Beef and Broccoli

Craving takeout? Look no further than this easy, 1-pan Beef and Broccoli recipe! This dish is a homemade version of the popular takeout favorite, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes. With tender, thin-sliced beef, fresh broccoli, and a savory stir-fry sauce, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. It’s simple, quick, and packed with flavor—perfect for a busy weeknight or when you’re in the mood for a healthy, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beef and Broccoli recipe is a game-changer, satisfying both your taste buds and your time constraints. I created it as a copycat of the beloved dishes from places like Panda Express and P.F. Chang’s, but this version is even better! The homemade sauce gives it a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, and I love how easy it is to make. Plus, my kids gobble up the broccoli, which makes me feel like a culinary superhero. You can customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables and serve it with rice or noodles for a hearty meal in one dish. It’s the ultimate weeknight win!

Ingredients for Beef and Broccoli

This recipe is all about simplicity, which is why the ingredients list is short but packs a punch. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Beef: Flank steak is the best cut for stir fry because it’s tender, lean, and easy to chew. You can also use top sirloin, top round steak, or tri-tip steak. For a richer flavor, you can even go for ribeye.

• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets work best in this recipe. I avoid frozen broccoli because it can release water and dilute the sauce, making the dish less flavorful. However, you can switch up the veggies—snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms are great alternatives.

• Stir Fry Sauce: The key to making this dish sing is the sauce, which is a perfect blend of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, water, brown sugar, pepper, sesame oil, and cornstarch. This thickens the sauce and gives it a rich, glossy texture.

Tips for Thin-Sliced Beef

To get those perfectly thin beef strips, pop your steak in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to slice evenly. Aim for 1/8″ to 1/4″ thick slices—this will ensure the beef cooks quickly, stays tender, and absorbs all the delicious sauce.

The Best Stir Fry Sauce for Beef and Broccoli

The sauce is what truly elevates this dish. After testing it several times, I found the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Here are some tips to make sure your sauce turns out amazing:

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce for better control over the salt content. If needed, you can also use gluten-free Tamari.

• Ginger: Don’t overdo it with the fresh ginger. It adds a nice kick, but too much can overpower the dish.

• Sesame Oil: This is a must. It imparts an authentic flavor that really makes the dish shine.

• Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for at least 3 minutes to mellow out the garlic and ginger. This will create the best depth of flavor.

• For a Thinner Sauce: If you prefer a thinner sauce, just add 2 tablespoons of water at the end.

How to Make Beef and Broccoli

This recipe is a quick and easy 1-pan meal. It moves fast, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Slice the Beef:
   Thinly slice the flank steak against the grain into strips. This ensures the beef stays tender while cooking.

2. Make the Stir Fry Sauce:
   In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch. Set aside.

3. Cook the Broccoli:
   Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and sauté the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside.

4. Cook the Beef:
   Add a little more oil to the same pan and cook the sliced beef for about 2-3 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through.

5. Add the Sauce:
   Pour the stir fry sauce into the pan with the beef and let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes, thickening up the sauce.

6. Combine Beef and Broccoli:
   Return the broccoli to the pan and toss everything together, making sure the beef and broccoli are coated in the sauce.

7. Serve:
   Serve the Beef and Broccoli over rice, noodles, or enjoy it as is. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.

Tips for the Best Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Use the Right Cut of Beef: For the best results, use tender cuts like flank steak or top sirloin.

• Thinly Slice the Beef: Make sure to slice the beef thinly and against the grain for tender, juicy pieces.

• Hot Skillet: Use a hot skillet to sear the beef and lock in the juices.

• Fresh Broccoli: Always use fresh broccoli for the best texture.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beef in batches if necessary, so the pan stays hot and the beef sears properly.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Beef and Broccoli stir fry is perfect for meal prep. You can make it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat in a skillet over medium heat. If you have leftovers, you can easily use them in wraps, bowls, or over salads.

Freezing:

While the broccoli may lose some texture after freezing, you can still freeze the beef and sauce mixture for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet.

Servings and Timing:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• For the Beef and Broccoli:

  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced (or top sirloin, tri-tip, or ribeye)

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for cooking)

• For the Stir Fry Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken)

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Conclusion

This Beef and Broccoli stir fry is the perfect solution for a quick, delicious dinner. With tender beef, fresh broccoli, and a savory stir fry sauce, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for a flavorful, takeout-style meal. Plus, it’s versatile and easy to make, whether you’re serving it over rice, noodles, or just on its own. With just a few simple ingredients and 30 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a satisfying, healthy meal ready to enjoy.