Sticky Honey Sesame Garlic Beef & Broccoli
Crispy seared beef strips tossed in a glossy honey soy garlic glaze with crisp-tender steamed broccoli.
In a nutshell: This authentic asian-american sticky honey sesame garlic beef & broccoli comes together in just 20 mins using simple whole ingredients. The chef's secret is to Always look for the muscle fibers on the flank steak and slice perpendicular to them. This. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
Better than takeout in just 20 minutes! Thinly sliced flank steak flash-seared for crispy caramelized edges, tossed with crisp-tender broccoli florets in a savory-sweet honey sesame garlic glaze.
Key Equipment
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- Large flat-bottomed wok or 12-inch skillet
- Tongs
- Whisk & prep bowls
- Chef knife
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Slice Against the Grain: Always look for the muscle fibers on the flank steak and slice perpendicular to them. This ensures ultra-tender beef that melts in your mouth.
- High Heat Is Key: Use a hot skillet or wok and don't crowd the pan. Searing beef quickly gives you caramelized crust while keeping the center tender.
- Quick Chilling Trick: Freeze your flank steak for 15 minutes before slicing to make cutting paper-thin strips effortless.
Ingredients
4
servings
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1.25 lbs flank steak or top sirloin, thinly sliced across the grain into bite-sized strips
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2 tbsp cornstarch, for velveting
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2 tbsp neutral cooking oil, avocado or peanut oil, divided
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4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
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5 cloves garlic, finely minced
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1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated
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⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
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¼ cup pure honey
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1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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¼ cup water or beef broth
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1 tsp sriracha or red chili flakes, optional for gentle warmth
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1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds, for garnish
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2 stalks green onions (scallions), thinly sliced
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Velvet the Beef
Place the thinly sliced flank steak in a bowl. Toss thoroughly with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until every strip is lightly coated. This velveting technique locks in juices and creates crispy browned edges.
Whisk the Sticky Sauce
In a measuring cup, whisk together soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, water, and sriracha until smooth and blended.
Steam-Fry the Broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add broccoli florets with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover with a lid for 2 to 3 minutes to steam-fry until vibrant green and crisp-tender. Transfer to a plate.
Flash-Sear the Beef
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the screaming-hot wok. Add beef in a single layer (in two batches if needed to avoid crowding). Sear undisturbed for 90 seconds until a deep golden crust forms, then flip and stir-fry for 1 more minute.
Glaze & Toss
Pour the whisked honey sesame sauce directly into the pan with the beef. Bring to a rapid simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce bubbles, thickens, and glazes the beef. Return the broccoli to the pan, toss to coat, and remove from heat.
Garnish & Serve
Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over warm fluffy jasmine rice or lo mein noodles.
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.
View on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife
Razor-sharp Fibrox Pro blade that home chefs and pros both reach for.
View on AmazonTILUCK Stainless Measuring Cups & Spoons, 10-Pc
Stainless steel cups and spoons that measure precisely and last.
View on AmazonMercer Culinary Locking Tongs, 9" + 12"
Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.
View on AmazonAmazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll
Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.
View on AmazonWoodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc
Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.
View on AmazonOXO Good Grips Silicone Whisk Set, 9" + 11"
Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
View on AmazonUltra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2
Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
View on AmazonUmite Chef Stainless Mixing Bowls with Lids, 8-Pc
Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.
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Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Flank steak and top sirloin are ideal because they absorb marinades quickly and cook in minutes. Skirt steak or ribeye also work wonderfully.
Yes! The glaze keeps the beef juicy for up to 4 days in airtight glass containers. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a sprinkle of water.
Simply swap standard soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos for an easy gluten-free adaptation.