Quick Stir-Fry Beef and Broccoli

When the calendar is packed and time is scarce, a go-to recipe that can be executed quickly, packed with flavour and nutritious is a lifesaver. This fast-beef-and-broccoli stir-fry is just that. It’s one of those dishes that feel like you really worked at it, but where everything comes together in less than 20 minutes, with ingredients you probably already have.

Balancing tender beef, crisp-tender greens, and a savoury-sweet sauce, this is the kind of midweek meal that doesn’t leave you staring at a mountain of dishes or an empty fridge. Instead, you get a satisfying 15-minute stir-fry that’s flexible, full of texture, and just as good for leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any).

Why Stir-Fries Make Sense for Busy Evenings

There’s a reason stir-fries are a staple across countless cuisines. Not only are they quick to prepare, but they also give you a smart way to combine lean protein, vegetables, and flavourful sauces into one coherent dish, with minimal cooking time and only one pan required.

The technique relies on high heat and constant movement, allowing the ingredients to cook quickly while retaining their texture and freshness. In this version, thinly sliced beef and fresh broccoli are the stars, elevated by a glossy, umami-rich sauce and a hint of heat. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, but punchy enough that it doesn’t feel like a fallback.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the stir-fry:

• 300g beef steak (such as sirloin, rump, or flank), thinly sliced across the grain
• 1 tbsp cornflour (to tenderise and help the sauce cling)
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or groundnut oil works well)
• 1 small head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• Spring onion and sesame seeds, for garnish

For the sauce:

• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp brown sugar or runny honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2–3 tbsp water
• Optional: pinch of chilli flakes or a dash of sriracha

Optional additions: mushrooms, baby corn, red peppers, or pak choi can be added or substituted based on what’s in the fridge.

Method

Step 1:

Prepare the beef. Toss the thinly sliced beef with cornflour and a splash of soy sauce. This quick marinade helps tenderise the meat and ensures it cooks evenly. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2:

Mix the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients. Adjust to taste—more soy for salt, sugar for sweetness, or chilli if you like a bit of heat.

Step 3:

Cook the beef. Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat until smoking hot. Add the oil and swirl to coat. Working quickly, add the beef in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned and just cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 4:

Stir-fry the broccoli. In the same pan, add a touch more oil if necessary. Toss in the broccoli with a splash of water and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still vibrant. Add the garlic and ginger for the final minute of cooking.

Step 5:

Bring it all together. Return the beef to the pan, pour in the sauce, and toss everything to combine. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the meat and vegetables.

Step 6:

Serve it up over rice, noodles, or quinoa. Garnish with sliced spring onion and sesame seeds. For extra crunch, crushed peanuts or cashews work brilliantly too.

What Makes This a Smart Midweek Meal

This dish is everything a good, healthy beef dinner should be—balanced, full of flavour, and designed with convenience in mind. It’s built around ingredients you likely already have, and it adapts easily to suit dietary needs or whatever’s lingering in the vegetable drawer.

It’s also economical. A modest amount of beef goes a long way when it’s thinly sliced and tossed with a generous helping of vegetables and a bold sauce. Plus, because everything cooks so quickly, nutrients and textures are preserved, making it both a smart and satisfying meal.

Flexible and Adaptable

One of the best things about stir-fries is how easily you can change them up without impacting the overall success of the dish. Try these ideas for variation:

• Go vegetarian: Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh, or simply double the veggies.
• Switch the sauce: Swap soy and oyster sauce for hoisin or tamari to change the flavour profile.
• Add extra greens: Stir through baby spinach, kale, or shredded cabbage just before serving.
• Serve differently: Try it in lettuce wraps for a low-carb version or toss it into noodles for a heartier meal.

This kind of flexibility is what elevates this beyond a standard quick recipe—it becomes a dependable framework for meals throughout the week.

Tips for Getting It Right

• Slice the beef thinly: This ensures it cooks quickly and evenly. A slightly frozen steak is easier to slice thinly.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Searing, not steaming, is what gives beef its colour and flavour. Cook in batches if your pan is small.
• Prep before you start cooking: Stir-frying happens fast. Having all your ingredients chopped and ready avoids panic and overcooked meat.
• Use high heat: Don’t be shy—stir-fries thrive on a hot pan. Just keep things moving to prevent burning.

Nutritional Highlights

This isn’t just a fast and tasty option—it’s also good for you:

• Beef provides iron, zinc, and B vitamins alongside high-quality protein.
• Broccoli delivers fibre, antioxidants, and vitamin C.
• Minimal oil and added sugar keep it light but satisfying.
• Adaptable carb base allows you to suit your dietary goals—brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice all work well.

Whether you’re watching carbs, avoiding gluten, or trying to boost your protein intake, this dish can be tailored without compromise.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even with a dish this simple, there are a few common mistakes that can trip you up:

• Overcooking the beef: Thin slices need just a couple of minutes. Any longer and you’ll lose that tender texture.
• Undercooked veg: Cut broccoli into small florets so it cooks quickly and evenly.
• Sauce imbalance: Taste your sauce before adding it—some brands of soy and oyster sauce vary in intensity. Adjust as needed.
• Skipping the garnish: A little fresh spring onion or sesame at the end adds a pop of flavour and contrast—don’t skip it.

A Family-Friendly Favourite

This is the kind of dinner that appeals to a wide range of ages and palates. It’s mild enough for kids, customisable for picky eaters, and sophisticated enough for adults to enjoy. Add noodles for slurping, leave the chilli out for sensitive mouths, and let everyone serve themselves from the pan. It’s communal, casual, and guaranteed to disappear quickly.

Conclusion: Fast, Flexible, and Full of Flavour

At the end of a long day, the simple fact you can put a delicious dinner on the table in 15 minutes is a small victory. But beyond saving time, this quick stir-fry beef and broccoli is a dependably delicious, all-purpose dinner worthy of inclusion in any weeknight rotation.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, feeding a family or just trying to avoid takeout yet again, this one delivers. It’s fast, sure — but also thoughtful. And when you’re juggling a dozen things at once, that kind of meal is worth its weight in gold.