If you’ve ever wished you could capture the magic of your favorite takeout right at home, this Beef and Broccoli recipe is your golden ticket! Each bite is packed with tender slices of beef, vibrant broccoli florets, and a gloriously savory sauce that clings to every morsel. An unbeatable blend of flavors and textures, Beef and Broccoli is the kind of comforting, quick-to-prepare dish that makes any night feel special, whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a hungry crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how a few simple, but essential, ingredients work together to make this dish shine. Every component of Beef and Broccoli brings something vital to the table—be it tenderness, umami depth, or a pop of green freshness.
- Flank steak: Thinly slicing against the grain gives this cut its melt-in-your-mouth texture—don’t skip this step!
- Broccoli florets: Broccoli brings a hint of bitterness and crunch that perfectly balances the savory flavors.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for quick, even frying without overpowering the other flavors.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The backbone of your sauce, providing umami-rich, perfectly salty notes.
- Oyster sauce: Adds complex savoriness and a touch of sweetness for that signature takeout flavor.
- Brown sugar: Just a tablespoon enhances the sauce with subtle caramel undertones.
- Cornstarch: This simple thickener makes the sauce silky and helps it cling to every bite.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for a mellow punch that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- Fresh ginger: A hint of heat and zing livens up the whole dish.
- Water: Balances out the sauces and helps steam the broccoli to bright-tender perfection.
- Sesame oil (optional): Adds an aromatic, toasty finish if you want an extra layer of flavor.
- Sesame seeds and green onions (optional garnish): These make the finished plate pop both in flavor and color.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Mix Up the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Give it a good whisk to make sure the cornstarch fully dissolves and everything blends together. This sauce is where the flavor magic happens, so don’t rush this part!
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the thinly sliced flank steak. Stir-fry for just two to three minutes—just enough for the beef to lose its pinkness and develop a bit of color. Remove the beef to a plate to avoid overcooking while you tend to the broccoli.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same pan, then toss in your broccoli florets. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes until they take on a brilliant green hue. Splash a little water into the skillet and immediately cover with a lid; steaming for two minutes ensures broccoli that’s crisp yet tender—never mushy!
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the partially cooked beef to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Stir well to make sure every piece is coated. Stir-fry for two or three more minutes, watching as the sauce bubbles, thickens, and lovingly envelops all the beef and broccoli. A drizzle of sesame oil at the end is pure perfection if you’re feeling fancy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Take your Beef and Broccoli off the heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you like. These finishing touches add crunch and freshness, making the dish as pretty as it is delicious.
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli
Garnishes
Beef and Broccoli really comes alive with a few simple garnishes. Scatter a handful of toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top just before serving—these not only brighten up the plate, but add pops of flavor and texture in every bite.
Side Dishes
This classic is often best served atop a bowl of steamy, fluffy white rice, but don’t stop there. Brown rice, quinoa, or even noodles make fantastic bases that soak up all that delectable sauce. Add some quick-pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests or just treat yourself, serve Beef and Broccoli in shallow bowls with chopsticks and a sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil. For a fun twist, pile it into lettuce cups for an Asian-inspired wrap, or tuck leftovers into a toasted hoagie roll for a next-level sandwich experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef and Broccoli will keep beautifully in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for a craveworthy lunch or quick dinner without any extra work.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze this dish, let it cool to room temperature, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. To help preserve texture, try undercooking the broccoli ever so slightly, as it will soften a little when reheated from frozen.
Reheating
The easiest way to reheat your Beef and Broccoli is in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, the microwave works in a pinch—just cover loosely and heat in one-minute bursts, stirring occasionally, until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Beef and Broccoli?
Absolutely! Flank steak is a classic, but sirloin, skirt steak, or even thinly sliced ribeye will work beautifully. Just be sure to slice against the grain for the most tender results.
Is there a way to make Beef and Broccoli gluten free?
Yes! Substitute tamari for the soy sauce and use a gluten-free oyster sauce. All other ingredients are naturally gluten free, so you can enjoy this meal with total confidence.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely—feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms. Keep the add-ins bite-sized and add them with the broccoli, adjusting cook time as needed so everything stays colorful and crisp-tender.
How do I prevent tough beef?
The secret is to cut your beef thinly across the grain, and don’t overcook it! A quick sear over high heat is all you need for juicy, tender slices that meld perfectly with your broccoli.
What’s the best way to slice broccoli for this recipe?
Cut large florets into bite-sized pieces, keeping some of the stem for a mix of textures. Uniform pieces ensure everything cooks evenly and makes for an attractive final dish.
Final Thoughts
Making Beef and Broccoli at home is not only possible—it’s destined to become a weeknight favorite. Every bite is packed with craveable flavor and satisfying crunch, and the whole recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. I hope you give it a try and savor every delicious forkful!
Print
Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and quick beef and broccoli stir-fry recipe that rivals your favorite takeout dish. Thinly sliced flank steak is paired with tender broccoli florets in a savory sauce, served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup water
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the beef for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Broccoli: Add remaining oil to the pan, then stir-fry broccoli for 2–3 minutes. Steam by adding water and covering the skillet for 2 minutes.
- Combine and Cook: Return beef to the skillet, pour in the sauce, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until thickened. Optionally, drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari and gluten-free oyster sauce.
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