This beef and broccolini stir fry has a light Asian twist, packed with fresh vibrant flavours and makes a delicious low‑carb one‑pot meal.
This recipe appears in my latest eBook.
Here’s a link if you’d like to take a look: 25 One Pot Meals eBook.
Beef and broccoli are two of my favourite savoury flavours, and they pair beautifully. This stir fry combines tender beef with broccolini and bright Asian seasonings—toasted sesame oil, soy sauce and a hint of red chilli—for a simple, flavourful meal. You can use broccolini (also called Tenderstem) or regular broccoli; notes below explain how to cook either one perfectly.
What is Broccolini or Tenderstem Broccoli?
Broccolini, often sold as Tenderstem, is a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese kale. It’s not genetically modified; it’s the result of selective crossing to produce a vegetable with long, tender stalks and small florets. In the kitchen it cooks similarly to broccoli but tends to be more tender and elegant when left whole.
How to Cook Broccolini or Tenderstem Broccoli
Broccolini can be steamed, boiled, roasted, barbecued, stir‑fried or eaten raw. I prefer sautéing or quick stir‑frying because the stalks turn a glossy bright green and retain a pleasant bite. Trim any dry ends, rinse well, and you can either leave the stalks whole for presentation or cut them into bite‑sized pieces. If using regular broccoli, follow the recipe notes below for chopping.
What Cut of Beef Works Best?
This recipe uses sirloin for very tender results, but a thinly sliced rump steak or other economical cut will work well because the meat is cut across the grain and cooked quickly. Look for the muscle lines in the steak and slice across them to shorten the fibres—this keeps each bite tender and avoids chewiness.
How to Cook Steak for a Stir Fry
Choose a steak about an inch thick, chill it briefly, then pat dry and slice thinly (2–3mm) while still cold. Allow the slices to come to room temperature while you prep other ingredients. Heat a wok or frying pan until very hot, add oil and arrange the steak slices in a single layer. After about one minute the meat will release and you can flip to achieve a good sear. Remove and keep warm while you cook the vegetables.
Quick Asian-Style Stir Fry Sauce
A simple sauce of soy sauce, toasted sesame oil and a small amount of cornflour (cornstarch) comes together in seconds. Mix the cornflour with the soy and sesame oil until smooth, then add it to the pan at the end. It thickens slightly and coats the beef and vegetables, boosting flavour and glaze.
If you want to see the whole process, there’s a short video showing this recipe being made in a VW campervan.
Watch this recipe video on YouTube!
Beef and Broccolini Stir Fry
This is a quick, satisfying one‑pot meal that works well on its own for a low‑carb dinner or served with steamed rice. The recipe below serves two and is easy to scale up.
Main Course
Asian
beef and broccolini, low carb, one pot
-
2
tsp
toasted sesame oil -
200
g
sirloin steak
trimmed of fat and/or gristle -
150
g
Broccolini
Tenderstem broccoli, or broccoli -
100
g
pak choi -
1
tbsp
soy sauce -
1
tbsp
toasted sesame oil -
1
level tsp
cornflour
or cornstarch -
1/2
red chilli
thinly sliced
-
Preheat a wok, large frying pan or sauté pan over high heat.
-
Slice the steak thinly, cutting against the grain.
-
Add 2 tsp sesame oil to the hot pan and lay the steak slices in a single layer. Cook for 1 minute, turn and cook for another minute. Remove the steak and keep warm.
-
Add the broccolini and stir‑fry until bright green and glossy, adding a little more oil if needed. Add the pak choi and cook until wilted.
-
In a small bowl mix the cornflour, soy sauce and 1 tbsp sesame oil until smooth. Pour into the pan and toss quickly with the vegetables to thicken and coat.
-
Return the steak and the sliced chilli to the pan, toss once more and serve immediately.
If using regular broccoli:
- Cut the head of broccoli in half.
- Snap or cut small florets from one half so they are bite‑sized.
- Slice the stalk into thin strips so they are also bite‑sized.
As a guide, half a regular head of broccoli is enough for the two servings in this recipe.
Calories from Fat 144