Name: Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 16 oz flank steak; 2 tsp baking soda; Salt to taste; Fresh cracked black pepper to taste; 1 tbsp vegetable oil (avocado oil recommended); 3 cups broccoli florets (about 12 oz); 3 green onions, greens sliced thin; 2 tbsp freshly minced garlic; ½ cup chicken broth (or water); 2 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp black vinegar (or rice vinegar); 2 tbsp light brown sugar; 2 tbsp soy sauce; ½ tbsp dark soy sauce (optional); 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

There’s something so comforting about a home-cooked stir-fry that hits all the right notes — savory, garlicky, and just the right amount of tender beef with crisp broccoli. This Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe nails that nostalgic takeout flavor while feeling fresh and homemade.

The image shows a black pan filled with a stir-fry dish made of bright green broccoli florets and shiny pieces of brown meat coated in a rich sauce. The meat slices are spread evenly among the broccoli, and the dish is sprinkled with small white sesame seeds. The broccoli looks fresh and crisp, while the meat appears tender and juicy, all sitting on a backdrop of a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I can’t get enough of this Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe — it’s quick enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for guests. The tenderizing step with baking soda is a game-changer, giving the beef that signature silky texture you don’t usually get at home.

True Takeout Texture: The baking soda tenderizes the beef perfectly without mushiness, creating that restaurant-quality mouthfeel.
Balanced Flavors: Soy, oyster sauce, and black vinegar combine for a sweet, tangy, and umami-packed garlic sauce.
Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of this in your pantry - no need for weird specialty items.
Versatile Meal: Easily adaptable with other veggies or protein swaps to suit your taste or what’s on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here has a purpose, from tenderizing the beef to creating that luscious sauce that clings nicely to each bite. Plus, the broccoli adds color, crunch, and nutrition. Here’s why each piece matters.

Flat lay of fresh thinly sliced flank steak arranged flat, vibrant green broccoli florets, three whole green onions with white and green parts, a few cloves of freshly minced garlic piled in a small white ceramic bowl, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl with light brown sugar, a small white bowl with fine cornstarch powder, a small white bowl filled with dark soy sauce, a small white bowl with glossy oyster sauce, a small white bowl containing black vinegar, a small white bowl with golden toasted sesame oil, a small white bowl with pale yellow vegetable avocado oil, a small white bowl with reddish-orange red pepper flakes, a small white bowl filled with pale chicken broth, a small white bowl of salt, and a small white bowl of freshly cracked black pepper, all symmetrically arranged with perfect balance and proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Flank steak: A lean cut that benefits from tenderizing, giving it the perfect chew once cooked quickly.
Baking soda: This is your secret weapon to tender beef, creating the iconic stir-fry texture without long marinating.
Broccoli florets: Adds vibrant green color, fiber, and a satisfying crunch to balance the beef.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic releases that irresistible aroma and flavor base for the sauce.
Chicken broth: Gives body to the sauce, adding depth beyond just water.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it clings beautifully to beef and broccoli.
Soy sauce & dark soy sauce: Bring saltiness and umami depth—dark soy adds color and richness.
Oyster sauce: Intensifies the savory notes with a slightly sweet, briny flavor.
Black vinegar (or rice vinegar): Adds a subtle tang balancing the richness.
Light brown sugar: Just a touch to round everything out and add a caramelized hint.
Toasted sesame oil: Drizzled last for its fragrant, nutty aroma that takes the dish over the top.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a mild kick if you want a bit of heat.
Green onions: A fresh, crunchy garnish that brightens every bite.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with different veggies in this stir-fry — swapping in snap peas or bell peppers. You can also turn this into a spicy special with more chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to punch up the heat. Feel free to switch the beef for chicken or tofu, too!

Vegetarian Variation: I’ve swapped the beef for crispy tofu before — just press it well and toss it in the sauce at the end, and it soaks up all that garlic goodness.
Extra Veggies: Adding sliced bell peppers or snow peas adds color and sweetness, making the dish irresistibly vibrant.
Milder Sauce: If you prefer less tang, reduce or omit the vinegar and increase the oyster sauce for a mellower flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe

A black bowl filled with a base layer of white fluffy rice, topped with a layer of green broccoli pieces and dark brown glossy beef slices coated in sauce. Bright green sliced onions and light-colored sesame seeds are sprinkled evenly on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth partially visible beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Tenderize the beef with baking soda

Slice your flank steak against the grain as thinly as you can — about ⅛ inch thick. Sprinkle one teaspoon of baking soda on one side and flip to coat the other side as well. Let this sit for 15 minutes; this simple step is what gives the beef that silky texture that feels restaurant-worthy. Just remember to rinse off the baking soda thoroughly afterward and pat the beef dry before seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Whip up the sauce

While your beef is resting, mix chicken broth with cornstarch until smooth, then stir in soy sauces, oyster sauce, black vinegar, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Don’t worry if the oyster sauce doesn’t dissolve fully; it will melt into the sauce once cooked.

