Name: Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 16 oz flank steak; 3 cups broccoli florets (about 12 oz); 3 green onions, greens sliced thin; 2 tsp baking soda (for tenderizing); 1 tbsp vegetable oil (avocado oil recommended); salt, to taste; fresh cracked black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp freshly minced garlic; ½ cup chicken broth (can substitute water); 2 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp black vinegar (or substitute rice vinegar); 2 tbsp light brown sugar; 2 tbsp soy sauce; ½ tbsp dark soy sauce (optional); 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

There’s something deeply satisfying about the perfect stir-fry that hits all the right notes: tender beef, crisp broccoli, and that fragrant garlicky sauce. This Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe captures that magic in a way that feels both comforting and exciting—a great weeknight win you’ll want to make again and again.

The image shows a black pan filled with a stir-fry dish made of bright green broccoli florets and shiny pieces of brown meat coated in a rich sauce. The meat slices are spread evenly among the broccoli, and the dish is sprinkled with small white sesame seeds. The broccoli looks fresh and crisp, while the meat appears tender and juicy, all sitting on a backdrop of a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it nails that perfect balance between quick, tasty, and downright savory. It’s simple but feels so elevated when you get the sauce right.

Amazing Texture: The beef is tender and slightly crispy around the edges thanks to a neat tenderizing trick I swear by.
Flavor-Packed Sauce: That garlicky, slightly sweet, and tangy sauce coats everything beautifully without being overpowering.
Balanced Greens: Broccoli stays crisp-tender and fresh, so you get a great contrast of textures and colors.
Quick to Make: From prep to plate in under 45 minutes—perfect for busy evenings when you want something home-cooked but fuss-free.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here blend classic Chinese takeout flavors with fresh, straightforward components you can find easily. Knowing why each item is included helps you tweak the recipe with confidence.

Flat lay of fresh thinly sliced flank steak arranged flat, vibrant green broccoli florets, three whole green onions with white and green parts, a few cloves of freshly minced garlic piled in a small white ceramic bowl, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl with light brown sugar, a small white bowl with fine cornstarch powder, a small white bowl filled with dark soy sauce, a small white bowl with glossy oyster sauce, a small white bowl containing black vinegar, a small white bowl with golden toasted sesame oil, a small white bowl with pale yellow vegetable avocado oil, a small white bowl with reddish-orange red pepper flakes, a small white bowl filled with pale chicken broth, a small white bowl of salt, and a small white bowl of freshly cracked black pepper, all symmetrically arranged with perfect balance and proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Flank steak: This cut is ideal for stir-fry due to its flavor and tenderness when sliced thin and properly tenderized.
Broccoli florets: They add that needed crunch and bright green color to balance the beef’s richness.
Green onions: A final fresh, mild onion bite that lifts the dish.
Baking soda: A secret weapon to tenderize the beef, mimicking that restaurant-style texture.
Vegetable oil (like avocado): High smoke point oils are perfect for quick stir-frying without burning.
Fresh garlic: The star of the sauce—aromatic and savory.
Chicken broth: Adds umami and depth to the sauce—feel free to substitute water in a pinch.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for that silky coating.
Black vinegar: Provides a tangy kick, balancing the sweetness.
Light and dark soy sauces: For layered salty and slightly sweet soy flavor; dark soy adds color and depth.
Brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce naturally.
Oyster sauce: Adds complexity and savory richness.
Toasted sesame oil: Stirred in at the end for that nutty aroma.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle heat if you like a little kick.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I enjoy most about this Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe is how adaptable it is. Once you have the basics down, you can tweak the veggies, sauce heat level, or even the cut of beef to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge.

Swap the Veggies: I like adding sliced bell peppers or snap peas for more crunch and color when I have them on hand.
Milder Version: Leave out the red pepper flakes if you want a gentle garlicky sauce without the heat.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and confirm your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
Protein Alternatives: Thinly sliced chicken breast or pork loin also work well with this sauce if you want to switch it up.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe

A black bowl filled with a base layer of white fluffy rice, topped with a layer of green broccoli pieces and dark brown glossy beef slices coated in sauce. Bright green sliced onions and light-colored sesame seeds are sprinkled evenly on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth partially visible beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Tenderize the Beef

The first trick I swear by is dusting the thinly sliced flank steak with baking soda. Lay the beef flat, sprinkle a teaspoon on one side, flip and repeat. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry. This really gives the beef that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture you find in takeout dishes—totally worth the extra step!

