This Beef and Broccoli recipe combines tender slices of beef and crisp broccoli with a glossy, savory sauce. It can be prepared in approximately 30 minutes and served over steamed rice for an easy weeknight meal.
Slicing the steak thinly against the grain shortens the muscle fibers and creates a more tender texture. Cooking the beef in batches prevents the skillet from becoming crowded and helps the meat develop browned edges.
This is a Chinese-American-inspired home recipe rather than a traditional regional Chinese dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in approximately 30 minutes.
- Tender beef and crisp vegetables.
- Savory homemade sauce.
- Less expensive than takeout.
- Prepared in one skillet or wok.
- Suitable for meal preparation.
- Easy to adjust for spice.
- Delicious over rice or noodles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Beef and Broccoli
- 1¼ pounds flank steak.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
- 3 tablespoons neutral cooking oil, divided.
- 5 cups broccoli florets.
- ⅓ cup water.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced.
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger.
Stir-Fry Sauce
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce.
- ½ cup low-sodium beef broth.
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, optional.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar.
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional.
Ingredient Notes
Flank steak: Slice it thinly against the grain. Sirloin or skirt steak can also work.
Cornstarch: Coats the beef lightly and thickens the sauce.
Broccoli: Cut similarly sized florets so they cook evenly.
Soy sauce: Low-sodium sauce prevents the finished dish from becoming excessively salty.
Oyster sauce: Adds savory depth and slight sweetness but can be omitted.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Slice and Marinate the Beef
Place the steak in the freezer for approximately 20 minutes to make slicing easier.
Cut it thinly against the grain.
Combine the beef with one tablespoon soy sauce and one tablespoon cornstarch.
Let it stand for 10–15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Whisk all the sauce ingredients together until the cornstarch dissolves.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Heat one tablespoon oil in a large skillet over high heat.
Cook half the beef in one layer for approximately 1–2 minutes per side.
Transfer it to a clean plate and repeat with the remaining beef.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Add the remaining oil and broccoli.
Stir-fry for approximately two minutes.
Add ⅓ cup water, cover, and steam for 2–3 minutes, until bright green and crisp-tender.
Step 5: Add the Aromatics
Remove the lid and allow excess water to evaporate.
Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 6: Add the Sauce
Whisk the sauce again and pour it into the skillet.
Simmer until it begins to thicken.
Step 7: Finish the Stir-Fry
Return the beef and its juices to the skillet.
Toss for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce coats everything and the beef is thoroughly hot.
Step 8: Serve
Serve immediately over steamed rice.
Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Tips for Tender Beef
- Slice against the grain.
- Cut thin, similarly sized pieces.
- Marinate briefly with soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Heat the skillet properly.
- Cook the beef in batches.
- Avoid cooking it for too long.
Why Is My Beef Tough?
The steak may have been sliced with the grain, cut too thickly, or overcooked.
Why Is My Sauce Too Thick?
Cornstarch thickens quickly. Add warm broth or water one tablespoon at a time.
Recipe Variations
Chicken and Broccoli
Replace the beef with thinly sliced chicken breast and cook it to 165°F.
Spicy Beef and Broccoli
Add chili-garlic sauce, sriracha, or crushed red pepper.
Beef and Mixed Vegetables
Add bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots.
Beef and Broccoli Noodles
Serve the stir-fry over noodles and thin the sauce with additional broth.
Meal-Prep Instructions
Divide cooked rice and Beef and Broccoli among four containers.
Refrigerate promptly for up to four days.
Reheat until thoroughly hot. For the best broccoli texture, avoid overheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but thaw it and remove excess moisture before stir-frying.
Can I use ground beef?
Yes, although it creates a different texture. Brown and drain the beef before adding the sauce.
Is Beef and Broccoli gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tamari and verify the oyster sauce and broth.
What rice works best?
Jasmine, long-grain white, and brown rice all work.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead?
Yes. Refrigerate it for up to four days and whisk before using.
Beef and Broccoli Recipe Card
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese-American inspired
Method: Stir-frying
Instructions
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain.
- Coat it with soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Whisk the sauce ingredients.
- Cook the beef in two batches.
- Transfer it to a clean plate.
- Stir-fry the broccoli.
- Add water, cover, and steam briefly.
- Add the garlic and ginger.
- Pour in the sauce.
- Simmer until thickened.
- Return the beef.
- Toss until coated and thoroughly hot.
- Serve over rice.