Step 3: Sear the beef till crispy

Heat avocado (or your preferred veggie) oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the beef slices flat and let them cook untouched for 2–3 minutes to get a nice crispy sear. Stir and cook another 90 seconds until the beef is cooked through — don’t worry if it looks a little pink, it’s totally normal because of the tenderizing.

Step 4: Cook the broccoli and garlic

Push the beef to the edges of the skillet, add broccoli in the center, and cook stirring frequently for about two minutes. Then push broccoli aside, toss in your minced garlic with a little oil and sauté just until fragrant, about one minute — this step brings all the flavor forward without burning that delicate garlic.

Step 5: Add the sauce and finish

Lower the heat to medium-low, pour in the sauce, and gently mix everything together. Cook until the sauce thickens and glazes your beef and broccoli evenly. Take the pan off the heat, stir in chopped green onions and toasted sesame oil, and you’re ready to serve!

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few tricks while making this Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe that really help it taste like your favorite takeout spot (maybe even better!). These tips keep the beef tender, sauce silky, and your kitchen stress-free.

Don’t Skip Baking Soda: It sounds odd, but this step transforms the texture completely—your beef will feel perfectly tender with zero effort.
Pat Dry Beef Thoroughly: After rinsing the baking soda, make sure the beef is as dry as possible before searing—this helps you get that gorgeous sear instead of steaming the meat.
Control Garlic Heat: Add your garlic toward the end of cooking the veggies, and sauté just long enough for aroma but not brown, which can turn bitter.
Use High Heat for Searing: It’s tempting to rush, but medium-high heat gives that caramelized crust and locks in juices for perfect beef every time.

How to Serve Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe

garlic beef stir-fry - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top this stir-fry with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds—those little pops of crunch and freshness make a huge difference. Sometimes I toss in a handful of chopped fresh cilantro for a bright twist, especially if I’m serving it with lime wedges on the side.

Side Dishes

While jasmine rice is my go-to base because its fragrance complements the garlic sauce perfectly, I’ve also served this dish alongside simple egg-fried rice, steamed brown rice for a healthier option, or even thin rice noodles tossed lightly with sesame oil for a noodle stir-fry vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the garlic beef and broccoli on a large platter tucked under fragrant cups of steamed rice, letting everyone help themselves family-style. Another fun idea is to serve it over lettuce cups with sliced scallions and a drizzle of sriracha for an Asian-inspired finger food twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover garlic beef stir-fry in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays surprisingly fresh for up to 3 days. Keep your rice separate to avoid it getting soggy, and just reheat both individually.

Freezing

I usually avoid freezing because the broccoli can get a bit mushy after thawing. But if you want to freeze, try freezing the beef and sauce separately from the broccoli to keep textures better when you reheat.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is quickly in a hot skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickened too much, then toss gently until warmed through without overcooking the beef.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its texture and flavor, you can substitute with sirloin, skirt steak, or even ribeye. Just be sure to slice thin and against the grain for best results.

What’s the purpose of baking soda in the Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe?

Baking soda raises the pH on the beef’s surface, which helps break down proteins and results in extra tender and juicy meat, similar to what you find in Chinese takeout dishes. Just remember to rinse it off before cooking!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Use tamari in place of soy sauce and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a great dish for gluten-sensitive diets.

How can I make the garlic flavor more intense?

Try adding a bit more freshly minced garlic or even garlic powder alongside the fresh garlic. Adding garlic at the end of cooking helps keep its punchy flavor too. Toasting the garlic lightly in oil first helps release its aroma without burning it.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe is one of those dishes that quickly became a classic in my kitchen. It hits that perfect balance of being fast, flavorful, and family-friendly. I love how it brings back the comforting flavors of takeout without the guilt or mystery ingredients. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself — I promise it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation too!