Authentic Thai Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Praew November 10, 2023 0 Comments

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Authentic Thai beef and broccoli recipe with a perfect balance of protein-packed beef and healthy greens. This simple stir-fry is quick and easy with a delicious marinade that’s doable for every home cook.

Close-up of authentic Thai beef and broccoli stir-fry served in a white dish.

Looking for more beef recipes? Try my authentic yum nua, stir-fried Thai hot and spicy beef, or my delicious Thai beef jerky recipe.

Table of Contents

Thai beef and broccoli recipe

This Thai beef and broccoli stir-fry is packed with bold, savory flavors. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner without too much fuss.

It’s my Thai twist on the Chinese version of this dish, and it’s full of Southeast Asian flavors. You can add extra chilies to make it spicier, or omit them altogether for the little ones.

Thai woman smilingly presenting a white dish with stir-fried broccoli and beef, with a rural background.

A splash of fish sauce, a key ingredient in Thai cuisine, infuses the stir-fried Thai beef broccoli with umami and gives it a salty note.

The broccoli can be stir-fried until soft, or you can keep it crisp to your liking.

Broccoli and beef stir-fry in a white dish, with a wooden fork lifting some of it.

Can’t get enough of beef stir-fries? This beef pad see ew combines beef with slippery noodles coated in an irresistible sauce.

Why try this Thai beef and broccoli stir-fry

Healthy and nutritious. Making a homemade stir-fry is healthier than getting takeout. You can add plenty of broccoli for a nutrient-rich meal, and stir-fried beef is delicious and a great source of lean protein.
Perfect for everyone. Vegetarians or vegans can simply sub the beef with tofu for a vegan stir-fry with broccoli, but make sure to adjust the cooking time. The beef can be subbed with chicken, pork, or other protein for those who don’t like beef.
Easy to customize. You can even toss in some extra veggies if you like, such as bell peppers, snow peas, carrots, mushrooms, or gai lan.
Quick and easy. This one-pan dish is ready within 20 minutes, loaded with fresh ingredients and the best stir-fry sauce. On top of that, it’s incredibly easy-to-make.
Versatile. This is a versatile meal that can be enjoyed on its own or with white rice, and you can also pair it with my other side-dishes. Whip up this authentic beef and broccoli recipe and enjoy it with other Thai food as part of a larger meal.

A hand holding a white dish with beef and broccoli stir-fry.

What cut of beef for stir-fry

For stir-fry, select tender beef cuts like top sirloin, flank, tenderloin, or striploin. Choose cuts with marbling for flavor. Slice meat against the grain and opt for thinner steaks to ensure quick cooking and tender results.

Ingredients

For the exact measurements, please scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post.

Beef – Choose a tender cut of beef, and slice it into thin strips that cook quickly.
Broccoli – Broccoli pairs perfect with steak. It’s a healthy and nutritious vegetable, and it adds a refreshing touch to any stir-fry.
Garlic – Garlic is the base of many Thai stir-fries, it adds extra aroma and a slightly pungent flavor.
Oyster sauce – Oyster sauce is savory and salty, adding umami to our dish.
Light soy sauce – Light soy sauce is a thin and salty sauce that adds a savory umami flavor to the Thai beef and broccoli stir-fry.
Dark soy sauce – Has a rich and slightly sweet flavor, commonly used to add a darker color to meals in Thai cuisine.
White sugar – Sugar is added to the dish to add a touch of sweetness and to balance out the salty flavors. Healthier options are brown sugar or palm sugar.
Chilies (optional) – For a spicy dish, add fresh chili peppers or red chili flakes. I like this Thai broccoli stir-fry best without spice.

Marinade ingredients

Cornstarch
Egg white – A combination of egg white and cornstarch tenderizes the meat.
Sesame oil – A fragrant oil derived from sesame seeds that adds a rich nutty flavor to the marinade.
Oyster sauce

Cooking instructions

This recipe is a breeze to make. After marinating the beef, all that’s left is to toss everything in the wok.

