Classic Steak Stir Fry Broccolini

Steak stir fry is my go to recipe whenever I crave something bold savory and loaded with colorful vegetables. It is one of those dishes that feels special enough for a celebration yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner thanks to its quick cooking and flexible ingredients.

I first whipped this up after a long day when I needed comfort food in a hurry and now I make it every time my family wants something both satisfying and fresh.

Ingredients

• Pork lard or your favorite oil: gives the beef a rich flavor and helps the veggies sizzle beautifully. Opt for high quality fat for the best taste
• Broccolini: sliced for a mild crunch and lovely green color. Look for crisp stalks with firm florets
• Red bell peppers: add natural sweetness. Choose peppers that feel heavy for their size and have shiny skin
• Yellow onion: diced for subtle sweetness. Go for firm bulbs with dry papery skins
• Red chili peppers: bring the right amount of heat and color. The freshest are plump and glossy
• Flank steak: thinly sliced ensures every piece is tender and cooks evenly. Pick steak with lots of marbling for maximum flavor
• Salt: enhances all the savory notes. Use kosher salt for even seasoning
• Mayonnaise: gives the sauce creaminess and richness. Choose a good quality brand for best results
• Smoked paprika: adds a deep smoky note. Spanish paprika offers the most authentic flavor
• Garlic powder: for a punch of savory taste. Make sure it is fresh and aromatic
• Soy sauce: brings umami depth. Use a naturally brewed soy sauce for complex flavor
• Oyster sauce: gives sweetness and depth to the sauce. Look for high quality brands with simple ingredients
• Cornstarch: helps the sauce thicken to perfect glossiness
• Hot water: makes sure everything blends together smoothly

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables:

Slice broccolini bell peppers onion and chili peppers into similar sized pieces. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the lard or oil. When the fat is just shimmering add the vegetables with part of the salt. Stir and sauté steadily for about fifteen minutes. This gives the veggies time to soften and develop sweetness. Once they are beautifully softened but still colorful transfer them to a bowl and set aside

Cook the Steak:

Using the same pan add your sliced flank steak. Sprinkle the rest of the salt evenly. Cook the steak strips over medium heat stirring occasionally so each piece touches the pan. After about five to ten minutes the steak should take on a rich brown color and be fully cooked through. The fond on the bottom of the pan carries a lot of flavor

Make the Sauce:

In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise smoked paprika garlic powder soy sauce oyster sauce cornstarch and hot water until completely smooth. It should look glossy and pour easily. This sauce is the secret to a silky finish

Combine and Simmer:

Return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the steak. Pour the sauce over everything stirring gently so all the ingredients are coated. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for five to ten minutes. This is when the flavors meld and the sauce thickens to coat every bite

Serve:

Once the sauce is thick and glossy and the stir fry smells irresistible serve it hot over steamed rice. Each bite should be saucy full of juicy steak and packed with crisp tender vegetables

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You Must Know

• This dish is loaded with protein and vitamins for a complete meal
• Perfect candidate for meal prep since leftovers taste just as good
• The sauce clings well making every bite deliciously savory

One of my favorite parts is how the smoked paprika rounds out the sauce with gentle heat and earthiness. My family always gathers around the table when this sizzles on the stove and someone always tries to sneak a taste straight from the pan

Storage Tips

Store leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors intensify overnight making lunch the next day extra special. To reheat simply warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water to help loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long to keep the steak tender

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have broccolini regular broccoli or snap peas will work

Chicken or shrimp are great alternatives if you do not have steak

For a lighter sauce swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or leave it out for a leaner version. Tamari works well in place of soy sauce for a gluten free twist

Serving Suggestions

This is wonderful over jasmine or brown rice but also works with rice noodles or even cauliflower rice for a lower carb meal. Garnish with green onions toasted sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime to brighten the flavors

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Cultural Context

Stir fry originated in Chinese cooking as a method to cook quickly and maximize flavor while preserving the color and texture of ingredients. This recipe takes inspiration from classic techniques but gives it a smoky spicy twist that suits any modern kitchen

Common Recipe Questions

→ What cut of beef works best?

Flank steak is ideal due to its tenderness and quick cooking time, but sirloin or skirt steak are good alternatives.

→ Can I substitute the broccolini?

Yes, broccoli, asparagus, or snap peas work well if broccolini isn't available.

→ Is it possible to use a different oil?

Certainly. Any neutral oil like canola, avocado, or vegetable oil can replace pork lard.

→ How can I make the dish less spicy?

Simply omit or reduce the red chili peppers to lower the heat without affecting overall flavor.

→ Should the steak be marinated?

There’s no marinating required, but slicing the steak thinly ensures each piece stays tender and flavorful.

→ Can I prepare the sauce ahead?

Yes, whisking the sauce in advance is convenient and allows the flavors to meld before adding to the pan.