Easy Leftover Steak Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry: Your Ultimate Quick Dinner Solution
Transform your dinner routine with this incredibly simple yet flavorful Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, crafted perfectly for repurposing leftover steak. Say goodbye to food waste and hello to a delicious meal that goes from your fridge to the dinner table in under 30 minutes. This versatile stovetop creation is not just for any leftover steak; it’s ideal for firm cuts like London broil, flank steak, skirt steak, or even prime rib remnants. With its savory homemade ginger-soy sauce, this stir fry promises a burst of Asian-inspired flavors that will make you look forward to leftovers!
📹 Watch the Recipe Video!
For a visual guide to making this simple yet satisfying stir fry, check out our step-by-step video below. It demonstrates how easily you can transform your cooked steak into a vibrant and delicious meal, ensuring you master every technique from coating the beef to achieving the perfect sauce consistency. This short video will walk you through the entire process, making this quick dinner even more accessible.
⏲️ Effortless & Quick: Time Needed
One of the most appealing aspects of this Beef and Broccoli stir fry recipe is its remarkable speed and efficiency, making it a perfect choice for busy individuals and families. By intelligently utilizing already cooked steak, we significantly reduce both the preparation and active cooking time. You can anticipate spending merely 10 to 15 minutes on prep work, which primarily involves thinly slicing the steak and breaking down fresh broccoli into florets. The actual cooking process is even quicker, requiring only about 10 minutes on the stovetop. This means a wholesome, homemade, and incredibly flavorful meal can be on your table, ready to savor, in a remarkable 20 to 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s the ultimate solution for those hectic weeknights or whenever you need a fast yet satisfying meal that refuses to compromise on taste or quality.
🥘 Key Ingredients for Your Stir Fry
This delightful Beef and Broccoli dish is built upon a foundation of simple, accessible ingredients, transforming what might otherwise be discarded leftovers into a gourmet experience. The recipe thoughtfully combines tender slices of your pre-cooked steak with vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli florets, all meticulously coated in a robust homemade ginger-soy sauce. Traditionally, this enticing stir fry is served over a fluffy bed of white rice, which perfectly absorbs all the delicious flavors. The true beauty of this recipe lies in its ingenious ability to transform yesterday’s remnants into today’s star meal, promoting both flavor and sustainability in your kitchen.
It stands out as an excellent way to elevate the robust flavors of last night’s grilled steak or the succulent London Broil from our highly-rated Easy Crockpot London Broil recipe. As part of an effective meal planning strategy, I frequently incorporate a “planned leftovers” approach into my weekly meal plans. This proactive method ensures that I always have high-quality, cooked meat readily available specifically for quick and easy recipes like this stir fry. This foresight guarantees you’re never left scrambling for dinner ideas and consistently making the most of your culinary resources.
Main Components:
- Leftover Steak: The hero of this dish! Whether you have remnants of London broil, round steak, skirt steak, sirloin, or any other firm cut of beef that’s already cooked, it will work wonderfully. Remember to slice it thinly against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and better absorption of flavors.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli is highly recommended for its vibrant color, nutritional benefits, and its ability to achieve a delightful crisp-tender texture when stir-fried, providing a perfect counterpoint to the beef.
- Cooked Rice: A foundational element for this stir fry. While classic white rice serves as an excellent absorbent base for the rich sauce, feel free to experiment with brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carb alternative.
The Thickener (Cornstarch Slurry):
A crucial element for achieving that signature glossy, thick stir-fry sauce that beautifully coats every piece of beef and broccoli, enhancing both flavor and texture.
- Cornstarch: This is the primary thickening agent, responsible for transforming a thin liquid into a luscious sauce.
- Water: Used to create a smooth, homogenous slurry with the cornstarch. Mixing cornstarch with cold liquid first is key to preventing lumps and ensuring even thickening.
- Garlic Powder: Incorporated into the slurry for coating the steak, it adds a subtle yet essential aromatic depth to the beef before it even hits the pan.
The Star: Homemade Ginger-Soy Sauce:
This meticulously crafted sauce is the very heart of the stir fry, offering a complex and balanced flavor profile that hits all the right notes: savory, sweet, and pungently aromatic. It’s what truly defines the dish.
- Vegetable Oil: An ideal choice for high-heat sautéing and stir-frying, thanks to its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
- Soy Sauce: Forms the savory, umami-rich base of the sauce. Consider using a low-sodium version if you are mindful of your salt intake, or a tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Brown Sugar: Introduces a touch of molasses-rich sweetness that perfectly balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and aids in achieving a beautiful caramelized finish.
- Ground Ginger: Provides a warm, zesty, and subtly spicy kick that is characteristic of authentic Asian stir-fries. For an even fresher and more intense flavor, freshly grated ginger can be used.
