If you’re craving a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s both quick to prepare and a total crowd-pleaser, this Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender strips of flank steak perfectly paired with crisp-tender broccoli bathed in a luscious, homemade teriyaki sauce create a harmonious balance of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy notes. This recipe brings the magic of Asian-inspired flavors straight to your kitchen, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try this stir-fry, it will become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is essential, contributing either vibrant color, delightful texture, or bold flavor that complements the rest perfectly. Let’s take a quick look at what you’ll gather to bring this dish to life.
- Flank steak: Thinly sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness and quick cooking.
- Broccoli florets: Bright green, adding crunch and freshness for contrast.
- Vegetable oil: Divided use ensures proper cooking and prevents sticking.
- Garlic: Minced to bring aromatic depth and savory warmth.
- Fresh ginger: Grated to add zing and a subtle peppery bite.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The salty backbone of the teriyaki sauce with reduced saltiness.
- Water: Balances the sauce and helps with even cooking.
- Brown sugar: Adds caramel sweetness for that signature teriyaki flavor.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that thickens and enriches the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Brings brightness and a slight tang to balance sweetness.
- Cornstarch mixed with water: Thickens the sauce to a glossy, clinging consistency.
- Sesame oil: A few drops impart a nutty aroma distinctive to Asian cooking.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Adds crunch and visual appeal as a garnish.
- Green onions: Sliced fresh for a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
- Cooked white rice: The perfect base to soak up all that tasty sauce.
How to Make Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
Begin by whisking together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl. This homemade teriyaki sauce is the star of the dish, delivering a balanced blend of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors that will coat every piece of beef and broccoli beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the broccoli bright green and tender-crisp, maintaining its crunch for a delightful texture. Remove it from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Spread the thin strips of flank steak in a single layer to get a good sear and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. The goal is to brown the beef and get it nearly cooked through but still juicy inside.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Once the beef is nicely browned, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing those irresistible smells that make your mouth water instantly.
Step 5: Combine and Coat
Return the cooked broccoli to the pan with the beef and pour in the prepared teriyaki sauce. Stir everything together so the sauce coats the ingredients evenly, making each bite full of flavor.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the pan and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. This will thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy sheen that clings beautifully to the beef and broccoli, making every forkful enticing.
Step 7: Final Touches
Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top for a lovely crunch and pop of freshness. Serve your Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe piping hot over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
How to Serve Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Enhancing the look and flavor of your stir-fry is simple with fresh garnishes. Thinly sliced green onions add a vibrant green hue and fresh bite, while toasted sesame seeds provide subtle nuttiness and a delightful crunch. For an extra touch, a few red pepper flakes can bring a gentle kick if you like a touch of heat.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or fragrant brown rice. For a lighter touch, serve alongside steamed dumplings or a crisp Asian cucumber salad to add refreshing contrast to the rich teriyaki flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir-fry in lettuce cups for a delightful handheld meal. Alternatively, spoon the beef and broccoli over a hearty bowl of noodles or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Layering the dish over fried rice with scrambled eggs and scallions also makes for a vibrant, filling presentation that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld further, making the next-day taste even more satisfying. Be sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, this Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe freezes well. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat until hot through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through heating to ensure even warmth without drying out the beef.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir-fry?
Absolutely! While flank steak is preferred for its tenderness and quick cooking, sirloin or skirt steak are great alternatives. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain to keep the meat tender.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, swap the beef with firm tofu or tempeh. Press and cube the tofu before stir-frying to get a lovely golden crust, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
How can I make the dish gluten-free?
Simply replace the low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative. This swap keeps the authentic flavor while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
What can I add for extra vegetables?
Feel free to boost nutrition and color by adding sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots. Add them along with the broccoli to ensure they stay crisp and vibrant.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
This Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is super quick! Prep and cooking time combined usually takes about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something wholesome and fast.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe enough—its delightful marriage of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a rich, homemade sauce makes for a truly comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just diving into stir-fries, this recipe is a fail-proof way to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share your table. So, grab your skillet, gather the ingredients, and get ready to savor a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to make!
Print
Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired main course featuring tender flank steak and crisp broccoli florets coated in a savory, sweet teriyaki sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it combines a rich blend of garlic, ginger, and honey with a thickened soy-based glaze, served hot over steamed white rice.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Sauce and Seasonings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Oils and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the teriyaki sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined. Set this sauce mixture aside for later use.
- Cook the broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender yet crisp. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside.
- Cook the beef: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Arrange the thinly sliced flank steak in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until browned and nearly cooked through.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger with the beef, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant to enhance the flavor.
- Combine broccoli and sauce: Return the cooked broccoli to the pan. Pour in the prepared teriyaki sauce, stirring to coat the beef and broccoli evenly.
- Thicken the sauce: Add the cornstarch-water mixture to the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the stir-fry. Serve hot over cooked white rice for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for the soy sauce.
- You can replace beef with chicken or tofu for variation.
- Add bell peppers or snap peas for additional color and crunch.
