Teriyaki Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry – A Fast, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Favorite

This Teriyaki Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry brings together tender slices of beef, crisp broccoli florets, and a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce that balances sweetness, savoriness, and just a hint of ginger. It’s a dish that tastes restaurant-quality but comes together effortlessly in your own kitchen. I once made this with a splash of coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and it gave the stir-fry a slightly sweeter, deeper flavor that worked beautifully. The best part is the speed—this recipe is ready in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a complete meal that feels both fresh and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stir fry highlights everything great about quick cooking: bold flavor, tender meat, vibrant vegetables, and minimal cleanup. The beef cooks in minutes, the broccoli stays crisp-tender, and the teriyaki sauce brings everything together with its glossy, irresistible finish. You have full control over the sweetness, saltiness, and spice levels, and the recipe easily adapts to gluten-free or lighter versions. It’s the ideal combination of convenience and deliciousness—a reliable go-to meal that tastes just as good as takeout, if not better.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Beef (Flank or Sirloin Steak) – Thinly sliced steak cooks quickly and stays tender, absorbing the teriyaki sauce beautifully.

Broccoli Florets – Bring freshness, crunch, and color to the dish. Slice into evenly sized pieces to ensure fast, uniform cooking.

Soy Sauce – Forms the savory base of the teriyaki sauce. You can swap for tamari or coconut aminos.

Brown Sugar or Honey – Adds sweetness and helps create that signature glossy sauce.

Garlic – Provides aromatic depth and enhances the savory components.

Ginger – Adds warmth and brightness, balancing the sweetness. Fresh grated ginger offers the best flavor.

Cornstarch – Thickens the teriyaki sauce to the perfect sticky consistency.

Rice Vinegar – Adds gentle acidity that keeps the sauce from tasting overly sweet.

Sesame Oil – A finishing touch that gives the dish a toasted, nutty aroma.

Olive Oil – Used to sear the beef and sauté the broccoli.

Salt and Black Pepper – For seasoning the beef before cooking.

Directions

Start by whisking together the teriyaki sauce ingredients: soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and cornstarch mixed with a splash of water. Set aside.

Season the beef lightly with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and toss in the broccoli florets. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.

Return the beef to the skillet and pour in the teriyaki sauce. Stir continuously as the sauce thickens and coats everything in a glossy finish. Reduce heat and let simmer for a minute to meld flavors.

Serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or your preferred base. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes 10 minutes, and cooking requires 10 minutes, giving a total time of 20 minutes—an ideal weeknight option.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. It can also be microwaved, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce for heat.

Veggie-Packed Version – Include bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots for more color and nutrients.

Gluten-Free Option – Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Sweeter Profile – Increase the honey or brown sugar slightly for a more traditional teriyaki sweetness.

Noodle Stir-Fry – Toss the beef and broccoli with udon or rice noodles instead of serving over rice.

Lighter Version – Reduce the sugar and use low-sodium soy sauce.

Garnish Upgrade – Top with toasted sesame seeds, cilantro, or thinly sliced green onions.

Citrus Twist – Add a splash of orange juice or zest for a bright, fruity note.

Protein Swap – Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu in place of beef.

Extra Sauce – Double the teriyaki ingredients if you like a saucier dish.

FAQs

1. What cut of beef works best?

Flank steak or sirloin works beautifully because they stay tender when cooked quickly.

2. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, thaw it first and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but the sauce can be mixed a day ahead.

4. How do I keep the beef tender?

Slice it thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking.

5. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes, but homemade offers superior freshness and balance.

6. What can I serve it with?

Rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice all pair well.

7. Can I omit the sugar?

You can reduce it, but completely removing it will change the flavor and consistency.

8. How do I thicken the sauce?

Add a bit more cornstarch mixed with water and simmer until thick.

9. Can I freeze this dish?

Beef freezes well, though broccoli may soften slightly. Freeze up to 2 months.

10. Is this dish spicy?

Only if you add spice—it’s naturally mild unless you customize it.

Conclusion

The Teriyaki Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry is a fast, flavorful, and versatile recipe that delivers satisfying results every time. With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a glossy teriyaki sauce, it’s a dish that feels polished yet incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this stir fry brings freshness, balance, and comfort to the table with minimal effort. Enjoy it hot, savory, and perfectly saucy over your favorite base.

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