Few meals are as satisfying as a homemade Beef and Broccoli stir-fry. Tender beef slices, crisp broccoli florets, and a savory sauce come together in perfect harmony for a dish that's both delicious and nutritious. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering takeout-level flavors in just 30 minutes.
The first time I tried making Beef and Broccoli at home, I was surprised by how much better it tasted than restaurant versions. The secret lies in the fresh ingredients and the rich, glossy sauce that ties it all together. Let’s jump into this foolproof recipe and make it a staple in your dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Broccoli Recipe
This Beef and Broccoli recipe is a true winner for anyone who loves fast, flavorful meals.
First, it’s lightning-fast to make. In just 30 minutes, you can have a complete dinner on the table—faster than waiting for delivery.
The flavor is incredible. A savory, umami-packed sauce coats every bite of tender beef and perfectly cooked broccoli, creating a dish that rivals your favorite takeout.
It’s also a healthier alternative. You control the ingredients, so you can skip the added sugars and sodium often found in restaurant versions.
Finally, it’s versatile. Serve it over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a meal that satisfies any craving.
Ingredients Notes
To make the best Beef and Broccoli, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating that signature taste.
- Beef: Use thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin steak for the best texture. Freeze the beef for 15-20 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut into thin strips.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets provide a satisfying crunch. If you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli works too—just thaw it before cooking.
- Soy Sauce: Choose a low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish balanced and not overly salty.
- Oyster Sauce: This thick, savory sauce adds depth and richness to the stir-fry. If you don’t have oyster sauce, hoisin sauce is a good substitute.
- Cornstarch: A mix of cornstarch and water thickens the sauce and gives it that silky, restaurant-style finish.
- Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics add warmth and complexity. Fresh is best, but powdered versions can work in a pinch.
- Sesame Oil: A small drizzle of sesame oil adds a nutty aroma that elevates the dish.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli
Making this dish is simple, thanks to its quick cooking time and easy preparation.
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and a teaspoon of sesame oil. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
- Cook the Broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Blanch the broccoli florets for 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This keeps them bright green and crisp.
- Sear the Beef: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add a little more oil and sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Mix together ½ cup of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and ½ cup of water or beef broth. Pour this mixture into the skillet and simmer until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Return the beef to the skillet, toss in the blanched broccoli, and stir everything together until coated in the sauce. Drizzle with a touch of sesame oil before serving.
Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or a low-carb alternative like cauliflower rice.
Storage Options
Beef and Broccoli is perfect for meal prep or saving for later. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Cool the stir-fry completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to customize. Here are some ideas to switch things up:
- Protein Swap: Replace the beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different take.
- Vegetable Additions: Add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce, and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
- Low-Carb Sauce: Substitute the cornstarch with xanthan gum for a keto-friendly version.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a kick of heat.
This easy Beef and Broccoli recipe is a delicious way to bring restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen. With its tender beef, crisp veggies, and savory sauce, it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
PrintBeef And Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Beef and Broccoli is a classic stir-fry recipe featuring tender beef slices, crisp broccoli, and a rich soy-ginger sauce, perfect for quick dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup water
- Optional: sesame seeds or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Toss the beef slices with cornstarch and soy sauce. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the beef in batches until browned, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and stir-fry broccoli until bright green and crisp-tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger to the skillet, cooking until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and water. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir well.
- Return the beef to the skillet and toss with the broccoli and sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds or green onions, if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for the best texture, or frozen if needed (thaw before cooking).
- For added spice, add red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce.
- Works well with chicken or tofu as a substitute for beef.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
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