The Best Cut of Beef for the Ultimate Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli is a classic Chinese takeout dish that is easy to recreate at home. When making this flavorful stir fry, choosing the right cut of beef is key to getting the perfect texture and flavor After testing various cuts, the clear winner for beef and broccoli is flank steak.

Why Use Flank Steak for Beef and Broccoli?

Flank steak has several advantages that make it ideal for beef and broccoli

• It’s very flavorful while still being relatively inexpensive, usually costing less per pound than other steak cuts.

• When sliced thinly against the grain, flank steak cooks up tender and juicy.

• The thin shape of flank steak is perfect for quick stir frying.

• It can be easily marinated to absorb a flavorful sauce.

• Flank steak has a nice chewy texture that stands up well when paired with crisp-tender broccoli.

• It’s a lean cut, so no need to trim off excess fat.

For all these reasons, flank steak is hands down the best cut to use for beef and broccoli stir fries.

Step-by-Step Guide for Cooking Flank Steak

Follow these simple steps for perfect beef and broccoli every time using flank steak:

Prep the flank steak – Place the flank steak in the freezer for 30 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut thinly across the grain. Then slice into 1/4 inch thick pieces.

Make the marinade – In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice wine, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Add the sliced flank steak and let marinate for 30-60 minutes.

Cook the aromatics – Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Cook minced garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Cook the beef – Add the beef and marinade and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef browns. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.

Cook the broccoli – Add the broccoli florets and stir fry for 2 more minutes. Add a splash of water to create steam if needed.

Finish with sauce – Give the sauce a final stir then pour over the beef and broccoli. Toss everything together and serve immediately over rice.

Tips for the Best Beef and Broccoli

• Use high-heat cooking methods like stir frying or grilling to get nice browning on the beef.

• Cut the beef across the grain into thin slices so it cooks quickly.

• Don’t overcook the beef or broccoli. You want both to have some crispness.

• A marinade adds lots of flavor. Let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

• Use fresh, in-season broccoli for the best texture and taste.

• Serve immediately over steamed rice to soak up the tasty sauce.

• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Full Recipe for Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Follow this recipe for restaurant-quality beef and broccoli in 30 minutes using flank steak:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly across grain
• 1 lb broccoli florets, cut into bitesized pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 3 Tbsp soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Combine soy sauce, rice wine, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water to make the marinade. Add sliced flank steak and marinate 30-60 minutes.

2. Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Cook garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.

3. Add marinated steak. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until starting to brown. Cook in batches if needed.

4. Add broccoli and stir fry 2 more minutes until crisp-tender.

5. Give sauce a final stir, then pour over beef and broccoli. Toss to coat.

6. Serve immediately over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

More Fun Ways to Enjoy Flank Steak

Beyond beef and broccoli, flank steak is versatile enough to use in all kinds of dishes:

• Steak tacos or fajitas – Slice thinly and cook over high heat. Serve in warm tortillas.

• Stir fry – Great for any Asian-inspired stir fry recipe.

• Steak salad – Chill cooked slices and serve over a fresh salad.

• Sandwiches – Slice thinly against the grain for tender sandwiches.

• Kabobs – Cut into chunks to skewer and grill.

So next time you’re cooking up some beef and broccoli, reach for the flank steak and get ready to enjoy the full, rich flavor in every tasty bite! This cut is clearly the MVP for making this takeout classic at home.