Name: Sesame Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb. beef flank steak, thinly sliced; 1 head broccoli, cut into florets; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced; 1-inch knob fresh peeled ginger, grated or sliced; 1.5 cups uncooked white rice or brown rice (or a bag of cauliflower rice); Thinly sliced green onions for serving; 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup water; 1/3 cup brown sugar (substitute coconut sugar if preferred); 1 tablespoon sambal oelek; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (substitute white vinegar if needed); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Jump to Recipe·5 from 103 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that’s fast, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Sesame Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is one of those dishes I come back to again and again when I want a comforting but healthy dinner on the table in about 30 minutes. Sticky, savory, and just a little sweet with the perfect garlicky kick, it’s always a crowd-pleaser and somehow tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen (even though you didn’t!). Let me take you through how to make it perfectly every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but fast.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of sweet, salty, spicy, and savory always hits the spot.
Versatile Ingredients: Simple pantry staples come together to make something special.
Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love this beef and broccoli twist—your family will go crazy for it!

A black skillet filled with stir-fried beef slices and bright green broccoli florets, mixed with small bits of toasted garlic and topped with thin, fresh green onion slices scattered across the dish. A wooden spatula rests inside the skillet, partially lifting some of the food. The skillet sits on a gray textured cloth on a white marbled surface. The beef is dark brown and glossy from the sauce, while the broccoli is vibrant and tender. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sesame Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, quick beef stir fry, healthy Asian stir fry, easy beef and broccoli recipe, flavorful stir fry dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how these ingredients create layers of flavor without needing anything complicated. You’ll find that a few simple steps and fresh basics make all the difference here.

Flat lay of thinly sliced raw beef flank steak arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic plate, fresh bright green broccoli florets on a white ceramic bowl, thinly sliced garlic cloves spread in a small white ceramic bowl, a knob of fresh peeled ginger root with natural texture on the side, thinly sliced green onions placed delicately on a white ceramic dish, coarse brown sugar granules in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl filled with a dark amber soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl containing clear water, smooth white rice grains heaped on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl with reddish chili paste (sambal oelek), a small white ceramic bowl with light golden rice vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl holding deep amber sesame oil, a small white ceramic bowl with fine white cornstarch powder, two whole uncracked brown eggs placed side by side on a white ceramic dish, a few glistening sesame seeds scattered artistically on the surface — all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced in size and shape, arranged symmetrically and artistically, 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 awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Sesame Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, quick beef stir fry, healthy Asian stir fry, easy beef and broccoli recipe, flavorful stir fry dinner

Beef flank steak: Freezing it briefly makes slicing so much easier—you want thin strips for that perfect stir fry texture.
Broccoli: Fresh and crisp is best; I like cutting into small florets so each bite has a nice crunch.
Vegetable oil: Use something with a high smoke point for that hot sear.
Garlic: Thinly sliced or minced, it gives that punchy aromatic foundation.
Fresh ginger: Grated or sliced, it adds a zingy freshness that brightens the dish.
White or brown rice: My go-to sides; sometimes I switch it up with cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Green onions: Thinly sliced, they add a fresh pop of color and subtle sharpness.
Soy sauce (low sodium): Controls the saltiness and adds umami.
Brown sugar: Sweetens and balances the savory sauce.
Sambal oelek: This chili paste brings heat and depth—feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.
Rice vinegar: A little acidity brightens everything up.
Sesame oil: The star for that toasty, nutty finish.
Cornstarch: Helps that sauce thicken up just right so it clings to every bite.

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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.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Sesame Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to fit your mood or dietary needs. Whether you’re feeling adventurous or just want a comforting classic, here are some ways I like to switch it up.

Vegetarian version: Swap beef for firm tofu or tempeh; press the tofu to remove excess moisture and brown it well for great texture.
Spice it up: Add extra sambal oelek or a dash of chili flakes if you like a serious kick—I’m a fan of bold heat here!
Different veggies: Sometimes I add snap peas, sliced bell peppers, or shredded carrots for extra color and crunch.
Grain alternatives: Quinoa or soba noodles make excellent bases if you want something other than rice.

How to Make Sesame Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Beef Like a Pro

Here’s a trick I discovered that makes all the difference: freeze your beef flank steak for 30 minutes to an hour before slicing. This firms it up and lets you slice ultra-thin strips against the grain, which leads to tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites. Toss the sliced beef with a good pinch of coarse salt and let it rest while you get the rest of the ingredients ready—it really boosts the flavor and texture.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

Mix your low sodium soy sauce, water, brown sugar, sambal oelek, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a bowl until smooth. This sticky, flavorful sauce pulls it all together, so make sure the sugar and cornstarch dissolve well. I like to taste it at this stage to see if I want a touch more heat or sweetness—adjust as you like!

