Description
This Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and easy 30-minute meal packed with tender beef, fresh broccoli, and the best stir-fry sauce. This homemade version is even better than your favorite takeout, with a balanced flavor profile that’s both savory and sweet. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that can be made in just one skillet, with customizable options to add more vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Broccoli:
1 lb flank steak (or top sirloin, top round, tri-tip, or ribeye for extra flavor)
4 cups fresh broccoli florets (avoid frozen broccoli)
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free Tamari)
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (don’t overdo it)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp water
1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)
Optional Vegetables (can be added based on preference):
Snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms.
Instructions
Prep the Beef and Broccoli
Freeze the flank steak for 30 minutes to make slicing easier. Slice the beef thinly against the grain (about 1/8″ to 1/4″ thick).
Wash and cut the broccoli into florets.
Make the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pepper, grated ginger, minced garlic, water, and cornstarch. Set aside.
Cook the Broccoli
Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it’s tender but still crisp. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside.
Cook the Beef
In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
Add Sauce and Combine
Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet. Pour the stir-fry sauce over the beef and broccoli and toss to coat everything evenly. Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve
Serve your delicious Beef and Broccoli over cooked white rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Pro Tips for Perfect Beef and Broccoli:
Slice the Beef Thinly: Freezing the beef for 30 minutes makes slicing much easier and ensures quick and even cooking. Thin slices also absorb the stir-fry sauce better.
Avoid Overcrowding: When cooking the beef or broccoli, make sure to avoid overcrowding the pan. If you crowd the pan, the heat will drop, leading to steamed rather than seared beef.
Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli works best as frozen tends to release liquid and can make the sauce watery.
Simmer Sauce: Let the stir-fry sauce simmer for at least 3 minutes to mellow out the ginger and garlic flavors and allow the cornstarch to thicken it properly.
Variations:
Beef Broccoli Ramen Stir-Fry: For a fun twist, add cooked ramen noodles to the stir-fry mix after combining the beef and broccoli. The noodles soak up the savory sauce and make it a meal-in-one.
Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Spicy Beef and Broccoli: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
How to Store Leftover Beef and Broccoli:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Freeze: Freezing is not ideal due to the texture of broccoli, but if necessary, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
