Better-Than-Takeout Beef & Broccoli (Fast & Healthy!)

Created on July 17th, 2025 at 08:45 am

Healthy Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Craving Chinese takeout but want something lighter and faster? This beef and broccoli stir fry hits all the right notes—juicy, tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a glossy garlic-ginger sauce that tastes just like your favorite restaurant 🍜✨

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⏱️ Time Breakdown:
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Total Time: 30 min

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📝 Ingredients List:

Meat + Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless flank steak (or skirt steak)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp baking soda (optional – see notes)

Sauce:

• 1/2 cup chicken stock (or beef stock)
• 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce (optional – see notes)
• 2 tsp brown sugar (or white sugar)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Stir-Fry:

• 1 head broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp ginger, minced

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (Detailed):

1. Slice & Marinate Beef:
   Slice steak against the grain into thin strips. Place in a bowl with soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch. (Add baking soda if using a tougher cut – see Pro Tips) Mix by hand until well-coated. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
2. Make the Sauce:
   In a medium bowl, combine chicken stock, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), sugar, and cornstarch. Mix until smooth.
3. Steam Broccoli:
   Add 1/4 cup water to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add broccoli, cover, and steam for ~1 minute. Transfer to a plate and dry the pan.
4. Sear the Beef:
   Heat oil in the same skillet until shimmering. Add beef in a single layer. Let cook undisturbed for 30 seconds to brown. Flip and cook another few seconds. Stir until lightly charred and still a bit pink inside.
5. Flavor Base:
   Add garlic and ginger. Stir-fry briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
6. Bring It Together:
   Return broccoli to the pan. Stir sauce to re-mix the cornstarch and pour over everything. Stir constantly until sauce thickens and coats the meat and veggies—about 1 minute.
7. Serve:
   Plate immediately and serve hot over steamed rice 🍚

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💡 Pro Tips:

• Tenderize Tough Cuts: Add 1/2 tsp baking soda to the marinade if using tougher cuts like chuck or round. Marinate for 30 minutes.
• No Dark Soy Sauce? Use 1/2 tsp molasses for similar depth and color.
• Boost Flavor: Don’t have peanut oil? Add a drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the end for a flavor kick 🌱

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📊 Nutrition Info Table:

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 serving	291	26.6g	13.9g	14.3g	1.5g	4.5g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.