Perfect Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry: High Protein Weeknight Dinner 25 Minutes

Method

1. Prepare and Marinate the Beef

   Slice the beef 3 to 4mm thin against the grain. Toss with baking soda, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 20 minutes at room temperature, then rinse thoroughly under cold water and pat dry. This step is what most people skip — do not skip it.

2. Blanch the Broccoli

   Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for exactly 90 seconds. Transfer immediately to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside. The broccoli should be bright green and barely tender at this point.

3. Mix the Sauce

   In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and cornstarch dissolved in beef broth. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved — there should be no white streaks left. Set the bowl near the stove. The sauce moves fast once it hits the pan.

4. Sear the Beef

   Heat the wok or carbon steel pan over high heat until lightly smoking. Add oil, then lay the beef strips in a single layer. Do not stir for 60 seconds — let them develop a slight sear. Flip and cook another 30 seconds until just cooked through. Remove from the pan immediately. Cook in two batches if needed.

5. Stir Fry and Combine

   In the same hot pan, add a touch more oil and fry the minced garlic for 20 seconds until fragrant. Add the blanched broccoli and toss for 60 seconds. Return the seared beef to the pan. Pour the sauce over everything and toss quickly over high heat for 30 to 45 seconds until the sauce thickens and coats every piece.

6. Plate and Serve

   Transfer to a plate or shallow bowl immediately. Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice. Garnish with a light drizzle of sesame oil and a few sesame seeds if available. Serve within 5 minutes of finishing — the sauce continues to thicken as it sits.