Spicy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry - Season & Thyme (2024)

This Spicy Beef and Broccoli recipe is SO GOOD. Though I'm not opposed to a good take-out night here and there, this Better than Takeout Spicy Beef and Broccoli recipe with sambal oelek and tender sirloin will make you think twice about ordering out the next time you have a hankering for Chinese food.

This is quick to prepare (under 30 minutes). It doesn't require any speciality store ingredients or things you would only use once a year. It does have a half a cup of brown sugar, so it's not completely clean and healthy. However, it is a lot lighter than what you would be able to get if you were ordering out! I love using broccoli florets, especially in stir-fry. They soak up so much sauce, each bite is as good as the last!

Looking for more foods with a little spice to them? Try one of these!

• Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Chicken)
• Gigi Hadid Pasta (Spicy Vodka Sauce Pasta)
• Spicy Italian Turkey Pesto Sandwich
• Spicy Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

What is the best cut of meat to use for beef and broccoli?

My favorite cut of meat to use here is sirloin steak. It is a relatively nice cut of beef, but not as expensive as say, filet mignon. It works well here, because when you cut it against the grain, it stays very tender and not chewy. Just make sure to not overcook it!

Other cuts of beef that would work well are flank steak, round steak, flat iron steak, or skirt steak. A lot of people prefer these cuts, as they are cheaper cuts and since you are cutting it so thin, it stays pretty tender regardless.

How is the sauce thickened for this beef and broccoli recipe?

This beef and broccoli recipe is thickened with cornstarch! The great thing about this, is that it can be made thicker or thinner based on your preferences. I don't like a super thick sauce, and the recipe reflects that. If you want a thicker sauce, add an extra teaspoon or two of cornstarch to the sauce ingredients. Cornstarch is also gluten free and a great thickener for when you don't want to use a roux (flour and fat).

What makes it spicy? Sambal Oelek!

This is the one special ingredient in this recipe that you may not have on hand, it is called Sambal Oelek. It is a Chili paste that adds just the right amount of heat and lots of great flavor. The most popular brand that creates this special hot sauce is Huy Fong Foods-- the same people that make the sriracha you know and love with the green cap!

Sambal Oelek is pretty simply in its ingredients, just chili, salt, vinegar, and a few preservatives. It can be found at almost any grocery store, even Target and on Amazon.

Sambal Oelek Substitutes

• Sriracha
• Harissa
• Gochujang
• Red Pepper Flakes (this one is dry, so use less as it will be more concentrated)

How to serve this Spicy Beef and Broccoli recipe?

With this main dish I love to go classic--jasmine or basmati rice. You can always do rice noodles, or even on its own!

For another chinese restaurant inspired dish, try Egg Roll in a Bowl!

Ingredients

Stir fry

• 1 ½ lb. thin-sliced sirloin tip
• 2 tbsp. corn starch
• 2 tbsp. grapeseed oil or any mild oil
• 4 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
• ¼ cup beef broth
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 4 green onions diced

Sauce

• 1 tsp. cornstarch
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 1-2 tbsp. Sambal Oelek chili paste

Instructions

Begin by slicing the beef against in the grain in bite-sized pieces (about ¼-½ inch wide)

In a medium sized bowl, add cornstarch and sliced beef and mix with hands until fully coated.

In a large skillet, heat oil on high heat. Once oil is hot, add in the beef. Try to add in one layer so that as much surface area gets browned as possible. The goal is to cook quickly, so that the meat stays tender and not chewy. We want a little color on the sirloin, but we also have to cook the broccoli and don't want the beef to be overcooked by the end.

After 1-2 minutes, flip the pieces (The beef may stick to the bottom of the pan, don't worry. When the broth is added later, the stuck bits can be scratched up with a wooden spoon).

After about 1-2 more minutes, lower the heat to medium-high and add in broccoli florets and garlic. Stir fry for a few more minutes and add in the beef broth. (This is when you will begin to scrape up the fond on the bottom!)

In a small bowl, combine corn starch, brown sugar, soy sauce, and chili paste. Stir and pour over the top of veggies and meat.

Cook until the broccoli is tender, but still firm. About a minute before taking off the heat, add in the sliced green onions and stir.