Beef and Broccoli Recipe (Better Than Takeout)

Craving a classic Chinese-American dish that’s fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying? This Beef and Broccoli Recipe is your answer. Forget the soggy vegetables and tough meat from disappointing takeout. We’re about to show you how to create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes. The secret lies in two key areas: getting the beef unbelievably tender and whipping up a savory, perfectly balanced stir-fry sauce that coats every single bite.

This recipe is designed for busy weeknights but tastes special enough for a weekend treat. It’s a complete meal that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe

• Incredibly Fast: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes, it’s faster than waiting for a delivery driver.
• Simple, Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You likely have most of the sauce ingredients already in your pantry.
• Amazingly Tender Beef: We use a simple velveting technique that guarantees melt-in-your-mouth beef every time.
• Perfectly Balanced Sauce: It’s savory, slightly sweet, and has that classic rich flavor you love, without any unnecessary additives.
• Healthier Than Takeout: You control the ingredients, meaning less sodium, sugar, and oil. For another healthy and quick dinner idea, check out our one-pan Greek chicken bowls.

The Secret to Tender Beef

The number one complaint with homemade beef and broccoli is tough, chewy meat. We solve that with two simple steps. First, always slice your beef thinly against the grain. Look for the lines (the grain) in the muscle and cut perpendicular to them. This shortens the muscle fibers, making them much more tender.

Second, we use a technique called “velveting.” By tossing the sliced beef with a little cornstarch and soy sauce, we create a protective coating. This coating helps lock in moisture as the beef sears, keeping it juicy and incredibly tender. It’s a simple step that makes a world of difference.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef and Marinade:

• Flank Steak: 1 lb, thinly sliced against the grain. Sirloin or skirt steak also work well.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon.
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon. This is key for the velveting process.
• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon.

For the Stir-Fry Sauce:

• Beef Broth: 1/2 cup, low-sodium.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup.
• Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons, packed. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated.
• Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon. This will thicken the sauce.

For the Stir-Fry:

• Avocado Oil or other neutral oil: 2 tablespoons, divided.
• Broccoli Florets: 4 cups, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Sesame Seeds & Sliced Green Onions: For garnish.

How to Make This Beef and Broccoli Recipe Step-by-Step

1. Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and sesame oil. Toss until the beef is evenly coated. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a separate small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Set aside.
3. Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the beef in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in two batches if needed). Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Cook the Broccoli: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan, then cover and steam for 2-3 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp. If you enjoy one-pan meals, our sheet-pan parmesan chicken is another must-try.
5. Combine and Thicken: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the broccoli. Give the sauce a quick re-whisk and pour it all over. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and coats the beef and broccoli nicely.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Tips for the Best Results

• Don’t Crowd the Pan: When searing the beef, make sure it’s in a single layer with some space. This allows it to get a beautiful brown crust instead of just steaming. Work in batches if necessary.
• Prep Ahead (Mise en Place): Stir-frying moves fast! Have all your ingredients sliced, minced, and measured before you even turn on the stove. This makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
• Blanch the Broccoli: For perfectly cooked broccoli every time, you can blanch it for 1-2 minutes in boiling water, then shock it in an ice bath before stir-frying. This ensures it’s bright green and tender-crisp.
• Control the Thickness: If your sauce is too thin, let it bubble for another minute. If it’s too thick, stir in a tablespoon of beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

What to Serve with Beef and Broccoli

This dish is classically served over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s also fantastic with lo mein noodles, quinoa, or even served on its own for a low-carb option. For a more substantial meal, pair it with a simple appetizer like our classic deviled eggs recipe.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store any leftover beef and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but the skillet method helps preserve the texture of the beef and broccoli better.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Recipe

FL Recipes

Beef and Broccoli Recipe (Better Than Takeout)

This easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes better than takeout! Learn the secret to incredibly tender beef and a perfectly savory, balanced stir-fry sauce for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Chinese

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1 lb Flank Steak thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tablespoon Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
• 1/2 cup Low-Sodium Beef Broth
• 1/4 cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
• 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar packed
• 3 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon Ginger freshly grated
• 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons Avocado Oil or other neutral oil, divided
• 4 cups Broccoli Florets cut into bite-sized pieces

Equipment

• 1 Large Skillet or Wok
• 2 Mixing Bowls
• 1 Whisk

Method

 

1. In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and sesame oil. Toss until the beef is evenly coated. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of water, cover, and steam for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
5. Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour the sauce over everything and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
6. Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalProtein: 35gFat: 25gFiber: 4g

Notes

Tip 1: For the most tender beef, be sure to slice it thinly against the grain.
Tip 2: Prepare all your ingredients before starting to cook, as the stir-frying process is very fast.
Tip 3: Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the beef; work in batches if necessary to get a good brown crust.

Keyword beef and broccoli,easy dinner,stir fry

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