- Sesame Oil (optional): A few drops of toasted sesame oil, added at the end or to the cooking oil, impart a distinctive nutty aroma and profound flavor that is a hallmark of many delicious Asian-inspired dishes. Use sparingly, as its flavor is quite potent.
💭 Expert Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
To ensure your leftover steak beef and broccoli stir fry turns out perfectly every time, and to help you navigate common culinary questions, here are some invaluable tips and frequently asked questions:
Leftover cooked steak is generally safe to consume for 3 to 4 days when it has been stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maximize freshness and ensure food safety, it’s crucial to cool the steak quickly after its initial cooking and refrigerate it promptly within two hours. When incorporating leftovers into your meal plan, always aim to use the steak within this recommended timeframe. My personal “planned leftover” system often involves cooking a slightly larger steak dinner early in the week, specifically with the intention of transforming the remaining portion into a delicious stir fry, like this one, approximately two days later.
The secret to achieving a perfectly smooth, lump-free, and beautifully glossy stir-fry sauce lies entirely in how you prepare and incorporate the cornstarch. It is absolutely crucial to first create a “slurry” by whisking cornstarch with an equal part of cold or room-temperature liquid (such as water or broth) *before* adding it to any hot pan or hot liquid. If cornstarch is added directly to hot liquid, the exterior granules will instantly gelatinize and clump together, forming stubborn lumps that will not dissolve and will prevent your sauce from thickening evenly. A properly prepared slurry, on the other hand, ensures even distribution and consistent thickening throughout the sauce, leading to that desirable, velvety texture.
No leftover steak on hand? No problem at all! This versatile recipe is easily adaptable for raw beef, allowing you to enjoy this flavorful stir fry anytime. Simply select a firm cut of raw beef, such as sirloin, flank steak, or skirt steak, and slice it thinly against the grain into bite-sized pieces. To prepare, you’ll first sauté the raw steak in a tablespoon of oil until it’s cooked through and nicely browned, which typically takes about 4-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your slices. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside. Then, proceed with stir-frying the broccoli as directed. Finally, reintroduce the cooked beef along with the sauce mixture to complete the dish. This ensures the beef is tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection, even if starting from scratch.
Broccoli is an exceptional choice for this stir fry, not only because it offers a delightful culinary pairing for beef – providing a slight bitterness and crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the savory meat and sweet sauce – but also because it is a nutritional powerhouse. For retaining its maximum nutrient content and achieving the best crisp-tender texture, using raw broccoli is highly recommended. A mere ½-cup serving of raw broccoli is packed with goodness, providing almost 70% of the daily value of Vitamin K1 (source – Healthline) and is an excellent source of essential Vitamins C and A (source – Nutrition and You). Its vibrant green florets also add an appealing visual element and crucial dietary fiber to your meal, contributing to overall digestive health.
While fresh broccoli is undoubtedly ideal for achieving the best results in stir-fries, frozen broccoli can certainly be utilized if that’s what you have on hand. However, a slight adjustment in preparation is necessary to prevent a watery stir fry and ensure proper cooking. It is highly recommended to steam and thoroughly drain frozen broccoli first before introducing it to your pan. Directly adding frozen vegetables to a hot wok or skillet will cause a significant release of moisture, which drastically lowers the pan’s temperature. This lower temperature leads to the ingredients boiling rather than sautéing, resulting in a softer, often mushy, and less desirable texture, as well as a diluted and less flavorful sauce. Pre-steaming and draining mitigates these issues, allowing for a better outcome.
Customizing Your Stir Fry: Substitutions and Variations
One of the most rewarding aspects of stir-frying is its incredible adaptability and the freedom it offers for culinary creativity. Feel absolutely free to experiment with this recipe, making it truly your own and tailoring it to your personal preferences or what you have available in your kitchen.
What else can I add to the stir fry for more flavor and nutrition?
To significantly boost both the nutritional value and the complexity of flavors in your stir fry, consider incorporating a wider array of vegetables and additional elements. The versatile ginger-soy sauce pairs wonderfully with a myriad of hearty produce. Here are some fantastic suggestions:
- Sliced Onions: Adds a sweet and pungent aromatic base, mellowing beautifully as it cooks.
- Carrots: Thinly sliced or julienned, carrots provide a delightful pop of color, a subtle sweetness, and a good crunch.
- Fresh Mushrooms: Varieties like shiitake, cremini, or even sliced button mushrooms contribute an earthy, umami depth that complements the beef exceptionally well.
- Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers introduce natural sweetness and retain a crisp-tender texture, adding vibrant color to the dish.
- Snow Peas or Snap Peas: Offer a fresh, sweet crunch and beautiful green contrast.
- Baby Corn or Water Chestnuts: These add unique textural dimensions and a mild, pleasant flavor.