Step 2: Prep the Sauce

While the beef tenderizes, mix your chicken broth with cornstarch until smooth, then add the soy sauces, oyster sauce, brown sugar, black vinegar, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. It looks a bit messy at first (the oyster sauce doesn’t always want to blend well), but don’t worry — it all smooths out as it cooks.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Heat your oil over medium-high in a large skillet or wok. Arrange the beef slices so they lay flat—it’s tempting to just toss them in, but laying flat means you get those delicious crispy edges. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden on one side, then stir and cook for another minute or so until just cooked. The beef may still look a bit pink, but that’s totally normal and part of its tender nature thanks to the baking soda.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli & Garlic

Push the beef to the edges of the pan and pop the broccoli into the center. Cook while stirring often for about 2 minutes so it stays bright, crisp, and tender. Then move the broccoli aside, add a little more oil if needed, and toss in the garlic. Let it sauté just until fragrant—about a minute—to build that deep garlicky flavor.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add your sauce mixture in and stir everything well over medium-low heat. Let the sauce thicken and evenly coat the beef and broccoli. This is where the magic happens—the glossy, flavorful finish that elevates this dish beyond your everyday stir-fry.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat, sprinkle those fresh green onions on top along with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil. Serve immediately over jasmine rice for a mouthwatering meal that always impresses.

Top Tip

Having made this Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe countless times, I learned a few tips that make all the difference between good and great. Paying attention to these will help you get that restaurant-quality result at home.

Use Baking Soda for Tender Beef: It’s a game-changer for tenderizing flank steak—don’t skip this step!
Don’t Crowded the Pan: Sear the beef in a single layer for the crispiest texture—overcrowding causes steaming.
Fresh Garlic is Key: Mince it finely and add last with a gentle sauté so it doesn’t burn and turn bitter.
Adjust Sauce Thickness: If it gets too thick too fast, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up gently.

How to Serve Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe

Garlic Beef Stir-Fry - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds—these add fresh crunch and that beautiful nutty aroma. Sometimes I throw a wedge of lime on the side for a bright squeeze right before eating. It wakes everything up!

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with fluffy jasmine or basmati rice to soak up that luscious sauce. But if you want to mix things up, steamed rice noodles or even fried rice work wonderfully. A light cucumber salad can also add a refreshing contrast to the savory beef.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party twist, I’ve served this stir-fry over crisp lettuce cups, turning it into a handheld delight. Or try plating it in shallow bowls topped with a sprinkle of crunchy fried garlic chips for extra texture when you’re in the mood to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to cool leftovers quickly, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge. The stir-fry keeps well for up to 3 days—just remember that broccoli might soften a bit, but the flavors stay tasty and comforting.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the beef and broccoli stir-fry successfully by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. Defrost overnight in the fridge, though texture of the broccoli changes slightly after freezing, so I recommend freezing only if you’re OK with that.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high power or the beef can get tough and the broccoli mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What’s the best cut of beef for this garlic beef stir-fry with broccoli recipe?

Flank steak is my top choice because when sliced thin and tenderized with baking soda, it stays tender and cooks quickly without drying out. Skirt steak or sirloin can also work but adjust cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Adding red pepper flakes is a simple way to bring in some heat. Alternatively, you can mix in a dash of chili paste or Sriracha to the sauce to amp up the spice level according to your taste.

How do I prevent the beef from getting tough?

The key is slicing thin against the grain and using baking soda to tenderize before cooking. Also, cook beef quickly on high heat without overcrowding the pan to avoid steaming, which can make it tough. Resting briefly after cooking helps as well.

Can I substitute broccoli with other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to swap broccoli for vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, asparagus, or bok choy depending on what you like or have on hand. Just adjust cooking times so your veggies stay crisp and tender.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe is one of those gems that feels like a cozy restaurant meal made right in your kitchen. I love sharing it with friends because it’s approachable, quick, and tastes impressive without complicated prep. Once you try the tender beef and that rich, garlicky sauce, I bet it’ll become a favorite in your home dining lineup too. Give it a shot—you’ll be so glad you did.