If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, simple to make, and wonderfully satisfying, this Authentic Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Featuring tender slices of beef and crisp-tender broccoli smothered in a savory sauce, this recipe brings classic Asian-inspired tastes right to your kitchen. With just a handful of accessible ingredients, it’s a fantastic blend of textures and colors that feels both comforting and impressive every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Authentic Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to balance flavor, texture, and nutrition, making the cooking process straightforward yet incredibly rewarding. These essentials come together to create that signature umami punch and vibrant color that make this stir fry truly unforgettable.
- Beef Flank Steak or steak tip (1–1.2 lb): Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Cooking oil (1/4 cup, divided): Ideal for high-heat stir-frying to keep ingredients crisp and flavorful.
- Broccoli (1/2 head, about 1 heaping cup): Provides the classic bright green crunch and nutritional boost.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Adds aromatic depth that elevates every mouthful.
- Coconut aminos (2–3 tbsp plus extra for sauce): A naturally sweet and salty sauce base that’s a perfect soy sauce substitute.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Used in marinating to tenderize the beef to perfection.
- Arrowroot flour (1 tbsp plus 1/2 tbsp for sauce): Works as a thickening agent and also helps with the beef’s texture.
- Carrot slices (1/3 cup, optional): Adds a pop of color and sweet crunch to the dish.
- Red bell pepper slices (1/4 cup, optional): Lends a subtle sweetness and vivid red hue for visual appeal.
- Water or beef stock (1/4 cup): Creates a rich, flavorful base for the stir fry sauce.
- Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): Brings a light tang that balances the sauce perfectly.
- Sesame oil (2 tsp): Adds that unmistakably nutty aroma and final flavor boost.
How to Make Authentic Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by marinating your thinly sliced beef in coconut aminos, baking soda, and arrowroot flour. This step isn’t just about flavor; the baking soda tenderizes the meat, while the arrowroot flour helps seal in the moisture, ensuring that each piece stays juicy and tender. Let this marinade work its magic for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if you can plan ahead.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the beef is soaking up those delicious flavors, mix together the coconut aminos, water or beef stock, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and arrowroot flour in a small bowl. This sauce is the heart of your dish—it’s where savory, sweet, and tangy notes unite to coat your beef and vegetables with irresistible taste.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Heat half of the cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic first to release its fragrance, followed by the broccoli and carrot slices. Stir-fry until the vegetables are just tender but still have that satisfying crunch. If you’re using red bell pepper, toss it in now for a splash of color and a gentle sweetness that complements the broccoli beautifully.
Step 4: Sear the Beef and Combine
Push the cooked vegetables to the side of the skillet, then add the remaining oil and sear the marinated beef slices until they achieve a golden brown crust. Lower the heat, pour in the prepared sauce, and stir everything together until the beef and veggies are fully coated in the glossy, flavorful mixture. This is where the dish truly comes alive.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon your vibrant stir fry over a bed of steamed rice or enjoy it on its own for a lighter meal. The combination of tender beef, bright vegetables, and that luscious sauce will have you coming back for seconds in no time.
How to Serve Authentic Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions adds a delightful crunch and pop of color, elevating the dish from simple to spectacular in just seconds. These simple touches also bring added layers of texture and fresh flavor that make each bite even more special.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside fluffy jasmine rice or steamed brown rice to soak up every bite of sauce. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice works wonderfully too. If you’re feeling adventurous, pairing it with steamed dumplings or egg rolls makes for an authentically satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, layer the beef and broccoli over a bed of noodles or crisp lettuce leaves. Using vibrant garnishes like thinly sliced red chili or fresh cilantro can add both visual appeal and a fresh, bright contrast to the savory flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Authentic Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to preserve freshness and avoid sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, freeze the stir fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze without rice if you plan to add fresh rice when you reheat, since frozen and reheated rice can lose texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally, just until warmed through to keep the beef juicy and the broccoli crisp-tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir fry?
Absolutely! While flank steak or steak tip works best for tenderness and quick cooking, you can use sirloin or ribeye if sliced thinly. Just be mindful of cooking times to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for coconut aminos?
If you don’t have coconut aminos on hand, tamari or low-sodium soy sauce are excellent alternatives that will offer similar savory flavors.
Is arrowroot flour necessary?
Arrowroot flour plays a key role as a thickener and helps tenderize the beef, but you can substitute cornstarch if needed. Just keep the quantity the same.
How do I make the beef more tender?
Marinating the beef with baking soda and arrowroot flour not only adds flavor but ensures tenderness. Avoid overcooking by searing quickly on high heat and stirring the sauce in at the end.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn to customize the dish and boost the veggie variety according to your preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Authentic Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is one of those dishes that effortlessly blends simplicity with incredible taste and texture, making it perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this flavorful stir fry never disappoints. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and dive into a dinner that feeds your soul as much as your appetite—you won’t regret it!
Print
Authentic Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Authentic Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe features thinly sliced beef flank steak marinated in coconut aminos, baking soda, and arrowroot flour, paired with crisp-tender broccoli and optional vibrant vegetables. Cooked quickly in a hot skillet with a savory sauce made from coconut aminos, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, this dish delivers traditional Asian-inspired flavors with a wholesome twist. Perfect for a quick, nutritious weeknight meal served over rice and garnished with sesame seeds or green onions.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 – 1.2 lb Beef Flank Steak or steak tip, thinly sliced
- 2–3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp arrowroot flour
Vegetables
- 1/2 head of broccoli (~1 heaping cup florets)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup carrot slices (optional)
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper slices (optional)
Sauce
- 1/3 cup coconut aminos
- 1/4 cup water or beef stock
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tbsp arrowroot flour
Other
- 1/4 cup cooking oil (divided for stir-frying)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 2-3 tablespoons of coconut aminos, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 tablespoon arrowroot flour. Mix well to coat all the beef slices evenly. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup coconut aminos, 1/4 cup water or beef stock, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, and 1/2 tablespoon arrowroot flour. Set the sauce mixture aside for later use.
- Cook Vegetables: Heat half of the cooking oil (about 2 tablespoons) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and carrot slices if using, stir-frying until they become tender but still crisp, approximately 3-5 minutes. Add the red bell pepper slices if using and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet.
- Sear the Beef: Add the remaining cooking oil to the empty side of the skillet and increase the heat to high. Add the marinated beef slices in a single layer and sear until they turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once the beef is browned, reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Combine and Coat: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables in the skillet. Stir continuously to coat everything evenly and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 1-2 minutes. Ensure the beef and vegetables are well mixed with the sauce and heated through.
- Serve: Transfer the beef and broccoli stir fry onto plates and serve over cooked rice. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an added touch of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For extra tenderness in beef, ensure baking soda dissolves completely in marinade and do not marinate for longer than 30 minutes to prevent mushy texture.
- Arrowroot flour works as a gluten-free thickener; alternatively, cornstarch can be used but may alter flavor slightly.
- Feel free to substitute beef flank steak with sirloin or skirt steak for similar results.
- Vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms can be added for more variety and nutrition.
- Serve with steamed jasmine or brown rice to make a complete meal.
- Adjust coconut aminos and sesame oil amounts to taste if you prefer a sweeter or nuttier sauce.
