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High Protein Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry - A Quick, Satisfying Weeknight Dinner

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head), cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado, canola, or peanut), divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced or grated
  • 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (adds deep savory flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken and keep beef tender)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or lime juice)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar; adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1/3 cup water or low-sodium beef broth
  • Cooked brown rice, jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice

Method
 

  1. Slice the beef: Freeze the steak for 15–20 minutes to firm it up. Slice thinly against the grain, about 1/8–1/4 inch thick. This keeps it tender and quick-cooking.
  2. Make the marinade/sauce: In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin (if using), cornstarch, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and water/broth until smooth.
  3. Marinate the beef: Add half the sauce to the sliced beef, toss to coat, and let it sit 10–20 minutes while you prep the broccoli. Reserve the other half of the sauce for the pan.
  4. Prep the broccoli: Rinse and cut into small florets. For extra tenderness, steam or blanch for 1–2 minutes until bright green, then drain well. This step keeps the stir fry crisp-tender and fast.
  5. Heat the pan: Set a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and swirl to coat until shimmering.
  6. Sear the beef in batches: Add half the beef in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until browned but still slightly pink. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining beef, adding more oil if needed. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
  7. Aromatics time: Reduce heat slightly. Add the remaining oil, then the garlic and ginger. Stir for 20–30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let them burn.
  8. Add broccoli and sauce: Toss in the broccoli and pour in the reserved sauce. Stir and cook 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the florets.
  9. Return the beef: Add the seared beef and any juices back to the pan. Toss for 30–60 seconds to warm through. Adjust seasoning with a splash of soy or a squeeze of lime if needed.
  10. Finish and serve: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or cauliflower rice.