Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garden Vegetables

We love a hearty skillet of beef and broccoli stir-fry loaded with fresh vegetables.  Tender strips of beef are quickly browned until flavorful, then combined with crisp broccoli, celery, sweet onions, fresh garlic, and spinach. The hoisin sauce brings a rich, slightly sweet savoriness that coats every bite, while the toasted sesame oil adds a wonderful aroma that fills the kitchen. Served over hot buttered rice, this meal is comforting and healthy, making it perfect for family dinners throughout the year.

One of the greatest pleasures of this dish is how it showcases vegetables out of our own garden! Broccoli, crisp celery, and tender spinach are always good, but spectacular when picked and prepared the same day.

For us and everyone that has a home garden, there is pride that comes from growing vegetables in your own little patch of ground, watching them mature through the spring and summer, and then gathering them for a meal that brings everyone together around the table.

During the summer months, this stir-fry becomes even more enjoyable. The vegetables are at their peak freshness, full of color and flavor. It is easy to imagine spending a warm afternoon gathering broccoli and spinach from the garden, carrying buckets filled with fresh produce back to the house, and making a meal that celebrates the season’s abundance. We always think that fresh and tender veggies taste better with very bite, but what do we know!

Beef and Broccoli with Garden Vegetables is a hit with everyone because this recipe brings to mind leisurely summer evenings spent with our family and friends. After a day outdoors, perhaps near the water or under the shade of an old oak tree, everyone gathers on a breezy porch as the sun begins to set. Plates of steaming beef and broccoli stir-fry are served alongside bowls of buttered rice while glasses of sweet tea sweat in the summer heat, or of course, there’s always a little bubbly, prosecco! We chat, laugh and enjoy this simple meal and it becomes a treasured memory.

The combination of tender beef and abundant broccoli makes this dish especially filling without feeling heavy. The broccoli remains the star of the recipe, providing both texture and flavor, while the celery, onions, garlic, and spinach complement it beautifully. Hoisin sauce ties everything together with a rich glaze that enhances both the vegetables and the beef.

Whether prepared for a weeknight supper or a relaxed gathering with extended family, this stir-fry offers versatility and comfort. It is substantial enough to satisfy hearty appetites while still highlighting what we’ve produced ourselves. This recipe serves eight, so those big eaters can really pig out! When it is served over fluffy buttered rice, it creates a complete meal that feels both nourishing and special. Make you some today, share it but beware, there are stir-fry thieves waiting to rob you blind. Happy summer! 

Recipe:

This beef and broccoli stir-fry highlights tender beef, abundant broccoli, garden-fresh vegetables, savory hoisin sauce, and fragrant sesame oil for a satisfying meal that is just wonderful during the fresh days of summer. But do be on guard, with this delectable hot buttered rice and stir-fried beef and veggies, a culprit will come along and swipe yours clean off your plate!

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry

• 2½ pounds beef tenderloin or sirloin steak, sliced into thin strips

• 3 large heads broccoli, cut into florets (about 12 cups)

• 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced

• 2 large, sweet onions, sliced

• 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced

• 5 cups fresh spinach

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, divided

• ½ cup hoisin sauce, divided

• 1 teaspoon Tony Chachere’s Seasoning (or 1 teaspoon salt)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Soy sauce to taste

• Sweet Chili Sauce to taste

For Serving

• 6 to 8 cups cooked white rice

• 4 tablespoons butter

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Cook the rice according to package directions. When finished, stir in the butter and keep warm.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil in a large wok or heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the beef strips in batches if necessary. Sprinkle with the Tony Chachere’s Seasoning and black pepper.

Cook for only 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, just until browned on the outside. Remove the beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Broccoli

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil to the skillet.

Add the broccoli florets and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Drizzle ¼ cup of the hoisin sauce over the broccoli and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned and coated.

Step 4: Add Remaining Vegetables

Add the sliced onions and celery to the broccoli.

Cook for 4 minutes, stirring often.

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Stir in the spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Finish the Stir-Fry

Return the browned beef and any accumulated juices to the skillet.

Add the remaining ¼ cup hoisin sauce.

Toss everything together and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the beef is heated through and all ingredients are coated with the sauce.

Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon generous portions of hot buttered rice onto serving plates.

Top with the beef and broccoli stir-fry and serve immediately.

Serve with Sweet Chili Sauce and Soy sauce to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Fresh sweet tea

• Sliced watermelon during the summer months

• Fresh tomato and cucumber salad

• Steamed edamame

• Grilled corn on the cob

• Chilled fresh fruit

Prep Time

25 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Servings

6 to 8 servings

Savor the flavors of Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with garden vegetables. Enjoy a hearty Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry perfect for family dinners.