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Easy 15-Minute Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Without Cornstarch

beef and broccoli stir-fry - featured image

A quick and flavorful beef and broccoli stir-fry that skips cornstarch but still delivers a glossy, tender, and delicious dish in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights with simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 3 cups (about 300g) fresh broccoli florets, washed and trimmed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) beef broth or water
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice 8 ounces (225g) of flank steak against the grain for tenderness. Place in a mixing bowl with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. Toss to coat and set aside to marinate for about 10 minutes.
  2. Wash and cut broccoli into bite-sized florets, about 3 cups (300g). Set aside. Slice stems thinly if using.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, and 1/4 cup (60ml) beef broth or water to make the sauce.
  4. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. When hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Let sear for about 1 minute without stirring, then toss and cook for another 1-2 minutes until mostly cooked but still tender. Remove beef and set aside.
  5. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the pan. Toss in minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and just tender but still crisp.
  7. Return beef to the pan with broccoli. Pour the sauce mixture over everything. Toss well and cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce reduce slightly to a natural glaze.
  8. Remove from heat and drizzle 1 teaspoon sesame oil over the stir-fry. Toss to combine.
  9. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired and serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite grain.

Notes

Keep the heat high for fast cooking but watch carefully to avoid burning the garlic. Slice the beef very thin for the best tender texture. Use broth or water to reduce the sauce naturally for a glossy finish without cornstarch. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free. Frozen broccoli can be used but adjust cooking time and drain excess water.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef and broccoli, stir-fry, quick dinner, no cornstarch, easy recipe, weeknight meal, gluten-free option