Craving takeout but want something healthier, faster, and more budget-friendly? Look no further than this Beef and Broccoli Recipe! With tender strips of beef, crisp broccoli florets, and a savory sauce that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or impressing your family with homemade Asian-inspired flavors.
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Why You’ll Love This Beef and Broccoli Recipe
1. Quick and Easy
This recipe comes together in just 25–30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners when time is short but the hunger is real.
2. Healthy Takeout Alternative
Skip the extra oil, sugar, and sodium from takeout. This dish is packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and a sauce that’s homemade and wholesome.
3. Customizable
Prefer chicken or tofu instead of beef? Want more veggies like carrots or snap peas? This recipe is flexible and can be tailored to your tastes and dietary needs.
4. Meal Prep Friendly
Make a batch ahead of time and portion it out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats beautifully!
What Does Beef and Broccoli Taste Like?
This dish is a perfect harmony of savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors. The beef is tender and juicy, while the broccoli retains a slight crunch for a satisfying bite. The soy-based sauce, infused with garlic and ginger, coats everything beautifully, giving you that classic restaurant-quality flavor in every bite.
Benefits of Making This Recipe
- Affordable: Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike.
- Wholesome Ingredients: No MSG or unnecessary additives.
- Easy Cleanup: Made in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze.
Ingredients for Beef and Broccoli
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
For the Sauce:
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or avocado oil)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
Optional Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
- Meat Options: Swap beef for chicken, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Broccoli Substitutes: Use snap peas, green beans, or zucchini if you’re out of broccoli.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Prep the Beef
Slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Pat dry with a paper towel, and toss with 1 tbsp of cornstarch to help create a nice sear when cooking.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, beef broth, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the sliced beef in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Remove the beef and set it aside.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce and cook for 1–2 minutes until it thickens. Add the beef and broccoli back to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
What to Serve with Beef and Broccoli
This dish is versatile and pairs well with:
- Steamed White or Brown Rice: The perfect base for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
- Noodles: Serve it over lo mein or rice noodles for a fun twist.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that’s just as tasty.
- Asian-Inspired Sides: Try egg rolls, wontons, or a simple cucumber salad.
Tips for Perfect Beef and Broccoli
- Slice the Beef Thinly: Thin slices cook quickly and stay tender.
- Use High Heat: Cooking at high heat helps the beef sear properly and keeps the broccoli crisp.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: It should be bright green and slightly crunchy.
- Prep Everything First: Stir-fries cook fast, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?
Yes! Just thaw and pat dry before stir-frying to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prep the sauce and slice the beef ahead of time to save even more time when cooking.
What’s the Best Cut of Beef to Use?
Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak work best for this recipe due to their tenderness and quick cooking time.
In Summary
This Beef and Broccoli Recipe is the perfect combination of quick, easy, and delicious. With tender beef, crunchy broccoli, and a flavorful homemade sauce, it’s a healthier and tastier alternative to takeout. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a must-try for your weeknight dinner rotation!
Looking for more quick and easy recipes? Try these:
- The Best Baked Meatballs Recipe
- Best Baked Ziti Ever Recipe
- Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe in 30 Minutes
I’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on Pinterest and tag me so I can celebrate your kitchen success.
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
Beef and Broccoli Recipe: Quick, Easy, and Flavor-Packed
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Beef and Broccoli Recipe is a quick, easy, and flavor-packed dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Juicy beef, tender broccoli, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce come together in under 30 minutes. It’s healthier than takeout and completely customizable. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or avocado oil)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
Optional Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prep the Beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain and toss it with 1 tbsp of cornstarch.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, beef broth, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the broccoli for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. Remove and set aside.
- Sear the Beef: Add the remaining oil to the skillet and sear the beef slices in batches, cooking for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Combine Everything: Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and ginger to the skillet, stir for 30 seconds, then pour in the sauce. Cook until thickened, about 1–2 minutes. Return the beef and broccoli to the pan and toss to coat.
- Serve: Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.
Notes
- Use Frozen Broccoli: Thaw and pat it dry before stir-frying to prevent extra liquid in the pan.
- Customize Your Veggies: Add carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers for more variety.
- Make Ahead: Prep the sauce and slice the beef ahead of time to speed up the cooking process.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3–4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Keywords: beef and broccoli, quick stir-fry recipe, healthy takeout, Asian beef recipe
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