If you're craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's quick to pull together, this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Sesame Sauce Recipe is exactly what you want. It's a classic for a reason-think tender slices of beef mingling with crisp-tender broccoli, all coated in a nutty, savory sesame sauce that really sings. I often turn to this dish after a busy day because it feels like a treat but is well within reach, even on the busiest weeknights.
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Why This Recipe Works
This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Sesame Sauce Recipe hits all the right notes by balancing texture and flavor effortlessly. The beef stays juicy and tender thanks to a simple marinade, while the broccoli keeps its vibrant color and satisfying crunch from a quick blanch. The sesame sauce ties it all together with its rich, slightly sweet, and toasted essence that feels both exotic and comforting.
- Consistent Texture: Blanching broccoli before stir-frying ensures it stays bright and crisp, balancing the tender beef perfectly.
- Deep, Balanced Flavor: The sesame sauce blends soy, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sweetness for a complex but approachable profile.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples make this dish accessible and customizable, making it my go-to weeknight meal.
- Fast Prep, Big Payoff: Marinating beef in advance and using high heat delivers a restaurant-worthy dinner in under 40 minutes.
Ingredient Game Plan
The magic in this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Sesame Sauce Recipe comes down to fresh, quality ingredients and knowing how to prep each one for maximum flavor and texture. Choosing the right cut of beef and prepping your sauce carefully makes all the difference.
- Flank steak: Look for well-marbled but lean meat; slicing thinly against the grain ensures tenderness.
- Broccoli: Pick tight, dark green florets without yellowing for the best bite and color.
- Soy sauce: Use a naturally brewed soy for depth; low-sodium works if you want to control salt.
- Oyster sauce (optional): Adds an umami boost that feels rich and layered; highly recommended if you can find it.
- Sesame oil: Toasty and aromatic-just a little goes a long way.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Cook Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Sesame Sauce Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Start by slicing your flank steak very thin against the grain-about an eighth to a quarter-inch thick. This step is crucial because it breaks down tough fibers, making the beef tender. Then toss the slices with soy sauce, cornstarch, vegetable oil, a splash of sesame oil, ground ginger, and black pepper. Mix everything so the beef is evenly coated and pop it into the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This marinade not only flavors the meat but also helps with a beautiful caramelized sear later on, so don't rush this part.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
While the beef marinates, prepare your broccoli by blanching it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. This gives the broccoli a vibrant green hue and eliminates any raw bitterness, while keeping a nice snap. For the sauce, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, ground ginger, and if you like a bit of warmth, some red pepper flakes. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid clumps. This silky sauce will thicken quickly with heat, so it's best to have everything ready to go once your pan is hot.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet until just starting to smoke-high heat is essential for that great stir-fry char. Add the marinated beef in a single layer, working in batches if needed so it doesn't steam. Cook each batch about 2-3 minutes per side until beautifully browned and just cooked through, then set aside. Add more oil, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then toss in the blanched broccoli with a splash of water. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. Pour in your sesame sauce, stir, and simmer until it thickens, then return the beef to the pan, tossing everything together for a final minute or two. The result is a glossy, flavorful dish with perfectly balanced textures.
Pro Moves I Swear By
Over the years, I've learned a few tricks that turn this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Sesame Sauce Recipe from good to memorable. Patience and heat control are key, alongside carefully prepping ingredients ahead of time to keep the cooking smooth and fast.
- Doneness Cue: Look for a deep brown crust on the beef and a slightly springy texture to know it's perfectly cooked.
- Temperature Trick: Preheat your wok or skillet thoroughly to get that sear without steaming the meat.
- Make-Ahead Move: Marinate the beef up to two hours ahead, saving prep stress for later.
- Skip This Pitfall: Avoid overcrowding the pan-cooking in batches ensures even searing and no soggy bites.
Serve It Up
Finishing Touches
I love serving this beef and broccoli stir-fry over a steaming bed of fluffy white rice or nutty brown rice to soak up every drop of that sesame sauce. For an extra fresh burst, sprinkle sesame seeds and a handful of thinly sliced green onions on top-they add a lovely crunch and vibrant color, making the dish feel even more inviting.
Great Pairings
This stir-fry pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a wholesome base. For balance, a light cucumber salad or some quick pickled vegetables bring brightness and contrast to the meal's rich, savory notes.
Easy Plating Wins
For quick weeknights, a casual scoop of rice topped with the stir-fry and a sprinkle of sesame seeds works perfectly. For a special dinner, try serving it in shallow bowls with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro and a lime wedge on the side for a zesty finish. A drizzle of extra toasted sesame oil before serving can elevate the aroma and flavor dramatically.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. You'll notice the broccoli softens a bit over time, but the flavors remain rich. Reheat gently to maintain the best texture-more on that below.
Freezer Notes
This dish freezes okay, but the broccoli's texture may suffer after thawing-more suitable if you plan on reheating within a week. To freeze, cool completely, package tightly in a freezer-safe container, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Sesame Sauce Recipe Without Drying Out
The best way to reheat is over low heat on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and keep it moist. The microwave works fine-just cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you're lucky enough to have an air fryer, toss leftovers in a foil tray and warm at 300°F for 5-7 minutes for a nicely refreshed texture without drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Skirt steak, sirloin, or even ribeye thinly sliced will work well. Just be sure to slice against the grain and aim for thin strips for tenderness.
It's not mandatory but adds great umami depth. If you don't have it, soy sauce and a bit of extra brown sugar create a tasty alternative.
Try adding more red pepper flakes, a dash of chili garlic sauce, or some sliced fresh chili during the stir-fry step for a nice kick.
You can swap beef for firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Skip oyster sauce or use a vegetarian version to keep the flavor balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Sesame Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes I always keep handy. It's dependable, approachable, and endlessly satisfying. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of prep, you get a meal that tastes way more elevated than the effort you put in. Cooking it feels like a little moment of joy in my day, and I hope you find the same as you make it your own in your kitchen.
PrintComplete Recipe
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Sesame Sauce Recipe
This classic Beef and Broccoli recipe features tender flank steak and crisp-tender broccoli florets cooked in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Perfect served over rice or quinoa for a quick and satisfying meal inspired by traditional Chinese cuisine.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1.5 lbs flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Sauce
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
To Serve
- Cooked white rice, brown rice, or quinoa
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the flank steak against the grain into ⅛ to ¼ inch thick slices to ensure tenderness and marinate it with soy sauce, cornstarch, vegetable oil, sesame oil, ground ginger, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor.
- Prep the Broccoli: Wash the broccoli and cut it into florets. Blanch the florets in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes until the cornstarch dissolves. Taste and adjust seasonings to balance the flavors.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer, cooking 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Broccoli and Garlic: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the pan. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, add the blanched broccoli and ¼ cup water, and stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Add Sauce and Combine: Pour the prepared sauce over the broccoli, bring it to a simmer, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens. Return the beef to the pan and toss to coat evenly, cooking for another minute until heated through.
- Serve: Serve the beef and broccoli over cooked white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. Garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions if desired for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Notes
- Marinate the beef for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor and more tender meat.
- Blanching broccoli before stir-frying keeps it bright green and prevents overcooking during stir-fry.
- Oyster sauce is optional but adds a rich umami depth; substitute with hoisin sauce if unavailable.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to add heat according to personal taste.
- Use a wok or large skillet for even high-heat cooking and to allow space for stir-frying ingredients in batches.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
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