Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry for a Quick Skillet Dinner

A hot, wide skillet is the key to beef and broccoli that browns instead of steams. Slice the beef thinly across the grain, cook it in batches if your pan is small, then toss it with broccoli and a quick soy-ginger sauce. Serve over rice. The recipe makes four portions and takes about 30 minutes.

Serves: 4
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced across the grain
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/3 cup low-sodium beef or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil, divided
• 1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• Cooked rice and sesame seeds, to serve

Method

1. Toss the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and the cornstarch. In a small bowl, stir together the broth, remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
2. Heat half the neutral oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a plate; cook in two batches if needed.
3. Add the remaining oil and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3 minutes, then add 2 tablespoons water and cover for 1 to 2 minutes, until the broccoli is bright and just tender.
4. Uncover. Add the garlic and ginger and stir for 30 seconds. Return the beef and any juices to the pan.
5. Pour in the sauce and toss for 1 to 2 minutes, until it bubbles and lightly coats the beef and broccoli. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too quickly.
6. Serve over rice with scallions and sesame seeds.

Variations

Use thinly sliced mushrooms or snap peas in place of some broccoli. If oyster sauce is not available, use another tablespoon of soy sauce and a small pinch of sugar. For a less salty finish, choose reduced-sodium soy sauce and taste before adding extra.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate leftovers promptly in a covered container and use within 3 to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet with a spoonful of water until steaming. Store cooked rice promptly and separately when possible.

Plan a simple side

Pair the stir-fry with the meal plan for a short shopping list and the grocery list for pantry basics. Choose a dinner night, add the missing ingredients to the Lucru Home meal planner, and keep the cooking steps nearby.