Beef Stir Fry with Chopped Broccoli

Ingredients

• 454 g (1 lb)beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 91 g (1 cup)chopped broccoli, fresh or frozen
• 16 g (2 tablespoons)cornflour
• 37.5 ml (2 1/2 tablespoons)oyster sauce
• 2.5 g (1/2 teaspoon)ground black pepper
• 1.5 g (1/4 teaspoon)salt
• 45 ml (3 tablespoons)extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. 1

   Season the beef

   Sprinkle the salt and pepper over the beef, then add the oyster sauce and mix well. Leave to marinate for 15 minutes.

2. 2

   Add the cornflour

   Add the cornflour to the marinated beef and mix thoroughly with clean hands.

3. 3

   Heat the oil

   Heat the oil in a pan.

4. 4

   Stir-fry the beef

   Cook the beef over high heat, stir-frying until both sides are done, about 10 minutes.

5. 5

   Cook the broccoli

   Add the chopped broccoli and cook for a further 3 minutes.

6. 6

   Transfer to a plate

   Move the stir-fry to a serving plate.

7. 7

   Serve and enjoy

   Serve with brown rice, share and enjoy.

What is beef stir-fry with broccoli?

Stir-frying is a quick way to cook small pieces of food in a hot pan, and beef with broccoli is a familiar pairing in Chinese-inspired home cooking. This version keeps the ingredient list short, using oyster sauce for savoury depth and broccoli for a fresh vegetable contrast.

Thinly sliced sirloin cooks relatively quickly, while the cornflour coats the meat and helps the sauce cling. Brown rice is suggested alongside it for a fuller meal.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 252 calories, 24g protein, 5g carbs, 14g fat.

The beef provides most of the protein, while the olive oil and sirloin contribute much of the fat. The small amount of carbohydrate comes mainly from the broccoli, oyster sauce and cornflour; brown rice, if served, adds more. Pairing a portion with rice and extra vegetables is a practical way to make a more balanced plate.

Choosing the beef and broccoli

Sirloin: Slice it thinly so it can cook through in the stated time. If it is not already sliced, cutting across the grain can make the pieces easier to bite.

Broccoli: Fresh or frozen chopped broccoli both work here. Frozen broccoli may release a little extra moisture, so let it heat through in the pan rather than expecting it to brown.

Marinating and coating

Seasoning: The beef is mixed with salt, pepper and oyster sauce, then left for 15 minutes. This is the recipe’s marinating time, so allow for it when planning the meal.

Cornflour: Add it after marinating and mix until the beef is evenly coated. A light, even coating helps the oyster sauce stay with the meat as it cooks.

Getting the texture right

Beef: Use high heat as directed and stir-fry until both sides are cooked through, checking the thickest pieces rather than relying on colour alone. The method estimates about 10 minutes, though the pan and slice thickness can affect the timing.

Broccoli: Add it after the beef and cook for 3 minutes more. It should be heated through while still holding its shape.

Timing the meal

The listed total time is 15 minutes, but the method includes a 15-minute marinade followed by cooking. Allow extra time beyond the stated total if you want to follow every step as written.

Rice: The method suggests brown rice but does not include it in the ingredient list or cooking instructions. Prepare it separately if you would like to serve the stir-fry with rice.

Serving ideas

The suggested accompaniment is brown rice, which works well with the savoury oyster sauce and gives the meal a substantial base. Serve the stir-fry promptly while the beef is hot and the broccoli is freshly cooked.

For a simple plate, pair it with rice and keep the beef and broccoli as the main topping. Any additional side dish is optional.

Recipe notes & tips

• Slice the sirloin thinly and evenly so the pieces cook at a similar rate.
• Mix the oyster sauce thoroughly through the beef before leaving it to marinate.
• Coat the beef evenly with cornflour after marinating.
• Have the broccoli ready before you start stir-frying the beef.
• Prepare brown rice separately if you want to follow the serving suggestion.

Variations

• Add garlic: Stir a little minced garlic into the hot oil before adding the beef.
• Add ginger: Mix finely grated ginger into the beef with the oyster sauce.
• Use another green: Swap the broccoli for chopped green beans or sliced cabbage.
• Add chilli: Include sliced fresh chilli for a hotter stir-fry.
• Finish with spring onions: Scatter sliced spring onions over the dish just before serving.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Cutting the beef too thickly: Thin, even slices are more likely to cook within the stated time.
• Skipping the marinade: Leave the beef in the oyster sauce mixture for the full 15 minutes specified.
• Adding cornflour too early: Mix it into the beef after marinating, as directed.
• Cooking the broccoli too long: Add it after the beef and limit its cooking to 3 minutes.
• Forgetting the rice timing: The method suggests brown rice but does not include cooking instructions, so prepare it separately.

How to store

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and use within 3 days. Reheat in a pan until steaming hot throughout, adding a small splash of water if the mixture seems dry.

Frequently asked questions