Stovetop Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Ginger-Sesame Sauce

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

Quick and savory beef stir-fry with crisp broccoli florets and a punchy ginger-sesame sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes blends broccoli florets, vegetable oil, grated 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 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
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 3 tbsp water until smooth; set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 3 cups broccoli florets, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until broccoli is crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Return beef to the skillet, pour in the prepared sauce, and toss to coat everything evenly. Cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the beef and broccoli.
  5. Step 5: If desired, sprinkle 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for heat. Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stovetop Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Ginger-Sesame 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 Stovetop Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Ginger-Sesame 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 Stovetop Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Ginger-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 Stovetop Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Ginger-Sesame 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 Stovetop Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Ginger-Sesame 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.

Related recipes