There’s something irresistibly comforting about a good stir-fry that sings with bold garlic flavor and tender beef. This Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe is exactly that—a simple, home-cooked version of the classic Chinese takeout dish that’s bursting with flavor and just begging for a spoonful of rice to soak it all up.

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

From the first time I made this garlic beef stir-fry, it quickly became a favorite in my dinner rotation. It’s not only packed with savory, garlicky goodness but also so quick to throw together—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty and satisfying without the fuss.

Authentic Tenderness: Using baking soda to tenderize the beef gives you that silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture you usually only get from Chinese takeout.
Perfectly Balanced Sauce: The sauce is a harmonious mix of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that cling beautifully to every bite of beef and broccoli.
Broccoli for Crunch: Including fresh broccoli adds a lovely texture and keeps the dish feeling fresh and vibrant.
Quick & Easy: This recipe is designed so you can make a delicious meal in under 45 minutes—ideal for those busy nights.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe works wonders because of the balance of fresh ingredients and a sauce that’s both simple and layered. Here’s why each element matters and a few tips to get the best from them.

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 flavorful, lean cut that’s perfect for quick stir-frying; slicing against the grain keeps each bite tender.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli brings a crisp contrast to the tender beef and soaks up the garlic sauce nicely.
Baking Soda: This might surprise you, but it’s a secret trick to tenderize the beef quickly without marinating overnight.
Vegetable Oil (Avocado): Choose a high smoke point oil like avocado for that perfect sear without burning your garlic.
Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic gives the dish its bold, aromatic base—don’t skimp on this!
Chicken Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce without heaviness.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to luscious perfection so it clings to the beef and broccoli beautifully.
Soy Sauce (Light & Dark): Creates umami and caramel notes; dark soy sauce is optional but adds rich color and complexity.
Oyster Sauce: Provides a smoky sweetness that rounds out the sauce.
Black Vinegar: A subtle tang that brightens the entire dish; rice vinegar is an okay substitute if you can't find black vinegar.
Light Brown Sugar: Balances the savory and tangy components for even flavor.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Added at the end for that unmistakable toasty aroma and flavor kick.
Red Pepper Flakes: Totally optional—add if you like just a hint of heat.
Green Onions: A fresh garnish adding color and slight pungency to brighten the dish.

📝

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

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to mood or pantry staples. Mixing it up keeps the experience fresh and fun!

Vegetarian Variation: Swap the beef with firm tofu or seitan and increase the garlic slightly—still just as satisfying.
Spicy Kick: I sometimes add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of chili garlic sauce when I want more heat.
Veggie Boost: Beyond broccoli, try adding bell peppers, snow peas, or sliced carrots for extra crunch and color.
Low Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the sugar a bit; the flavor remains balanced with the vinegar and garlic punch.

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: Prepare and Tenderize the Beef

I start by slicing my flank steak against the grain into thin, uniform slices—about ⅛ inch thick. Laying the slices flat on a board, I dust one side with baking soda, then flip and do the other side. This 15-minute tenderizing step might seem odd but it’s magical for that melt-in-your-mouth beef texture. Afterward, rinse thoroughly and pat dry to avoid any weird flavors lingering.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce Ingredients

While the beef is resting, I whisk together chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth, then add soy sauces, brown sugar, oyster sauce, vinegar, and a bit of toasted sesame oil. Don’t worry if the oyster sauce doesn’t dissolve fully now—it will once everything hits the heat.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Heat avocado oil in a large skillet to medium-high and arrange the beef slices so they lie flat without crowding. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes so one side crisps up beautifully, then toss and cook another minute or so. The beef may still look a bit pink due to the baking soda treatment—that’s totally normal.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli and Garlic

Turn the heat to medium, push the beef to the edges of the pan, and add broccoli florets to the center. Cook, stirring frequently, until just tender (about 2 minutes). Lower heat to low, push broccoli aside, add a bit more oil and the minced garlic to the middle, and sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute max, so it doesn’t burn.

Step 5: Combine and Finish the Dish

Turn heat to medium-low, pour in the sauce, and stir gently to coat everything. Cook until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef and broccoli—that's usually 2-3 minutes. Then remove from heat, toss in sliced green onions and an extra drizzle of toasted sesame oil for an aromatic finish.

Top Tip

From my experiments, a few simple adjustments will take your Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe from good to restaurant-worthy.

Don’t Skip the Baking Soda: It’s the key to tender beef. I’ve tried without, and the texture is just not the same.
Keep Garlic From Burning: Add it toward the end of cooking on low heat and keep an eye on it—it only takes about 1 minute to release flavor.
Use High Heat for Searing: This creates that slightly crispy edge on the beef that adds so much texture.
Layer Flavors In Sauce: The combination of oyster sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar creates a complex sauce that elevates this simple stir-fry.

How to Serve Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe

garlic beef stir-fry - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkling of fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds. The onions add a bit of sharp brightness, while the sesame seeds give a delicate crunch and nutty aroma. Sometimes, I also add a wedge of lime on the side for a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry is perfect served over steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the flavorful garlic sauce beautifully. For a lighter option, cauliflower rice or even noodles work great. A simple cucumber salad or steamed dumplings on the side also turn this into a full, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve presented this Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe family-style, right in the skillet, garnished with extra green onions, red chili slices for a pop of color, and sesame seeds. It’s such a crowd-pleaser partially because everyone can dig right in—and the aroma fills the whole room!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I like to let it cool completely before sealing it to preserve the texture of the beef and broccoli.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stir-fry successfully by placing cooled portions in freezer-safe bags. Just be aware broccoli may become softer after thawing, so it’s best for meals where texture isn’t critical. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming the stir-fry gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. This method keeps the beef tender and the broccoli from turning mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cuts of beef for this stir-fry?

Flank steak is ideal because it’s lean and tenderizes nicely with baking soda, but you can use sirloin or skirt steak as alternatives. Just make sure to slice against the grain for best results.

What if I don’t have black vinegar?

If you can’t find black vinegar, rice vinegar is a great substitute and still adds the needed tangy brightness to the sauce, though the flavor will be a bit lighter.

Is baking soda really necessary?

Using baking soda to tenderize is key for that soft, almost silky texture of the beef in this recipe. Skipping this step might result in a chewier steak. Just remember to rinse the meat well after to remove any residual taste.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just substitute soy sauce and oyster sauce with gluten-free tamari and gluten-free oyster sauce alternatives, and double-check any other ingredients to ensure they fit your dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe this Garlic Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli Recipe is a home cooking winner—easy enough for regular nights yet special enough to impress friends and family. Every time I make it, the rich garlic aroma and tender, flavorful beef remind me why this dish has stood the test of time in kitchens everywhere. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do—grab your wok or skillet and get ready for some seriously delicious dinner!