Beef and Broccoli is a classic and hearty dish that features tender slices of beef and crisp-tender broccoli, all smothered in a savory and flavorful sauce. This easy stir-fry recipe is quick to make, packed with protein and vegetables, and perfect for a satisfying dinner. With its balance of flavors from soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, this Beef and Broccoli is a crowd-pleasing meal that can be made in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beef and Broccoli recipe is a delicious takeout-inspired dish that’s easy to make at home. The beef is incredibly tender, and the broccoli adds a nice crunch, all wrapped in a flavorful sauce that has just the right amount of sweetness and umami. It’s simple, healthy, and full of satisfying flavors. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish that’s quick to prepare, so it’s great for busy evenings when you want something homemade but don’t have a lot of time to cook.

Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain)
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)

For the sauce:

1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium, if preferred)
2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
2 teaspoons cornstarch (for thickening)
2 tablespoons water
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated or minced)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or sesame oil (for added flavor)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the beef:

Slice the flank steak or sirloin thinly against the grain. If the beef is a little too tough to slice, freeze it for 30 minutes to make cutting easier.

2. Blanch the broccoli:

Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain the broccoli and set it aside. Alternatively, you can sauté the broccoli in a separate pan if you prefer more texture.

3. Make the sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, cornstarch, water, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar or sesame oil. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the cornstarch is fully incorporated.

4. Cook the beef:

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches) and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

5. Cook the broccoli:

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the blanched broccoli and cook for another 2-3 minutes until tender but still vibrant green.

6. Combine the beef and sauce:

Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli, stirring to combine. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is coated.

7. Serve:

Serve your Beef and Broccoli hot, over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor and a touch of color.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Total time: 25 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

Variations

Add more vegetables: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the stir-fry for extra color and flavor.
Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a sliced fresh chili to the sauce if you want a bit of heat.
Make it keto-friendly: Use a sugar substitute (like stevia or monk fruit) and serve the dish with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb option.
Use ground beef: If you prefer a quicker version, you can substitute the sliced beef with ground beef, browning it in the pan before adding the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the broccoli may change slightly. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use other cuts like sirloin or ribeye. Just ensure they are sliced thinly against the grain for tenderness.

2. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used in place of fresh. Simply thaw and blanch it briefly in boiling water or steam it until tender.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While stir-fries are best when served fresh, you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, just cook the broccoli, reheat the beef, and combine everything.

4. Can I add more flavor to the sauce?

Yes! You can adjust the flavors by adding a splash of soy sauce, extra garlic, or a touch of sesame oil for a more pronounced flavor.

5. Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can easily swap out the beef for chicken (preferably chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced). The cooking method remains the same.

6. How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

If you prefer not to use cornstarch, you can reduce the sauce by simmering it for a few more minutes to thicken naturally. You can also use arrowroot powder or a small amount of flour as a thickener.

7. How do I make this dish spicier?

Add some chili paste, sriracha sauce, or red pepper flakes to the sauce to increase the heat.

8. Can I add nuts to this dish?

Yes! For added crunch and flavor, you can sprinkle toasted cashews or peanuts over the dish just before serving.

9. Can I use a wok for this recipe?

Yes! A wok is ideal for stir-fries as it allows you to cook the beef and broccoli evenly and quickly. If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet works just as well.

10. How do I make the beef more tender?

If you’re using a tougher cut of beef, marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a bit of water for 15-30 minutes before cooking to help tenderize the meat.

Conclusion

This Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s perfect for any weeknight. With tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and a savory sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you make it for yourself or serve it to a crowd, this easy stir-fry will become a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s versatile, easy to customize, and makes a delicious, balanced meal in just 30 minutes. Enjoy!