Marinate the beef

Thinly slice the beef against the grain. Transfer the slices to a large mixing bowl and mix with cornstarch, egg white, sesame oil, and oyster sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.
Cook the broccoli

Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces suited for quick cooking. Cook, steam, or grill the broccoli over charcoal or in a grilling pan over low heat to give it a smoky flavor.
Stir-fry beef and broccoli

1: Sauté garlic. Add oil to a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant and golden. Add sliced chilies if desired.
2: Add beef. Add the marinated beef slices, searing them until rare to medium-rare.
3. Stir in the seasonings. Add oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and white sugar. Mix well and ensure each slice of beef is coated.
4. Toss in the broccoli. Cooking it until soft to your liking. I like mine with a bit of a crunch, so I give it a quick sauté before serving immediately.

Tips for the best Thai broccoli beef stir-fry

Make sure you have prepped all ingredients before you start cooking. Mix the sauce beforehand, pound the garlic, and slice the beef and broccoli.
Let your pan become hot before adding the ingredients.
Stir-fry at quick pace, over high heat.
Cut thin beef slices against the grain.
Cook in small batches. If you’re making this dish for many people, it’s best to work in batches of two. This way, the meat will be tender, and the vegetables will be crisp. When stir-frying, it’s never a good idea to overcrowd the pan, since this will result in steaming.

How to serve

At a Thai restaurant, you’ll find beef and broccoli served with steamed jasmine rice. You can either serve the rice in the same plate, or use a separate plate. You can enjoy this broccoli and beef stir-fry on its own as a light lunch or healthy meal.

Optional garnishes

Toasted sesame seeds
Red chili flakes
Fresh herbs: Garnish with fresh Thai basil, mint, or chopped green onions.
Lime wedge

How to store

The beef and broccoli leftovers can be stored for 3–4 days in your refrigerator. Let the leftovers cool down to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container.

Freezing instructions: Place the leftovers in a freezer bag or container and store in your freezer. Defrost in your refrigerator overnight.

Reheating instructions: Reheat on the stovetop in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or a splash of water to prevent sticking or burning. Alternatively, you can microwave the leftovers until heated through.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)

How long does beef and broccoli last?

Beef and broccoli can last up to 3–4 days when stored properly. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, after they have cooled down to room temperature. In the freezer, it can last up to 3 months. Freeze in a freezer bag or container. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a wok or skillet, add a splash of oil or a splash of water if needed.

What to serve with beef and broccoli?

Beef and broccoli is usually served over steamed white rice. The rice complements the flavors of the stir-fry, and can balance out the spiciness if you add chilies. You can also serve this dish as part of a larger meal with other side-dishes. Serve with stir-fried vegetables, salads, spring rolls, fried rice, or others.

Can I make this in advance?

To make this in advance, you can pre-cut the broccoli, combine the sauces, and marinate the beef. This saves time for when you’re ready to cook.

Can I make this vegetarian?

You can turn this into a vegetarian/vegan dish by swapping the beef for tofu. Choose firm tofu for stir-frying. You can marinate the tofu for extra flavor. Tofu doesn’t require much cooking time.

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Print Recipe

Authentic Thai Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 min Cook Time 15 min Rest Time 30 min Total Time 55 mins

Servings: 2 Calories: 354

Description

This easy beef and broccoli stir-fry comes together quickly. After making the marinade, you'll enjoy a delicious meal in no-time.

Instructions

Marinate the beef

Thinly slice the beef against the grain. Transfer the slices to a large mixing bowl and mix with cornstarch, egg white, sesame oil, and oyster sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.
Cook the broccoli

Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces suited for quick cooking. Cook, steam, or grill the broccoli over charcoal or in a grilling pan over low heat to give it a smoky flavor.
Stir-fry beef and broccoli

1: Sauté garlic. Add oil to a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant and golden. Add sliced chilies if desired.
2: Add beef. Add the marinated beef slices, searing them until rare to medium-rare.
3. Stir in the seasonings. Add oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and white sugar. Mix well and ensure each slice of beef is coated.
4. Toss in the broccoli. Cooking it until soft to your liking. I like mine with a bit of a crunch, so I give it a quick sauté before serving immediately.