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 (or similar cut of beef); 3 cups broccoli florets (about 12 oz); 3 green onions (greens sliced thin); 2 tsp baking soda (for tenderizing); 1 tbsp vegetable oil (e.g., avocado oil); 2 tbsp freshly minced garlic; Salt, to taste; Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste; ½ cup chicken broth (or water); 2 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp black vinegar (or 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 incredibly satisfying about the blend of tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and that punchy garlic sauce—you just can’t go wrong with this Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe. It hits that perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and a little tangy, reminding me of the best Chinese takeout but homemade with love.

The image shows a black pan filled with a stir-fry dish that has two main layers: bright green broccoli florets with a firm texture and glossy brown slices of cooked meat in a shiny sauce, sprinkled with small white sesame seeds. The broccoli pieces are scattered evenly among the meat strips, and the sauce coats both layers, giving them a wet and rich look. The pan rests on 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

This Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe quickly became one of my weeknight go-to meals. It’s a straightforward, no-fail dish that manages to feel special, even when you’re short on time and energy. I love how the steak turns buttery soft thanks to a nifty tenderizing trick, and the garlicky sauce never fails to impress.

Perfectly tender beef: A quick baking soda soak works wonders in achieving steak that melts in your mouth, just like takeout.
Flavor-packed garlic sauce: The combination of soy, oyster sauce, and a splash of vinegar creates a beautifully balanced glaze.
Bright, fresh broccoli: Quickly stir-fried so it holds onto just the right amount of crunch without becoming mushy.
Easy weeknight dinner: Minimal prep and a fast cook time mean you can whip this up reliably on busy evenings.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe has a role that complements the others perfectly—freshness, texture, and flavor all come together harmoniously. When shopping, I always pick the freshest broccoli florets and go for flank steak or a similar lean cut that slices thin easily.

Flat lay of thinly sliced fresh flank steak arranged flat, vibrant green broccoli florets, three whole green onions with white bulbs and green tops, small white bowl of white baking soda powder, small white bowl of clear vegetable oil, small white bowl filled with minced fresh garlic, small white bowl with coarse salt crystals, small white bowl containing cracked black pepper, small white bowl of light golden chicken broth, small white bowl with fine white cornstarch powder, small white bowl of dark reddish-black black vinegar, small white bowl filled with light brown sugar crystals, small white bowl of dark amber soy sauce, another small white bowl with very dark thick soy sauce, small white bowl with glossy oyster sauce, small white bowl of deep golden toasted sesame oil, small white bowl of red pepper flakes, all ingredients perfectly arranged in balanced symmetry 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 benefits from tenderizing and slices thin for quick, even cooking.
Broccoli florets: Use fresh for crispness; frozen tends to get soggy fast.
Baking soda: Key for tenderizing the beef—it’s a simple trick you'll be glad you tried.
Vegetable oil (avocado oil): Neutral flavor with a high smoke point for perfect searing.
Fresh garlic: Minced and added late so it retains flavor without burning.
Chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce; you can substitute water in a pinch.
Cornstarch: Creates a silky sauce that clings beautifully to beef and broccoli.
Soy sauce (light and optionally dark): For that classic umami punch.
Oyster sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness and complexity that makes the sauce sing.
Black vinegar (or rice vinegar): Adds a touch of tang that balances out the sweetness.
Light brown sugar: Just enough for a gentle sweetness without overpowering.
Toasted sesame oil: Stirred in at the end for a fragrant finish.
Green onions: Adds fresh brightness and crunch at the end.
Red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little heat, this is your go-to.

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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

I love playing around with this Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe. You can easily tailor it to what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. I often add a handful of sliced bell peppers or snap peas when I want a bit of extra crunch and color. Feel free to make it your own!

Variation: Once, I swapped out broccoli for Chinese broccoli (gai lan) to add a slightly bitter note that paired beautifully with the sweet and savory sauce.
Diet-friendly swaps: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free options.
Heat level adjustment: If you like it spicy, amp up the red pepper flakes or add a splash of chili garlic sauce.
Protein switch-up: I’ve also tried thinly sliced chicken breast with this sauce for a lighter alternative that still feels indulgent.

