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 (avocado oil recommended); 2 tbsp freshly minced garlic; Salt, to taste; Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste; ½ cup chicken broth (can substitute water); 2 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp black vinegar (or substitute 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 irresistibly satisfying about a home-cooked stir-fry that’s packed with bold flavors and tender beef. This Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe delivers exactly that—a perfect balance of garlicky goodness, lightly crisp broccoli, and melt-in-your-mouth beef that reminds me of my favorite takeout spot, but way fresher and way better.

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

I’m genuinely excited to share this Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe because it combines simple ingredients into something that feels special but is so easy to make. The tender beef, fragrant garlic sauce, and vibrant broccoli come together quickly, making it my go-to weeknight dinner.

Perfectly tender beef: The baking soda tenderizing trick gives the beef that soft, buttery texture that’s key to authentic stir-fry.
Garlicky sauce with a kick: A blend of soy, oyster sauce, vinegar, and just a touch of sugar balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors effortlessly.
Quick and healthy: A fast stir-fry packed with fresh broccoli makes this an easy way to get your greens without fuss.
Flexible for any kitchen: Minimal special ingredients and simple steps mean you can whip this up anytime, even with a busy schedule.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays an important role, working together to create layers of flavor and the ideal textures. Knowing what each part brings to the table lets you swap or tweak with confidence.

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: It’s lean but tender when sliced thin against the grain, perfect for quick stir-frying. I love using flank steak for its flavor and texture.
Broccoli florets: Offers a fresh crunch and soaks up the savory garlic sauce beautifully.
Baking soda: This might surprise you, but it tenderizes the beef by breaking down proteins, giving that takeout-style softness.
Vegetable oil (avocado oil suggested): High smoke point oils work best to quickly sear the beef without burning.
Fresh garlic: The star flavor here—minced super fresh garlic makes the whole dish irresistible.
Chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce, or you can use water if needed.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to every bite.
Soy sauce & dark soy sauce: Classic umami providers; the dark soy adds color and a deeper flavor.
Oyster sauce: Adds a lovely sweetness and rich complexity.
Black vinegar (or rice vinegar): Provides a tangy brightness to balance the savory notes.
Light brown sugar: Just enough sweetness to round out the sauce without overpowering.
Sesame oil: Used as a finishing touch, it adds a toasty, nutty aroma that’s unmistakable.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Give a little heat if you want to spice things up—it’s my favorite way to add an unexpected kick.
Green onions: Fresh, crisp, and colorful garnish that livens up the final dish.

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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 depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. Feel free to customize it—you’ll be surprised how adaptable it is without losing any of its magic.

Variation: I sometimes swap the broccoli for snap peas or asparagus when I want a different crunch. Both work beautifully and keep things fresh.
Heat level: Adding more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil kicks up the spice if you like it hotter.
Protein swap: You can easily try chicken or tofu instead of beef—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free to suit dietary needs.

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: Tenderizing the Beef With Care

Start by slicing the flank steak very thinly against the grain—this is key for tenderness. Then, dust both sides generously with baking soda and let it rest for 15 minutes. This step always surprised me the first time, but it really transforms the texture into that silky, tender takeout style. Don’t skip rinsing it off afterward to remove any residue—pat it dry thoroughly before seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Mix the Flavor-Packed Sauce

While the beef is resting, whisk together the chicken broth, cornstarch, soy sauces, oyster sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). The oyster sauce might remain a bit lumpy—that’s okay, it will melt and blend during cooking.

Step 3: Sear the Beef to Crispy Perfection

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spread the beef slices flat in the pan without overcrowding for a nice sear. Let them be for about 2-3 minutes until a crust forms, then toss and cook for another 90 seconds or so. Remember, the slight pink hue is normal after tenderizing.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli and Garlic Aroma Boost

Push the beef to the edges and drop your broccoli in the center, adding a touch more oil if the pan looks dry. Stir frequently, cooking for about two minutes until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender. Then, move broccoli aside, add minced garlic in the center, and sauté gently for about a minute until fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 5: Bring It All Together with the Sauce

Turn the heat to medium-low, pour in the sauce mixture, and stir everything together thoroughly. Cook just until the sauce thickens and coats every piece beautifully—about 2-3 minutes. Don’t overcook or the sauce will lose its glossy appeal!

Step 6: Final Touches and Serve

Take it off the heat, sprinkle in the sliced green onions and drizzle toasted sesame oil on top. Serve piping hot over fluffy jasmine rice. The combination of fresh green onion crunch and nutty sesame finishes it perfectly.

Top Tip

From my experience, nailing the texture of the beef and timing the sauce perfectly are game changers for this Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe. Here are a few tips that helped me every time.

Tenderizing with baking soda: Trust the process! Don’t skip the rinsing and patting dry step afterward for the best flavor and texture.
High heat sear: Get your pan screaming hot before adding the beef to develop that mouthwatering crust quickly without drying it out.
Quick garlic cooking: Don’t let the garlic burn—it only needs about a minute to infuse the oil with flavor and aroma.
Thicken the sauce slowly: Add the sauce at medium-low heat and stir gently so it coats every piece without clumping or becoming gloopy.

How to Serve Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe

garlic beef stir-fry - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top this stir-fry with a handful of sliced green onions and a light drizzle of toasted sesame oil for that irresistible aroma. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or even a little fresh chopped cilantro if I’m feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

Jasmine rice is my trusty side here—it soaks up the garlic sauce nicely. But feel free to serve with steamed white rice, brown rice for something heartier, or even cauliflower rice if you want a low-carb twist. A light cucumber salad or pickled veggies also pair beautifully to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve this stir-fry family-style on a big platter right from the wok, garnished with extra green onions and chili flakes. It looks vibrant and inviting, encouraging everyone to dig in. Another fun idea is to wrap the stir-fry in lettuce cups for a fresh handheld treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because the beef is tender and the sauce is thick, the flavors hold up nicely without getting soggy. Just keep the rice separate if you’ve served it together.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well for up to a month. I recommend freezing the beef and broccoli mixture without rice in a freezer-safe container. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat this stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it looks dry. This keeps the sauce glossy and the beef tender. Avoid microwaving if you can for best texture, but if you do, cover it to trap steam and reheat in short bursts, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir-fry?

Yes! Flank steak is ideal because it’s lean and tender when sliced thinly against the grain, but sirloin or skirt steak also work well. Just be sure to slice thin and use the baking soda tenderizing step for the best texture.

What’s the purpose of baking soda in this recipe?

Baking soda tenderizes the beef by breaking down proteins, which results in that soft, silky texture typical of Chinese takeout dishes. It’s important to rinse it off well after 15 minutes to avoid any odd flavors.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap regular soy sauce for tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce, and check your oyster sauce to ensure it's labeled gluten-free. These substitutions keep the flavor profile intact while accommodating gluten sensitivities.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning during cooking?

Garlic cooks very quickly and can burn easily, turning bitter. To prevent this, add minced garlic after the broccoli has started cooking and sauté it briefly over medium-low heat—usually about 1 minute is enough. Keep stirring and watch closely for that fragrant aroma.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to make—not just because it tastes amazing but because it’s reliable and comforting. It’s the kind of dish you can pull together quickly on any night, knowing it’ll impress without stress. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do, and once you try it, it might just become a staple in your kitchen, too.