Name: Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ lb flank steak (very thinly sliced into bite-sized strips); 2 tablespoons avocado oil; 1 ½ lb broccoli ((cut into 6 cups of florets)); 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (for serving); 2 green onions (finely chopped for serving); ⅔ cup soy sauce (reduced sodium preferred); ½ cup chicken stock; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 3 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed); 1 ½ tablespoons fresh ginger (grated); 5 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)

Swap the takeout for this 15-minute Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry instead! Sliced flank steak, broccoli florets, and a flavorful stir fry sauce come together in one pan to create this flavorful dish that’s perfect for dinner, meal prep, and more.

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white rice and beef and broccoli stir fry in a large white bowl with black chopsticks next to small bowls with green onions and sesame seeds.

15-minute beef and broccoli recipe

Instead of reaching for the takeout menu after a busy day, make this quick and easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry! This super savory and satisfying meal comes together in one pan and is ready to eat after just 15 minutes. It’s perfect for those lazy nights or when you need something in a flash for meal prep.

Beef broccoli stir fry features 3 simple elements:

Sliced flank steak
Broccoli florets
And a tangy, sweet, and savory stir fry sauce

The meal is complete when served over white rice, noodles, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice if you’re looking to lessen the carbs. Serve each bowl next to cucumber salad and blistered shishito peppers for a simple homemade dinner that’s even easier and more budget-friendly than your typical Friday night takeout.

close up on a beef and broccoli stir fry topped with sesame seeds and green onions.

What’s the best cut of beef for beef stir fry?

Flank steak is the top choice when making beef and broccoli because it’s tender and lean. It’s sliced into thin strips, which cook easily, soak in tons of flavor, and make the entire dish easy to chew. Flank steak is also an inexpensive cut of beef and keeps this recipe budget-friendly.

If you don’t have flank steak, replace it with another lean beef. Top sirloin, tri-tip, and strip steak are all great alternatives. Ground beef can also be used as a last-minute resort.

white bowls filled with sauces, seasonings, green onions, and broccoli florets next to a tray of raw beef.

Ingredient notes

Steak – Flank steak is best in beef and broccoli because it’s lean, tender, and extra flavorful when cut into small strips and pan fried.

Broccoli – Either chop the broccoli into florets yourself or save time by buying pre-chopped broccoli instead.

Soy sauce – Or use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten free stir fry sauce.

Chicken stock – This can be substituted for beef stock, vegetable stock, or bone broth.

Rice wine vinegar – While I don’t recommend replacing the rice vinegar with any other kind, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in a pinch.

Brown sugar – The added sweetness creates balance among the acidic and savory ingredients.

Ginger and garlic – Necessary for a savory baseline of flavor.

Four images showing the process of cooking broccoli in a pan, whisking a brown sauce in a bowl and pan, and cooking strips of beef in a metal pan.

How to make beef and broccoli stir fry

Prepping beef and broccoli is so easy and there’s no marinating involved! The entire dish is cooked in one pan and ready to enjoy in less than 15 minutes. This is how it’s done:

Slice the flank steak.
Cut the flank steak in half lengthwise. Slice it against the grain into thin strips. Pro tip: Freeze the steak for 10 to 15 minutes first so it’s easier to cut.
Make the beef and broccoli sauce.
Whisk the soy sauce, chicken stock, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and Sriracha together in a small bowl. Set aside.
Cook the steak.
Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the steak and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. Transfer it to a bowl while you cook the broccoli.
Cook the broccoli.
Place the broccoli in the same pan and cook until the florets are slightly firm and tender. Transfer it to a bowl.
Combine everything with the sauce.
Pour the sauce into the pan and cook until it slightly thickens. Add the steak and broccoli back into the pan and toss to coat. Once it’s warmed through, serve the beef and broccoli over rice or noodles and enjoy!

cooked strips of beef and broccoli florets in a large metal pan.

Beef broccoli variations

Instead of beef – Chicken and pork can easily be used instead of the steak tips.
Looking for a vegetarian version? Replace the meat with tofu, vegetarian “steak tips”, or soy curls.
Low carb beef and broccoli – Replace the brown sugar in the stir fry sauce with a keto sweetener, like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
Add more vegetables – Cauliflower, bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or edamame would all be delicious additions.
For serving – Beef and broccoli can be served over rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, rice noodles, gluten free soba noodles, or on its own.

Making ahead and storing

Beef broccoli stir fry is a perfect meal prep recipe because it can be made a few days ahead of time and is super filling! Once the batch is cooked and cooled, store some in an airtight container with rice or noodles in the fridge for about 4 days. The leftovers can be reheated easily in the microwave or in a skillet on the stove.

close up on a beef and broccoli stir fry on top of white rice in a white bowl with small bowls of green onions and sesame seeds in the background.

Looking for more takeout-inspired recipes?

If you try this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!