Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Sauce Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a quick, satisfying dinner with restaurant-quality flavor, look no further than Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Sauce. This dish boasts tender, savory beef, vibrant broccoli, and that glossy, irresistible sauce that ties everything together in just minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you crave classic Asian-inspired comfort, this stir fry brings a perfect medley of textures and deep, umami-rich flavors right to your table. Just wait until you catch that delicious aroma wafting from your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Sauce so delightful is its simplicity: every ingredient serves a purpose, whether adding savory notes, balancing with sweetness, or delivering that ideal stir fry texture. These essentials create harmony, color, and crave-worthy flavor in each bite.
- Beef (tender cut): Choose flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye for melt-in-your-mouth results—slice against the grain for extra tenderness.
- Broccoli florets: Bright green florets add crunch and soak up the delicious sauce beautifully.
- Low sodium soy sauce (for marinade): Infuses the beef with savory, slightly salty flavor without overpowering.
- Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the stir fry its unmistakable aroma and a punch of flavor.
- Cornstarch (for beef): Helps create that velvet texture on the beef, sealing in moisture.
- Black pepper (for beef): A hint of spice complements the beef and brings out deeper flavors.
- Baking soda: Just a little helps tenderize the beef to restaurant-worthy standards.
- Oil (for cooking meat): A neutral oil like canola or vegetable works best for searing and keeping everything from sticking.
- Oyster sauce: Key for depth and the signature umami of classic Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Sauce.
- Low sodium soy sauce (for sauce): Adds more savory complexity to your sauce base without overwhelming saltiness.
- Water: Thins out the sauce for just the right coating consistency.
- Cornstarch (for sauce): Acts as the thickener, giving the sauce that shiny, clingy finish.
- Brown sugar: Rounds out the savoriness with a gentle touch of sweetness.
- Black pepper (for sauce): A little more freshly ground black pepper adds depth and balance to the final dish.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by slicing your beef into thin strips against the grain; this is the secret to a tender bite every time. Pop the slices into a mixing bowl and add the soy sauce, cornstarch, black pepper, and baking soda. Give everything a good mix until the pieces look well coated. This quick marinade works wonders to both flavor and tenderize your beef—setting it aside while you prep the sauce boosts the texture and taste.
Step 2: Mix the Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together all of your sauce components: oyster sauce, soy sauce, water, cornstarch, brown sugar, and black pepper. Stir until smooth. This magical Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Sauce is what transforms your ingredients into a restaurant-style classic with that perfect balance of savory, sweet, and glossy.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add in your beef and use a spoon or tongs to spread the pieces out so they cook evenly without overlapping. Let them cook for about two minutes per side, just until browned and cooked through. As soon as the beef is beautifully caramelized, remove it from the pan and set aside—it’s okay if some pink remains, as it will finish cooking later.
Step 4: Par-cook the Broccoli
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and toss in your broccoli florets. Let them simmer for exactly two minutes. Drain and set aside. The broccoli might seem a tad firm now, but it’ll soften just right once combined with the sauce. Steaming is also a wonderful alternative if you prefer.
Step 5: Sauté the Garlic
Reduce the pan’s heat to medium and add a dash more oil, if needed. Toss in your minced garlic and keep it moving for about a minute, just until it starts to take on a little golden color. The aroma is fantastic and signals the base flavor is ready for the next step.
Step 6: Simmer the Sauce
Pour your prepared Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Sauce into the skillet, stirring everything together. Keep a close eye: the sauce will thicken quickly thanks to the cornstarch. Once it glistens and coats the back of a spoon, you’re halfway to dinner bliss.
Step 7: Combine & Finish
Return the beef and broccoli to the pan. Gently fold them into that luscious sauce, making sure everything is evenly coated and heated through. Give it all one final stir, then serve hot over fluffy white rice or noodles, spooning up every last bit of that glossy sauce.
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Sauce
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced scallions brings the perfect finishing touch of color and flavor. For a little heat, chili flakes or a swirl of sriracha on the side look and taste fantastic. A few fresh cilantro leaves can also add a delightful herbal note.
Side Dishes
Classic steamed white rice is always a winner here, serving as the ideal base to soak up every bit of the Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Sauce. For something a little different, try serving with brown rice, cauliflower “rice,” or even chewy udon or ramen noodles to create a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your platter up a notch by piling the stir fry onto a large serving dish and arranging extra broccoli florets around the edge for a pop of green. You can fill little lettuce cups with the stir fry for a fun, light appetizer, or serve individual portions in colorful Asian-style bowls with chopsticks for a special touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers promptly to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. The Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Sauce keeps the dish moist and flavorful for up to three days—perfect for meal prepping or those late-night cravings.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze your leftovers! Let everything cool, then spoon into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Lay bags flat for efficient storage, and enjoy within 2-3 months. Allow the dish to defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To warm up, use either the microwave or stovetop. For the best texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Sauce as needed. If microwaving, cover loosely to prevent drying out and stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain it first to avoid excess water diluting your Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Sauce. The texture may be a touch softer, but the flavor still shines.
Which beef cut works best for this recipe?
Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye are all fantastic choices because of their tenderness and quick cooking time. Remember, slicing against the grain is the ultimate trick for keeping beef tender in your stir fry.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix up the Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Sauce a day or two in advance and keep it refrigerated in a jar. The sauce may thicken slightly as it sits, so just whisk it well or add a splash of water before using.
Is there a vegetarian option for the sauce?
For a vegetarian twist, swap the beef for tofu or mushrooms and use a vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin sauce instead. The Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Sauce stands up beautifully to vegetables and plant-based proteins.
Why is baking soda used in the beef marinade?
A tiny bit of baking soda helps tenderize the beef by adjusting its pH, which breaks down proteins and gives you that restaurant-quality, velvety texture. Just don’t use too much—a little goes a long way!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip up a batch of Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Sauce at home; it’s satisfying, incredibly flavorful, and so approachable for cooks of any level. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation—give it a try and enjoy every saucy, savory bite!
Print
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and satisfying Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Sauce recipe that is quick and easy to make. Tender strips of marinated beef paired with crisp broccoli florets in a savory oyster sauce-based stir fry.
Ingredients
Marinated Beef:
- 1 lb beef (tender cut)
- 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- oil (for cooking meat)
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp black pepper
Other:
- 3–4 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: Slice beef into thin strips, marinate with soy sauce, cornstarch, black pepper, and baking soda. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Mix oyster sauce, soy sauce, water, cornstarch, brown sugar, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Cook the Beef: Brown marinated beef in a pan. Remove from pan.
- Blanch Broccoli: Boil broccoli for 2 minutes, then drain.
- Sauté Garlic: Cook minced garlic in oil until lightly browned.
- Add Sauce: Pour in the prepared sauce, cook until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Add broccoli and beef to the sauce, coat evenly. Serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1040mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, Stir Fry Sauce, Asian Beef Recipe
