There's nothing quite like the savory aroma of Beef and Broccoli sizzling on the stovetop, filling your kitchen with the promise of a delicious dinner. This takeout-inspired dish features tender strips of beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce that clings to every bite.
I discovered this recipe during a week of takeout fatigue, determined to recreate our favorite order at home. Not only is it quicker and healthier than delivery, but it’s also become a staple in our weekly meal rotation. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special!
Why You'll Love This Beef and Broccoli
Get ready to embrace a new family favorite with this easy and satisfying Beef and Broccoli recipe. It’s everything you love about takeout, made right in your own kitchen.
First, it's incredibly quick and easy to prepare. From start to finish, you can have this dish on the table in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Second, it’s a healthier alternative to restaurant versions. With simple, fresh ingredients and no heavy additives, you’re in control of every aspect of the meal.
Not to mention, this recipe is budget-friendly. You’ll be amazed at how affordable it is to whip up this classic dish at home compared to ordering in.
Finally, the flavors are out of this world. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness ensures every bite is packed with bold, satisfying flavor.
Ready to make magic in your kitchen? Let’s talk ingredients!
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of Beef and Broccoli lies in its simplicity. Just a handful of ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Beef
For tender and juicy results, go for flank steak or sirloin steak. These cuts are ideal for stir-frying because they cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the marinade beautifully. Remember to slice the beef thinly against the grain for optimal tenderness.
Broccoli
Fresh broccoli florets are best for this recipe. They maintain a slight crunch and vibrant green color when cooked. If you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli works too—just thaw and pat it dry before cooking.
Sauce Ingredients
The sauce is the heart of this recipe, made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. These ingredients create a perfectly balanced sauce that’s savory, slightly sweet, and full of umami goodness.
Cornstarch
A small amount of cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce and coat the beef, ensuring a silky texture that clings to every piece.
Special Equipment
A large skillet or wok is key to achieving that restaurant-style stir-fry. The high sides and even heat distribution make it easy to sear the beef and cook the broccoli to perfection.
How To Make This Beef and Broccoli
Creating this delicious dish is simpler than you might think. Here’s how to bring it all together:
1. Prepare the Beef
Start by slicing your flank steak thinly against the grain. Toss it in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a splash of water. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prep the rest of the ingredients. This step helps tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavor.
2. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Add a bit of water or beef broth to loosen the mixture. Set it aside—you’ll add it to the pan later.
3. Cook the Broccoli
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly tender. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sear the Beef
Add more oil to the skillet and let it get nice and hot. Lay the marinated beef strips in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
5. Combine and Serve
Return the broccoli to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Toss everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats every bite. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (unlikely!), this dish stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the cooked beef and broccoli for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the skillet to revive the sauce. Heat gently over medium until warmed through.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this Beef and Broccoli recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Protein Swap: Not a fan of beef? Swap it out for chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the added salt to keep the dish heart-healthy.
- Vegetable Boost: Add sliced carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for heat lovers.
With its bold flavors, quick prep, and endless versatility, Beef and Broccoli is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular on your dinner table—your family will thank you for it!
PrintBeef And Broccoli Recipe
This Beef and Broccoli recipe is a delicious, quick, and healthy stir-fry loaded with tender beef, fresh broccoli, and a savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving a restaurant-style meal at home!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup water (or beef broth)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water to create the sauce. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add beef slices, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic and ginger to the skillet, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toss in broccoli florets, stir-frying for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet and pour the sauce over. Stir well to coat.
- Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the beef in soy sauce and a pinch of sugar before cooking.
- Substitute chicken or tofu for beef to make it more versatile.
- Steam broccoli for 2 minutes before stir-frying for softer texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
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