Description
A quick and flavorful Sesame Beef and Broccoli stir-fry recipe featuring tender beef flank steak, crisp broccoli florets, and a savory-sweet sesame sauce. Perfectly paired with steamed rice or cauliflower rice, this dish combines authentic Asian flavors with an easy stovetop cooking method for a delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
The Basics:
- 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
The Sauce:
- 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
Instructions
- Beef Prep: Freeze the beef flank steak for 30 minutes to 1 hour to make slicing easier. Slice the beef thinly against the grain into strips. Toss the beef strips with a generous pinch of coarse salt and allow to rest while prepping other ingredients. This step enhances flavor and texture.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together low sodium soy sauce, water, brown sugar, sambal oelek, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch until well combined and smooth.
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the rice according to the package instructions. You can also opt for cauliflower rice as a lighter alternative.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large heavy skillet over medium heat and add a splash of vegetable oil. Working in batches, arrange the beef strips in a single layer without overcrowding. Let the beef rest undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to develop a nice brown crust. Flip and cook the other side until browned. Remove beef from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry the Broccoli: Add another splash of oil to the same skillet. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green. To slightly steam the broccoli, add a small splash of water during cooking if desired. Remove broccoli and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Finish: Reduce heat slightly and add one last splash of oil to the skillet. Add grated ginger and minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir continuously until it thickens and becomes sticky.
- Combine All: Return the cooked beef and broccoli to the pan. Toss everything gently to coat evenly with the sauce and heat through for another minute.
- Serve: Serve the sesame beef and broccoli with cooked rice or cauliflower rice. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Freezing the beef before slicing helps achieve thin uniform slices, which cook evenly and remain tender.
- Sambal oelek adds a mild chili heat; adjust the amount to your preferred spice level or substitute with chili paste or flakes.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness in the final dish.
- Adding a splash of water while stir-frying broccoli helps retain a bright color and slightly softens the vegetable without making it mushy.
- Feel free to substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener.
- Serving with cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative that pairs well with the dish.
- Cooking beef in batches prevents steaming and ensures better browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