Step 3: Get Your Rice Going

While you’re prepping, cook your rice exactly according to package directions. That way it’ll be steaming and ready to soak up all that sauce once the stir fry is done. If you’re using cauliflower rice, just toss it in a hot pan with a bit of oil for a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Sear the Beef

Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium heat until hot, then add a swish of vegetable oil. Working in batches (so you don’t crowd the pan), lay out the beef strips in a single layer and let them rest without moving for a couple of minutes—this gives you that amazing caramelized sear. Flip them over and cook just until browned and delicious. Remove the beef and keep it warm.

Step 5: Stir Fry the Broccoli

In the same pan, add a bit more oil and toss in your broccoli florets. Stir fry them for 2-3 minutes until they’re bright green and just tender but still crisp. I sometimes add a splash of water and cover briefly to steam and soften them slightly—this really helps if you like your broccoli a bit more tender but still vibrant. Remove the broccoli from the pan.

Step 6: Create the Sauce and Bring It All Together

Turn the heat down a bit and add one last swish of oil to the pan. Toss in the grated ginger and sliced garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then pour in your prepared sauce and stir constantly until it thickens into a sticky, glossy glaze. At this point, add the cooked beef and broccoli back to the skillet. Toss gently but thoroughly so every bite is coated in that luscious sauce. That’s it—your stir fry is ready!

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Pro Tips for Making Sesame Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Thin Slicing Matters: Freezing beef slightly before slicing helps you cut into perfect thin strips that cook evenly and stay tender.
Batch Cooking Beef: Don’t crowd the pan or you’ll steam the beef instead of browning it—work in batches for a great sear.
Sauce Thickness: Make sure to whisk the cornstarch well into the sauce to avoid lumps and get that glossy coating.
Broccoli Texture: Adding a splash of water and steam-cooking briefly keeps broccoli tender yet crisp—try it once, you’ll see the difference!

How to Serve Sesame Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

A bowl shows two main layers: bright white rice filling half of the right side, and a mix of dark brown cooked beef pieces with bright green broccoli florets on the left side. The beef is glossy with sesame seeds sprinkled on top, and there are long, thin green onion pieces scattered throughout. A silver fork is placed in the rice, held by a woman's hand at the bottom right corner. The bowl is speckled light grey with a rough texture, sitting on a light grey striped cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sesame Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, quick beef stir fry, healthy Asian stir fry, easy beef and broccoli recipe, flavorful stir fry dinner

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a handful of thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds right on top before serving. The green onions add a fresh bite and those sesame seeds bring a little crunch and nuttiness that ups the flavor and looks pretty too. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of extra toasted sesame oil at the end seals the deal.

Side Dishes

Rice is the classic pairing for this Sesame Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe—white or brown, it’s great for soaking up all that flavorful sauce. I also love pairing it with simple steamed jasmine rice or even some quick cauliflower rice if you want fewer carbs. For a fresh balance, a light cucumber salad or quick pickled carrots on the side make everything taste even brighter.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite ways to serve this for guests is scooping the stir fry into crispy lettuce cups for a fun finger-food twist. It’s unexpected and adds a fresh crunch. Another idea: serve it over a bowl of noodles or in grain bowls topped with avocado slices and a fried egg for a fancy bowl meal. It’s always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The beef and broccoli hold up surprisingly well, especially if you keep the rice separate to avoid sogginess. When I reheat, I prefer to warm it in a skillet over medium heat to revive the crispy edges and keep everything tasting fresh.

Freezing

Freezing sesame beef and broccoli is possible but I recommend freezing only the beef and broccoli mixture without the rice, to keep that texture crispier when reheated. Wrap airtight containers well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove.

Reheating

I always reheat leftovers in a skillet with a splash of water or oil, over medium heat. This brings back the lovely sear and keeps the broccoli from getting mushy. Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a hurry—it can make the veggies limp and sauce separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is my favorite because it’s flavorful and easy to slice thin, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin. Just try to slice thinly against the grain for the best tenderness. Avoid tough cuts that require long cooking times, as this is a quick stir fry.
How do I make this Sesame Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe gluten-free?

Simply replace the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Double-check other ingredients like sambal oelek and rice vinegar to ensure they’re gluten-free as well. Everything else stays the same and the flavor remains fantastic.
Can I prep ingredients ahead of time?

Definitely! Slice your beef and chop broccoli a few hours ahead or even the day before. Keep them covered in the fridge. Whisk your sauce ingredients in advance too, then all you need to do is stir fry everything when you’re ready.
What can I substitute if I don’t have sambal oelek?

You can substitute with Sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or even red pepper flakes depending on your spice preferences. Just start with less and add more gradually to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Sesame Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe turns out every time—so full of flavor yet surprisingly simple to pull off. When I first tried making it, I was amazed how just a few pantry staples could transform into something restaurant-worthy. This dish is one of those reliable favorites I happily cook whenever I want a quick, wholesome meal that feels like a treat. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do and make it a go-to in your own kitchen too!