Craving a delicious and easy weeknight dinner recipe? This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry delivers vibrant flavors and comes together in a flash, making it perfect for busy evenings. You’ll love how quickly you can create a satisfying meal right in your own kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Flank Steak: You can substitute with sirloin steak or even thinly sliced chicken breast for a different take on this weeknight dinner recipe.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen broccoli works well. Consider asparagus or snap peas for variation.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
- Ginger & Garlic: Fresh is best, but pre-minced versions are convenient for quick weeknight dinner recipes.
- Cornstarch: This is essential for thickening the sauce. Arrowroot powder is a suitable substitute.
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or other high smoke point oil)
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Optional Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350
- Tools Needed: Large skillet or wok, whisk, measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Steak
Slice your flank steak thinly against the grain. This ensures tenderness in your stir-fry. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to get a good sear.
2. Whisk the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk until smooth and set aside. This is the flavor base for your weeknight dinner recipe.
3. Cook the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary, for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove the cooked beef from the skillet and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Broccoli
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. You want them to retain a slight bite.
5. Combine and Thicken
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the broccoli. Give your prepared sauce a quick whisk again, then pour it over the beef and broccoli. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve Immediately
Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve your delicious Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry hot, perhaps over a bed of rice or noodles, for a complete weeknight dinner recipe.
Variation Ideas
- Add a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Include sliced bell peppers or carrots with the broccoli.
- Top with chopped green onions for extra freshness.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Add it directly to the pan from frozen and cook until tender-crisp.
Q: Why do you slice steak against the grain?
A: Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the beef more tender and easier to chew in your stir-fry.
Q: How do I prevent my beef from being tough?
A: Don’t overcook the beef; sear it quickly until just browned. Slicing thinly against the grain also helps tremendously.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free.
Q: What can I serve with this stir-fry?
A: This dish pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or noodles for a satisfying weeknight dinner recipe.
Q: Is this recipe good for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry makes excellent leftovers, perfect for packing for lunches throughout the week.