Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef and Broccoli is a classic stir-fry dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying, perfect for weeknight dinners or a quick takeout-style meal at home. Tender slices of beef paired with crisp broccoli florets are coated in a rich, savory sauce that balances sweet, salty, and umami flavors. This dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy evenings, and it’s easily customizable to suit your taste. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete, hearty meal everyone will enjoy.

Beef and Broccoli

Ingredients

1 lb beef flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
4 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or minced
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

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

Directions

Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), brown sugar, and broth. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Set both aside.
Cook the Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef slices in a single layer, season lightly with salt and pepper, and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Broccoli:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. If needed, add a splash of water to help steam the broccoli.
Add Aromatics:
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the broccoli and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine Beef and Sauce:
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli. Stir to combine.
Thicken the Sauce:
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli evenly.
Finish and Serve:
- Drizzle with sesame oil if desired and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

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

Variations

Spicy Beef and Broccoli: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for heat.
Vegetable Mix: Add bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms for extra color and texture.
Slow-Cooked Version: Use a slow cooker to make beef and broccoli tender and flavorful; cook beef and sauce on low for 6 hours and steam broccoli before serving.
Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt for a healthier version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak can be used. Flank steak is preferred for tenderness and flavor.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, replace the beef with tofu, tempeh, or seitan and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the oyster sauce is gluten-free.

4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and slice the beef ahead, but it’s best to cook the beef and broccoli fresh for optimal texture.

5. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but thaw and drain it first to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.

6. How can I make the sauce thicker?

Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with cold water and stir into the sauce while cooking until thickened.

7. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms work beautifully in this stir-fry.

8. Can I make this spicy?

Yes, add chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

9. Can I use pre-cooked beef?

Yes, but add it at the very end to heat through, as overcooking can make it tough.

10. Can I serve this over noodles?

Yes, serve over cooked rice noodles, udon, or egg noodles for a delicious twist.

Conclusion

Beef and Broccoli is a quick, flavorful, and versatile stir-fry that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen in under 30 minutes. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete, wholesome dinner that everyone will love.

Jane