- Spicy Kick: For those who appreciate a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite chili garlic sauce or sriracha can add an invigorating layer of spice.
- Citrus Brightness: A final squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can remarkably brighten all the flavors, adding a zesty finish.
- Cashews or Peanuts: For added crunch and a nutty flavor profile, stir in a handful of roasted cashews or peanuts at the very end.
Can I use noodles instead of rice for a different experience?
Absolutely! If you’re in the mood for a noodle stir fry rather than a rice-based dish, this recipe transitions beautifully and deliciously. Soba noodles (traditional Japanese buckwheat noodles) or thin rice noodles make excellent and flavorful substitutions for plain white rice. During my years living in Japan, I often enjoyed switching things up with yakisoba (Japanese fried noodles) as an alternative to the more common Chinese-style stir-fry served over rice. In a classic yakisoba stir fry, the meat, vegetables, and sauce are typically cooked *with* the noodles rather than simply served on top, creating a wonderfully cohesive, saucy, and deeply flavored noodle dish. You can conveniently find soba noodles in the Asian aisle of most well-stocked grocery stores, making this variation easily achievable.
To convert this recipe into a satisfying Beef and Broccoli Yakisoba, follow these steps: First, cook, rinse, and thoroughly drain the soba noodles according to the package instructions. It is critically important to dry the noodles very well after rinsing; excess water can significantly dilute the stir-fry sauce and prevent the noodles from properly stir-frying. Once dried, add the prepared noodles to the skillet a couple of minutes before you introduce the sauce. Toss them actively with the beef and broccoli to ensure they are well combined and begin to absorb some of the pan flavors before pouring in the thickening ginger-soy sauce.
📋 Detailed Cooking Instructions
Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions to bring your flavorful leftover steak beef and broccoli stir fry to life:
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Begin by preparing your beef. Take your 1 pound of leftover steak, London broil, or any other firm cut of cooked beef. Slice it thinly against the grain into uniform bite-sized pieces. Aim for slices that are about ¼-inch thick to ensure they reheat quickly and absorb the sauce flavors effectively.
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In a large mixing bowl, prepare your first cornstarch slurry. Combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Whisk these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth, lump-free mixture. Add the thinly sliced leftover steak to this slurry and toss gently but thoroughly until each piece of beef is well coated. This crucial step helps to tenderize the steak further and creates a light, desirable crust when stir-fried, allowing the finished sauce to cling beautifully to the meat.
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Heat the first 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add the cornstarch-coated leftover steak. Stir-fry quickly, for approximately 1 minute, just until the steak is thoroughly reheated and the coating appears lightly set. Remember, the steak is already cooked, so your goal here is merely to warm it through and set the cornstarch coating, not to cook it further. Overcooking at this stage will unfortunately toughen the meat. (Optional: If you enjoy the distinct nutty aroma and flavor, you might add a few drops of sesame oil to the vegetable oil at this stage, starting with about ½ teaspoon.)
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Carefully remove the reheated steak from the skillet and set it aside on a clean plate. Now, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in the same pan. Add the 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is vibrant green and crisp-tender. You want it cooked enough to be palatable but still retaining a pleasant, slight bite, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy.
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While the broccoli is enthusiastically cooking, swiftly prepare your aromatic ginger-soy sauce. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ⅓ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, the second measure of 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and ½ cup water. Mix vigorously until the cornstarch is completely dissolved, ensuring there are absolutely no lumps. This is your flavorful, thickening agent that will bring the dish together.
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Return the previously cooked beef to the skillet, joining the now crisp-tender broccoli. Pour the freshly prepared ginger-soy sauce mixture evenly over all the ingredients in the skillet.
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Continue to cook the stir fry for another 2 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure everything is evenly coated and heated. During this time, the sauce will thicken beautifully and coat all the ingredients, creating that luscious, glossy finish. The exact cooking time here depends on how thick you prefer your sauce to be.
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Serve your irresistibly delicious Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry immediately over 2 cups of freshly cooked rice. For an extra touch of flavor and aesthetic appeal, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, or even a few fresh cilantro leaves. Enjoy this quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying meal that cleverly uses up your leftovers!
🥗 Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Easy Beef and Broccoli
To perfectly complement the rich flavors and varied textures of this hearty beef and broccoli stir fry, consider serving it alongside a refreshing, crisp salad. A vibrant green salad tossed with finely shredded carrots, delightfully crunchy wonton strips, and a zesty Japanese ginger dressing (such as the widely beloved Makoto Ginger Dressing, a personal go-to) makes an absolutely perfect accompaniment. Beyond a simple salad, you might also consider enhancing your meal with these delightful options:
- Steamed Edamame: Lightly steamed and sprinkled with a touch of sea salt, edamame pods offer a simple, healthy, and interactive appetizer or side dish that’s rich in protein.
