Go Back

Garlic Steak and Broccoli Bowl - A Simple, Satisfying Weeknight Favorite

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Flank steak or skirt steak (about 1–1.25 pounds), thinly sliced against the grain
  • Broccoli florets (about 4 cups), fresh or thawed from frozen
  • Garlic (4–5 cloves), finely minced
  • Ginger (1-inch piece), finely grated (optional but recommended)
  • Soy sauce or tamari (low-sodium preferred)
  • Oyster sauce or hoisin (for depth; optional but great)
  • Rice vinegar or lime juice
  • Brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey
  • Cornstarch (for thickening the sauce and tossing steak)
  • Sesame oil (to finish)
  • Neutral oil for high-heat cooking (canola, avocado, or peanut)
  • Red pepper flakes or chili-garlic sauce (optional for heat)
  • Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
  • Cooked rice, quinoa, noodles, or cauliflower rice (for serving)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method
 

  1. Slice the steak: Freeze the steak for 15–20 minutes to firm it up. Slice thinly against the grain into bite-size strips. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Toss with cornstarch: In a bowl, season steak with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add 1–2 teaspoons cornstarch and toss to lightly coat. This helps brown the meat and keeps it tender.
  3. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1–2 teaspoons oyster sauce (if using), 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon water. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Adjust sweetness, salt, and heat to taste.
  4. Prep the broccoli: Cut florets into similar sizes. If using thick stems, peel and slice them so nothing goes to waste.
  5. Par-cook the broccoli: Steam or microwave with a splash of water for 1–2 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain well. This keeps stir-fry time short and broccoli snappy.
  6. Heat the pan: Use a large skillet or wok over medium-high to high heat. Add 1–2 tablespoons neutral oil and get it shimmering.
  7. Sear the steak in batches: Add a single layer of steak. Don’t crowd the pan. Sear 60–90 seconds per side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove to a plate and repeat with remaining steak, adding oil as needed.
  8. Sauté aromatics: If the pan is dry, add a touch of oil. Briefly cook a little extra garlic or ginger if you like, 15–30 seconds, until fragrant.
  9. Add broccoli: Toss in the broccoli and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes to pick up color and heat through.
  10. Pour in the sauce: Stir the sauce, then add to the pan. It will thicken quickly. If too thick, splash in 2–3 tablespoons water.
  11. Return steak to pan: Add the seared steak and any juices. Toss to coat and warm through, 1–2 minutes. Finish with 1 teaspoon sesame oil and red pepper flakes if desired.
  12. Serve: Spoon over warm rice or your chosen base. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Taste and adjust with a squeeze of lime or a splash of soy if needed.