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

A bowl with three visible layers: the bottom layer is white steamed rice with fluffy texture filling the bowl, the middle layer has brown glazed beef slices mixed with bright green broccoli pieces coated in a shiny sauce, and the top layer is garnished with fresh green onion slices and sprinkled light brown sesame seeds, all served in a round white bowl placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth nearby, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Tenderize the Beef

Start by slicing your flank steak thinly against the grain—about ⅛ inch thick. This helps keep the beef tender once cooked. Spread the slices flat on a board or plate, then sprinkle one teaspoon of baking soda over one side. Flip the pieces and sprinkle the other teaspoon on the other side. Let the beef rest for 15 minutes—this is the secret that makes your stir-fry have that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Prepare The Sauce

While the beef is tenderizing, mix your chicken broth and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Then stir in the soy sauces, oyster sauce, brown sugar, black vinegar, sesame oil, and optional red pepper flakes. Don’t worry if the oyster sauce doesn’t fully blend yet—it will once it hits the hot pan.

Step 3: Rinse Beef and Season

Rinse the baking soda off the beef thoroughly under cold water, then pat it dry completely—this step is crucial to avoid a bitter aftertaste. Once dry, sprinkle one side with salt and pepper, setting it aside until ready to cook.

Step 4: Cook The Beef

Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Lay the steak slices flat and give them space—don’t crowd the pan! Let them crisp up for about 2 to 3 minutes on one side before stirring and cooking for another 90 seconds. Don’t panic if the meat looks a little pink; the tenderizing process changes the color but it’s totally safe and tender.

Step 5: Stir-Fry The Broccoli and Garlic

Push the beef to the sides of your pan and add the broccoli to the center with a bit more oil if needed. Stir frequently for about 2 minutes to keep the crunch alive. Then push broccoli aside, add your minced garlic with a touch more oil, and sauté it just until fragrant—about a minute. That garlicky aroma will have you ready to dive in!

Step 6: Add The Sauce and Finish

Turn the heat to medium-low and pour in your sauce mixture. Stir everything so the sauce coats the beef and broccoli. Keep cooking until the sauce thickens and glazes everything beautifully—usually around 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the sliced green onions, and you’re good to go.

Top Tip

Having made this Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few things that rescue the dish from any hiccup. These tips have made my cooking truly foolproof:

Tenderizing is key: Don't skip the baking soda step—it’s what really happens behind the scenes to get that tender bite.
Pat dry, always: After rinsing the beef, drying thoroughly prevents steaming and helps in getting that nice sear.
Don’t overcook garlic: Add it near the end and cook just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
Use a hot pan: Searing on high heat locks in juices and prevents sogginess.

How to Serve Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe

Garlic Beef Stir-Fry - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions and a few toasted sesame seeds for texture and a subtle nutty flavor. Sometimes, I add a dash of chili oil if we’re feeling bold!

Side Dishes

This stir-fry is perfectly happy resting on fluffy jasmine rice, but I’ve also paired it with simple steamed rice noodles or even a side of garlic fried rice for extra flavor depth.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to serve it family-style in a large shallow bowl with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and thinly sliced red chilies on top. It makes the colors pop and feels celebratory even on a weeknight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I transfer leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The beef holds up really well, but broccoli can get softer—if that bothers you, consider undercooking the veggies a bit.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze the dish because broccoli tends to lose its fresh texture, but you can freeze just the beef and sauce separately if needed. Thaw gently in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid overcooking the beef. A splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce and keeps everything nice and saucy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use another cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its texture and flavor, you can also use sirloin, skirt steak, or even ribeye. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain and adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid tough meat.

What does baking soda do in this Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe?

Baking soda raises the pH on the meat’s surface, which helps to break down proteins and tenderize the beef quickly. It’s a common technique in Chinese cooking to achieve that soft texture you crave in stir-fry dishes.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can easily swap the beef for tofu or tempeh and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. Adjust cooking times as tofu doesn’t need tenderizing or long cook times. The sauce works just as well with plant-based proteins!

Is dark soy sauce necessary?

Dark soy sauce is optional and mostly used for color and a slightly deeper flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, just increase the light soy sauce a bit—your stir-fry will still taste amazing.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple ingredients transformed by a few kitchen tricks and a whole lot of flavor. I hope you give it a whirl and find it as comforting and reliably delicious as I do. It’s just one of those dishes that tastes like a little celebration on any day of the week.