If you are craving a meal that perfectly balances tender, savory beef with crisp, vibrant broccoli, you have to try this Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant favorite right at home, with a luscious, homemade teriyaki sauce that clings to every bite. In just about 30 minutes, this dish delivers a glorious combination of textures and flavors, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or anytime you want a delicious, comforting dinner that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each component brings a distinct layer of flavor or texture, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish that’s both colorful and nourishing.
- 1 pound flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain): Ensures tender, juicy beef that cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- 3 cups broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, crunchy texture and vibrant green color that complements the rich beef.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat stir-frying, helping to achieve that slightly charred flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Delivers warm, aromatic depth that wakes up the palate.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds a subtle zing and freshness essential in Asian-inspired dishes.
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Provides the salty umami base of the teriyaki sauce without overwhelming the dish.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Brings a natural sweetness that balances the savory and tangy elements.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Enhances caramelized notes and rounds out the flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Contributes a bright acidity to lighten the sauce and bring harmony.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce to a perfect glaze consistency.
- ¼ cup water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch and blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a toasty, nutty aroma that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional): Adds crunch and a lovely finishing touch when sprinkled on top.
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional): Offers a fresh, mild onion bite and appealing color contrast.
- Cooked white rice for serving: The perfect base to soak up every bit of that luscious teriyaki sauce.
How to Make Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil in a small bowl. This mixture becomes the heart of your dish, delivering that irresistible balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors that make the Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe so beloved.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp and brightly green. This step ensures the broccoli retains its vibrant crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the tender beef later in the dish.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside. Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot skillet, then lay the sliced flank steak in a single layer. Allow it to cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes on one side to develop a nice brown sear, then flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is just cooked through. The sear locks in juices and gives the meat an irresistible depth of flavor.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing briefly for about 30 seconds. This quick step releases their fragrant oils and infuses the beef with warming, savory notes that complement the tangy teriyaki sauce perfectly.
Step 5: Combine and Glaze
Return the broccoli to the pan and pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the beef and broccoli. Toss everything together, stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes as the sauce thickens and beautifully coats the ingredients. At this stage, the dish transforms into a glossy, flavorful stir-fry that’s pure comfort on a plate.
How to Serve Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
For that final touch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over your Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe. These add a lovely crunch, a burst of color, and a hint of fresh brightness that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
While the stir-fry itself is a complete meal when served over plain white rice, you can also pair it with steamed jasmine rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A side of pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad works beautifully to add a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get playful, serve the teriyaki beef and broccoli on a bed of noodles instead of rice or stuff it inside large lettuce leaves for a light, hand-held meal. For an elegant twist, plating it in a vibrant bowl with contrasting colors not only looks stunning but makes every bite inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from your Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the stir-fry to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the textures firm and flavors fresh.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep nicely for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove to preserve the beef’s tenderness and broccoli’s bright color.
Reheating
To reheat, place your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you can, as gentle stovetop reheating helps maintain the ideal texture and prevents the beef from becoming rubbery or the broccoli soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking time, you can also use sirloin or skirt steak sliced thinly against the grain. Just ensure your strips are not too thick so they cook evenly and remain tender.
How do I make the dish spicier?
To add a kick of heat to your Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha when you add the garlic and ginger. This boosts the flavor without overpowering the balance of the sauce.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the beef for firm tofu, seitan, or even tempeh. Press and cube the tofu, then stir-fry until crisp on the edges before combining with the sauce and broccoli for a delicious plant-based alternative.
Is there a gluten-free version of the teriyaki sauce?
Definitely. Simply replace the low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing the deep umami flavor that’s so characteristic of teriyaki sauce.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
If cornstarch isn’t available, you can substitute it with arrowroot powder or potato starch in equal amounts. These alternatives will thicken the sauce just as effectively, giving you that perfect glossy finish.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about making this Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe in your own kitchen. It’s a wonderful blend of ease, comfort, and bright, layered flavors that never fails to impress. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself after a busy day, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a fast favorite in your dinner rotation!
Print
Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired main course featuring tender flank steak and crisp broccoli florets tossed in a rich homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with an easy stir-fry method for a satisfying and nutritious meal served over white rice.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Teriyaki Sauce
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Garnishes and Serving
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
- Cooked white rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil until smooth. Set the sauce aside to allow the cornstarch to dissolve completely.
- Cook Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender-crisp but still bright green. Remove broccoli from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Cook the Beef: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high. Add the thinly sliced flank steak in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until browned and just cooked through. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef in the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine and Sauce: Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet with the beef. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the ingredients, tossing everything together to coat evenly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Continue cooking for 2 to 3 more minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and clings nicely to the beef and broccoli.
- Serve: Remove the stir-fry from heat. Serve hot over cooked white rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce before cooking.
- You can substitute beef with chicken breast or firm tofu for different protein options.
- Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- If preferred, use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
