Beef and Broccoli (Quick and Easy!)

If you love Chinese food, skip the takeout and make this homemade beef and broccoli stir fry at home in less than 30 minutes. A simple weeknight dinner that’s easy to make and loaded with tons of fresh flavor; just add your favorite rice or noodles, and dinner is ready!

Well over ten years ago, I began trying my hand at homemade versions of some of our favorite takeout dishes. Most of my favorites (Sesame Chicken, General Tso’s and Sweet and Sour Chicken) are fried (no wonder they’re so good!); this beef and broccoli recipe is a lighter, healthier alternative still packed with great flavor.

I played around with a few different recipes for beef and broccoli before settling on this version. I wanted the broccoli to still be vibrant in color and crisp-tender, as well as a lot of soy and ginger flavors throughout the dish. I was thrilled with the final outcome from both accounts. 

A quick note on the sauce – there is enough sauce to coat all of the beef and broccoli, but if you prefer your dishes a little on the “saucy” side, I would double the ingredients for the sauce.

Key Ingredients

This meal builds on a couple of basics (beef and broccoli, of course!), but also uses a number of other ingredients to impart amazing flavor; here’s the rundown (and I will link to lesser-known ingredients for reference):

• Flank Steak – This is my go-to beef for this recipe; you can also use skirt steak, flat iron steak, sirloin tip steak, tri-tip steak, and hanger steak. Be sure to slice the meat across the grain to ensure ultra tenderness!
• Broccoli – You will only need the broccoli florets for this recipe. You can also use frozen broccoli, but if you do, be sure to drain it well once it’s done steaming.
• Fresh Ginger and Garlic – For lots of flavor!
• Cornstarch – To thicken the sauce.
• Soy Sauce – Can use regular soy sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, or tamari.
• Rice Wine Vinegar – I recommend using unseasoned rice vinegar for this recipe.
• Sesame Oil – LOVE the flavor that this imparts!
• Oyster Sauce – Hoisin sauce is a great substitute if you need one.
• Dark Brown Sugar – For a touch of sweetness; you can also use light brown sugar.

How to Make the Beef and Broccoli

This is a quick weeknight meal and doesn’t take long to pull together, here’s how you’ll do it:

Step #1: Make the Marinade – Whisk together the marinade ingredients (cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil), then pour it into a gallon size ziploc bag. Add the sliced steak, seal the bag, turn it to coat all of the pieces, then set it aside to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Step #2: Steam the Broccoli – While the meat rests, steam the broccoli in 1-inch of water in a large skillet or wok, if you have one. Drain the broccoli and set aside. (Note: If you don’t prefer steamed vegetables, you can stir-fry the broccoli in about 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat for 4 or 5 minutes, then remove from the pan.)

Step #3: Sear the Steak – Wipe the pan dry, heat the oil over medium-high heat, and add the beef slices in a single layer in the pan. Cook for 1 minute, then add the garlic and ginger and start to stir fry, tossing the mixing the strips of beef until no pink remains. Remove to a plate with a slotted spoon.

Step #4: Make the Sauce – Whisk together the sauce ingredients (water, soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and sesame oil), then add to the pan, whisking and stirring until it has thickened (it should only take 1 to 2 minutes to thicken). Reduce the heat to low and add the beef and broccoli back to the pan, stirring to coat everything in the sauce. Then serve!

Serving Suggestions

There are many different wonderful ways to serve this broccoli beef recipe; here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Serve over steamed white rice (my favorite!)
• Serve with lo mein noodles
• Serve with fried rice
• Serve alongside other steamed, roasted, or sauteed vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers
• Serve with shelled edamame on the side
• Add sesame seeds and/or green onions as garnishes

How to Store and Reheat

Store the any leftover beef and broccoli stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm in a pan over medium-low heat on the stovetop, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until heated through.

More Takeout Favorites to Make at Home:

• Cashew Chicken
• Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken
• General Tso’s Chicken
• Sesame Chicken
• Crab Rangoon

If you make this beef and broccoli recipe and love it, remember to stop back and give the recipe a 5-star rating – it helps others find the recipe! ❤️️