30-Minute Healthy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Craving a delicious beef and broccoli stir-fry but want to skip the high sodium, sugar, and cost of takeout? This is the recipe you’ve been searching for. Our healthy beef and broccoli recipe is incredibly flavorful, packed with nutrients, and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal.

This quick and easy stir-fry features tender slices of beef and crisp-tender broccoli florets tossed in a savory, homemade garlic ginger sauce that you’ll want to put on everything. It’s a one-pan wonder that your whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Fast: From prep to plate in 30 minutes or less. Perfect for busy evenings!
• Healthy & Flavorful: We use low-sodium soy sauce, a touch of honey for sweetness, and fresh ingredients to create a dish that’s much healthier than its restaurant counterpart without sacrificing flavor.
• Tender, Juicy Beef: Our simple technique of velveting the beef with cornstarch guarantees melt-in-your-mouth tender slices every single time.
• One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup makes this recipe even more appealing.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple and delicious stir-fry.

For the Beef and Broccoli:

• Beef: 1 lb (450g) flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• Broccoli: 1 large head (about 4-5 cups of florets)
• Avocado Oil or Sesame Oil: 2 tablespoons, divided
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (for coating the beef)
• Aromatics:
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• For Garnish (Optional):
  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions

For the Healthy Stir-Fry Sauce:

• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: £1/3£ cup (use tamari for a gluten-free option)
• Water or Beef Broth: £1/4£ cup
• Honey or Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons
• Toasted Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon
• Rice Vinegar: 1 teaspoon
• Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon (to thicken the sauce)
• Red Pepper Flakes: £1/4£ teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect beef and broccoli at home.

1. Prepare the Beef: Pat the thinly sliced beef dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the beef slices with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until they are lightly and evenly coated. This is the secret to tender, velvety beef! Set aside.
2. Mix the Stir-Fry Sauce: In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: low-sodium soy sauce, water (or broth), honey, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
3. Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender. For softer broccoli, add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan and cover for 2 minutes to steam. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it on a plate.
4. Sear the Beef: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet and increase the heat to high. Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan (cook in two batches if necessary). Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until nicely browned but still slightly pink inside.
5. Combine and Thicken: Return the broccoli to the skillet with the beef. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Give the stir-fry sauce a quick re-whisk (the cornstarch settles) and pour it all over the beef and broccoli.
6. Simmer and Serve: Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the sauce bubbles and thickens to a glossy consistency that coats the beef and broccoli. Remove from heat immediately.
7. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve your healthy beef and broccoli stir-fry hot over brown rice, quinoa, or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.

Expert Tips for the Best Stir-Fry

• Slice Beef Against the Grain: For the most tender meat, look for the lines (the grain) in the steak and slice perpendicular to them. Partially freezing the steak for 20 minutes makes it much easier to slice thinly.
• High Heat is Key: Don’t be afraid to get your pan very hot before adding the beef. This creates a beautiful sear and locks in the juices.
• Don’t Overcook: The beef cooks very quickly. A minute or two per side is all you need. It will finish cooking when you add the sauce.
• Meal Prep: You can chop your broccoli, slice the beef, and mix the sauce ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, the stir-fry will come together in about 10 minutes!

Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Low-Carb / Keto: Swap the honey for a sugar-free sweetener and serve with cauliflower rice.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or snow peas. Add them with the broccoli.
• Different Protein: This recipe works great with chicken breast/thighs or shrimp. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best cut of beef for stir-fry? Flank steak is the classic choice because it’s lean and becomes very tender when sliced thinly against the grain. Sirloin steak is another excellent and often more affordable option.

How do I make my stir-fry beef so tender? The secret is a technique called “velveting.” Tossing the raw beef slices in cornstarch before cooking creates a protective layer that keeps the meat juicy and tender during the high-heat searing process.

Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes! You don’t need to thaw it. Add the frozen florets directly to the hot pan. You may need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time and a splash of water to help it steam.

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Recipe Summary

Prep Time:	10 minutes
Cook Time:	15 minutes
Total Time:	25 minutes
Servings:	4
Category:	Main Course, Dinner
Cuisine:	Asian-inspired, American

Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving, without rice):

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Sugar: 10g