Quick Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Savory Soy Glaze
A classic Chinese-American stir-fry featuring tender sliced flank steak and crisp broccoli florets tossed in a savory-sweet soy sauce glaze. The beef is lightly coated in cornstarch for a velvety texture, while fresh ginger and garlic add aromatic depth. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, this restaurant-quality dish comes together in under 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with steamed rice. The optional hoisin sauce adds extra umami richness to the glossy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly across grain
- 3 cups broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 3 tbsp cornstarch, divided
- ½ cup soy sauce, low-sodium preferred
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, grated fresh
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce(optional)
- ¼ cup chicken stock, or water(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Cut broccoli into florets and set aside
- 2
Slice flank steak thinly across the grain
- 3
Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water
- 4
Toss steak in cornstarch mixture to coat
- 5
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in large skillet over medium-high heat
- 6
Add steak and cook for 5-6 minutes until cooked through
- 7
Remove beef from pan
- 8
Whisk together remaining cornstarch, brown sugar, remaining oil, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce and chicken stock
- 9
Add sauce to pan and bring to boil
- 10
Cook sauce for 1 minute, stirring frequently
- 11
Add broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes
- 12
Return beef to pan and stir to coat with sauce
- 13
Cook for 1 minute to heat through
- 14
Serve over rice
Tips
For extra tender broccoli, blanch florets in salted boiling water for 3 minutes, then shock in ice water before stir-frying.
Slice the beef against the grain while partially frozen for easier, thinner cuts that cook more evenly.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in airtight container. Reheat gently in skillet or microwave.
Slice beef and prep vegetables up to 1 day ahead. Store separately in refrigerator.
Best served immediately over steamed rice, fried rice, or cauliflower rice for low-carb option.
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook broccoli to avoid mushy texture - it should remain bright green and crisp-tender.
Slice beef against the grain to prevent tough, chewy pieces.
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw and drain thoroughly first. Add frozen broccoli directly to the sauce without the initial blanching step to prevent overcooking.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
Store leftovers up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The texture is best when reheated gently in a skillet rather than the microwave.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes, this reheats well for meal prep. Cook completely, cool, and portion into containers. Reheat individual portions as needed throughout the week.