Name: Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 16 oz flank steak; 3 cups broccoli florets (about 12 oz); 3 green onions, greens sliced thin; 2 tsp baking soda; 1 tbsp vegetable oil (avocado oil recommended); Salt, to taste; Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water); 2 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp black vinegar (or rice vinegar); 2 tbsp light brown sugar; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional); 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil; 2 tbsp freshly minced garlic; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

There’s something so satisfying about a home-cooked stir-fry that hits all the right notes—tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a garlicky sauce that just makes you want to dive right in. This Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe nails those flavors perfectly, delivering that familiar takeout vibe with a fresh, homemade twist.

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 and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made countless beef and broccoli dishes, but this Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe stands out because it’s just so reliable and satisfying every time. Plus, it’s got that rich, garlicky depth that keeps me coming back for seconds—and I bet you will, too!

Perfectly tender beef: The baking soda trick makes the steak unbelievably tender, mimicking that classic takeout texture you’d pay for.
Flavor-packed sauce: It’s a beautiful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy with umami-rich oyster sauce and a hint of black vinegar.
Fresh and crisp broccoli: Quick stir-frying keeps it bright green and crunchy, so you get texture alongside the meaty goodness.
Easy weeknight winner: It’s done in about 35 minutes, so you won’t have to strategize your dinner time to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe serves a purpose—from tenderizing to layering flavors. Using flank steak or similar cuts gives you real beefy goodness without spending too much, and the sauces bring it all together beautifully.

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: Slicing against the grain and tenderizing with baking soda keeps it juicy and soft, avoiding that chewy, tough bite.
Broccoli florets: Fresh is best here for that vibrant crunch and color; frozen can work but won’t have the same snap.
Green onions: They add a fresh, mild oniony bite at the end, brightening up the whole dish.
Baking soda: Don’t skip this! It’s the secret for that tender beef — just rinse it well after to avoid any off taste.
Veggie oil (avocado oil preferred): High smoke point oils keep the stir-fry sizzling without burning the garlic or beef.
Freshly minced garlic: This is the star—you need fresh to get that fragrant, rich garlic flavor.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce, making it silkier than plain water.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings beautifully to the beef and broccoli.
Black vinegar (or rice vinegar): Brings that subtle tang that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Light and dark soy sauce: Light soy sauce offers saltiness, while dark adds a touch of sweetness and color.
Oyster sauce: This boosts the savory umami notes—it's totally worth having on hand for Asian stir-fries.
Toasted sesame oil: A little drizzle at the end adds warmth and nuttiness.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick if you like a bit of heat.

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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 like to keep this Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe pretty classic because it’s so flavorful on its own. But I’m always all about making recipes fit my mood and pantry—don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite tweaks!

Variation: Once, I swapped broccoli for broccolini when I had some on hand, and it gave this dish a lovely, slightly sweeter bite that was a nice twist.
Protein swap: Ground beef or even chicken thighs work well if you want something different but still crave that garlicky sauce.
Spice it up: Add some sliced fresh chili or a dash more red pepper flakes if you prefer it with heat.
Vegetarian twist: Tofu cubes or mushrooms in place of beef can make a tasty plant-based version—just adjust cooking times accordingly!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry 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: Prep and Tenderize the Beef

Start by slicing your flank steak against the grain into super thin strips—about an eighth-inch thick. This slicing method is essential for tenderness. Then, lay the slices flat and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of baking soda evenly on one side. Flip and repeat on the other side. Let it sit for 15 minutes—it’s magic for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. After the wait, rinse the baking soda off thoroughly and pat the beef dry. Don’t skip seasoning it with salt and pepper on at least one side here!

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

While your beef is tenderizing, combine chicken broth and cornstarch in a small bowl to make a slurry. Then add soy sauces, brown sugar, oyster sauce, black vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well—even if the oyster sauce feels a bit clumpy now, it’ll melt into the pan later. This sauce is the flavor powerhouse of the dish.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—the pan needs to be hot for a good sear. Add the beef slices, trying to keep them laying flat and not crowded. Let them crisp up without stirring for 2 to 3 minutes, then stir-fry for another 90 seconds until cooked through. You might notice the beef has a reddish hue—totally normal thanks to the baking soda tenderizing.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli and Garlic

Push the beef to the pan's edges and toss in the broccoli florets, adding a little more oil if the pan looks dry. Stir frequently for about two minutes to get the broccoli tender but still crunchy and vibrantly green. Reduce heat to low, push broccoli aside, add the garlic to the center, and cook just about a minute until fragrant. This step fills your kitchen with that irresistible garlicky aroma.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Finish Cooking

Turn the heat back to medium-low and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir everything together and let it cook for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat the beef and broccoli. This glazing step is what really transforms the stir-fry from good to restaurant-worthy.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serve

Take the pan off the heat, sprinkle sliced green onions on top, and serve right away over steamy jasmine rice. A quick drizzle of additional toasted sesame oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice persona finishing touch.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe dozens of times, and a few things really helped me nail the texture and flavor every time. Here are some tips distilled from my kitchen trials to help you avoid common pitfalls.

Tenderize with baking soda: This is a game-changer. Don’t skip it, but just remember to rinse the beef really well after resting to avoid any off-flavors.
High heat is your friend: Make sure your pan is hot enough when searing the beef to get that nice crisp edge and lock in juices.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the beef in one layer for the best caramelization. If needed, cook it in batches.
Sauce thickness: The cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce just right—too much cornstarch and it gets gluey, too little and the sauce won’t cling well.

How to Serve Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Garlic Beef and Broccoli - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for crunch and a hint of nuttiness. Sometimes, I add a few extra drops of toasted sesame oil for that last flavor boost. If you like heat, a scattering of fresh chili slices or a drizzle of chili oil works beautifully.

Side Dishes

Jasmine rice is my go-to—it soaks up all the delicious sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, I sometimes serve it with cauliflower rice or steamed jasmine-flavored quinoa. A simple egg drop soup or a side of pickled vegetables balances the meal nicely, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this stir-fry in large lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on meal. Another idea is plating the beef and broccoli over fried rice or noodles and garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts to add layers of texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The beef might soften a bit, but the flavors hold up very well. Just be sure to cool it before sealing to keep the texture in check.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully on a few occasions. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The broccoli can get a little softer, but the beef stays tender, so it’s great for a ready-made dinner emergency.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming the stir-fry gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce without drying out the beef. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make the broccoli soggy and beef tough.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of beef for this Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! Flank steak is preferred for its texture and flavor, but you can also use sirloin or skirt steak, just be sure to slice thinly against the grain. Avoid tougher cuts unless you marinate longer or cook differently.

What should I do if I can’t find black vinegar?

You can substitute black vinegar with rice vinegar or even a splash of balsamic vinegar in a pinch. It won’t be exactly the same, but it gives the sauce a nice tang that balances the sweetness and umami.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari works great) and oyster sauce that’s labeled gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worrying about gluten.

How do I prevent the broccoli from getting mushy?

Quick cooking over medium-high heat is key. Adding the broccoli after the beef has cooked and stirring frequently helps keep it crisp-tender. Also, avoid overcooking by removing from heat once the sauce thickens and coats the veggies.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is one I always come back to because it’s a genuine crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough to make anytime but still feels special. The tender beef and garlicky sauce bring that comforting takeout flavor home, plus you get to control every ingredient and tweak it just how you like. Trust me—you’ll want to keep this one in your rotation.