Sesame Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

If you’ve ever craved that perfect balance of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a deeply flavorful sauce, wait until you try this Sesame Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish comes together so quickly yet packs such a punch of flavor—it’s a go-to meal that always impresses whether for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your stir fry turns out tender, saucy, and downright delicious.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve put together a nice balance of fresh veggies, tender beef, and a few flavorful sauce components that all come together beautifully. You’ll find everything at most grocery stores, and a quick tip: freezing the beef slightly before slicing makes a world of difference for thin, even strips.

• Beef flank steak: Choose a fresh cut; freezing it for about 30 minutes before slicing makes thin, clean cuts easier.
• Broccoli: Fresh and firm florets work best—avoid any yellowing or limp pieces.
• Vegetable oil: Neutral oil with a high smoke point is great for stir frying.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves add a fragrant punch—sliced or minced both work well depending on how strong you want that flavor.
• Fresh ginger: I like to grate it for maximum zing, but sliced works if you prefer milder.
• White or brown rice (or cauliflower rice): A great base to soak up that delicious sauce.
• Green onions: Thinly sliced, they add freshness and a light crunch when sprinkled on top.
• Low sodium soy sauce: Keeps the dish flavorful but not overly salty.
• Water: Helps balance the sauce and create the right consistency.
• Brown sugar (or coconut sugar): Adds subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
• Sambal oelek: This chili paste is my secret weapon for just the right amount of heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
• Rice vinegar (or white vinegar): Adds a tangy brightness that lifts the flavor.
• Sesame oil: Adds a nutty and toasty aroma, used at the end for best flavor.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to the beef and broccoli.

Variations

I love making this Sesame Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe my own by tweaking a few ingredients here and there. Whether you want to spice it up or keep it mild, there’s lots of room for customization that can suit your family’s tastes or what’s in your fridge.

• Protein swaps: I’ve switched beef flank for thinly sliced chicken breast or even tofu when I’m in the mood for something lighter—just cook accordingly.
• Veggie add-ins: Sometimes I sneak in bell peppers or snow peas for added color and sweetness.
• Heat level: Adjust the sambal oelek or swap it for sriracha or chili flakes depending on your spice tolerance.
• Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version that tastes just as rich and satisfying.
• Rice alternatives: Cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb option—and I actually enjoy the texture combo with the stir fry.

How to Make Sesame Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Beef Like a Pro

Start by freezing your beef flank steak for about 30 minutes to an hour—it makes slicing much easier! Slice thin strips against the grain; this technique helps keep the meat tender after cooking. Toss the beef with a pinch of coarse salt and let it rest while you prep the veggies and sauce. This little resting step really builds flavor and improves texture.

Step 2: Whisk Together Your Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together low sodium soy sauce, water, brown sugar, sambal oelek, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth. The cornstarch is the magic ingredient here—it helps the sauce thicken nicely so it coats everything in a sticky, flavorful glaze.

Step 3: Cook Your Rice

Whether you’re using white, brown, or cauliflower rice, prepare it according to package directions now so it’s ready when your stir fry is done. I like to keep it warm while finishing the main dish.

Step 4: Sear the Beef for Maximum Flavor

Heat a large heavy skillet over medium heat and add a splash of vegetable oil. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, lay out the beef strips in a single layer. Let them sear undisturbed for a minute or two until browned—this caramelization gives that irresistible flavor. Flip the strips and brown the other side, then remove beef from the pan and set aside.

Step 5: Stir Fry the Broccoli to Bright Green Perfection

In the same pan, add another splash of oil, then toss in your broccoli florets. Stir fry for 2–3 minutes until they turn bright green and still have a little crunch. If you like, add a small splash of water to help steam the broccoli gently—this keeps it tender-crisp. Once ready, transfer them to the plate with the beef.

Step 6: Build the Sauce and Bring It All Together

Lower the heat and add one more splash of oil to the pan. Add the grated or sliced ginger and garlic, sautéing for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce and keep stirring until it thickens into a sticky, glossy coating. Return the beef and broccoli back to the pan and gently toss everything together so every bite is coated in that amazing sauce.

Serve immediately with your cooked rice and a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra hit of freshness and crunch. Trust me, it’s pure happiness in a bowl.

How to Serve Sesame Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this stir fry with a handful of thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds—both add a lovely fresh crunch and complement that nutty sesame oil flavor perfectly. Sometimes, I throw on a few crushed red pepper flakes if we want a little extra kick right at the table.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with steamed white or brown rice for a classic combo, or if I’m keeping it lighter, I serve it alongside cauliflower rice or even simple stir-fried noodles. A crisp cucumber salad or quick pickled vegetables also balance the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist when entertaining, I’ve served this sesame beef and broccoli over mini lettuce cups for a hands-on appetizer vibe. I also like plating it in bamboo bowls with a side of fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil to give it an Asian street-food feel. It always sparks conversation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for 3–4 days. The beef stays tender and the broccoli retains some of its crunch, making weekday lunches especially easy and tasty to reheat.

Freezing

Personally, I haven’t had great luck freezing this dish because the broccoli tends to get mushy after thawing. If you want to freeze, try freezing the beef and sauce separately, then add fresh broccoli when reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

I prefer reheating leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the beef juicy and the sauce thick. If needed, add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen up the sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch but may soften the broccoli too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sesame Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to make for friends and family because it feels both comforting and special at the same time. The rich, sticky sauce and perfectly cooked beef always get rave reviews, and I love how simple it is to pull together even when life gets busy. Give it a try—I’m pretty sure this’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation too!

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