broccoli. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir together 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl, then pour into the wok. Return beef to the wok and toss everything together. Cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens and coats beef and broccoli.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving immediately with steamed rice if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Beef with Spicy Garlic Sauce and Broccoli 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Spicy Garlic Sauce and Broccoli?

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 with Spicy Garlic Sauce and Broccoli?

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 Spicy Garlic Sauce and Broccoli 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Spicy Garlic Sauce and Broccoli?

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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