- Crispy Spring Rolls or Egg Rolls: Whether store-bought and quickly heated, or homemade for an extra touch, these crunchy delights are always a popular and satisfying addition to any stir-fry meal.
- Light Miso Soup: A warm, savory bowl of miso soup can serve as a comforting and traditional start to your Asian-inspired dinner.
- Sautéed Asparagus or Green Beans: If you’re looking to add more green vegetables, a quick sauté with a hint of garlic and a splash of soy sauce can create a delicious and complementary side.
- Kimchi or Pickled Ginger: For those who enjoy bold, fermented flavors and a spicy kick, these condiments can brilliantly cut through the richness of the stir fry, adding an exciting contrast.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad, featuring ingredients like mandarin oranges, pineapple, and grapes, can offer a sweet and palate-cleansing finish to your meal.
🥩 Beyond Stir Fry: What Else Can I Do with Leftover Steak?
Leftover steak is truly a culinary gem, offering an expansive array of possibilities for creating quick, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful meals. While this beef and broccoli stir fry is undeniably a fantastic and highly recommended option, don’t let it limit your culinary creativity! Here are several other delicious and inventive ideas to effortlessly transform your cooked steak into new, exciting dishes:
- Elevated Steak Sandwiches & Wraps: A timeless and universally loved choice! Pile thin, succulent slices of reheated steak onto crusty bread, soft rolls, or warm tortillas. For a Mexican-inspired twist, try our Carne Asada Tortas, generously loaded with homemade guacamole, melty cheese, and fresh tomatoes. Or, for a taste of the East Coast, whip up our Cheesesteak Sandwiches featuring beautifully sautéed onions and colorful bell peppers, delivering that authentic Philly-inspired feel.
- Refreshing Steak Salads: For a lighter but equally satisfying meal, toss cold, thinly sliced steak with a vibrant medley of mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, thinly sliced red onion, and your favorite dressing. A tangy balsamic vinaigrette or a rich, creamy blue cheese dressing works wonderfully to create a refreshing and protein-packed lunch or a light dinner.
- Dynamic Steak Tacos or Fajitas: Slice the steak thinly and quickly reheat it with a sprinkle of your favorite fajita seasoning. Serve it in warm corn or flour tortillas with fresh salsa, cool sour cream, shredded cheese, and all your preferred taco or fajita toppings for a festive and customizable meal.
- Hearty Steak and Egg Hash: A perfect idea for a weekend brunch or a substantial breakfast. Dice the leftover steak and sauté it until heated through with tender diced potatoes, savory onions, and colorful bell peppers. Top this hearty hash with a perfectly fried or poached egg for a truly satisfying and comforting meal.
- Elegant Steak and Pasta Dishes: Effortlessly incorporate thinly sliced or diced steak into a variety of pasta dishes. It can be tossed with a rich and creamy alfredo sauce, a vibrant and herbaceous pesto, or simply combined with garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs for a quick, elegant, and surprisingly sophisticated meal.
- Quick Quesadillas or Loaded Nachos: Create easy and cheesy quesadillas by layering shredded or diced steak with your favorite cheese and other fillings between two tortillas, then griddle until golden. Alternatively, scatter the steak over a bed of crispy tortilla chips with melted cheese, spicy jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream for irresistible loaded nachos.
With these diverse and delicious ideas, your leftover steak will never again go to waste, instead becoming the star ingredient of a new, exciting, and effortlessly prepared meal every single time!
Recipe Card: Easy Beef with Broccoli using Leftover Steak
Easy Beef with Broccoli using Leftover Steak
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pound leftover steak, London broil, or firm cut of cooked beef, sliced and cut into bite size pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked rice
Sauce
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup water
Instructions
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Slice 1 pound leftover steak, London broil, or firm cut of cooked beef and cut into bite size pieces.
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Combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder in a large bowl and mix thoroughly. Add sliced leftover steak and toss until well coated.
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Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet; add leftover steak and stir fry until reheated, about 1 minute.
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Remove meat from skillet. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in pan; add 4 cups broccoli florets, stir-frying for about 5 minutes.
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To make the sauce, mix together ⅓ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 tablespoon cornstarch and ½ cup water in a small bowl until cornstarch is dissolved.
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Add soy mixture and cooked beef to skillet.
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Cook for 2-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
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Serve over 2 cups cooked rice.
Notes
It’s important to add the cornstarch as directed. If mixed directly into the hot liquid in the pan, it will clump and not thicken properly. Making a slurry with cold or room temperature liquid before adding it to the heat is the proper and most effective way to thicken sauces using cornstarch, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture.
Nutrition per serving
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