If you’ve ever craved a homemade dish that checks all the boxes — comforting, quick, and totally satisfying — you’re going to adore this Beef and Broccoli recipe. It’s brimming with tender slices of beef, crisp broccoli florets, and a glossy, savory sauce that rivals anything you could order from your favorite Chinese takeout. Every bite is a harmony of flavors and textures, making Beef and Broccoli a true weeknight hero that fits just as well for cozy nights in or impressing guests around your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Beef and Broccoli is in its simplicity: just a handful of fresh, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to build incredible flavor and a beautiful plate. Each component plays a key role, from the robust beef to the bright broccoli and the umami-packed sauce.
- Flank steak or sirloin: Thinly sliced against the grain, this ensures the beef comes out melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds verdant color and crunch that balances the rich sauce.
- Soy sauce: Delivers salty depth and forms the base of the classic stir-fry glaze.
- Oyster sauce: This thick, savory condiment infuses the sauce with authentic Asian flavor and sheen.
- Hoisin sauce: Sweet and tangy, hoisin rounds out the sauce with complexity.
- Brown sugar: A little sugar balances the salty sauces and helps caramelize the beef just right.
- Cornstarch: Key for thickening the sauce and giving the beef its silky texture.
- Beef broth or water: Beef broth intensifies the savory notes, but water works in a pinch for a lighter touch.
- Vegetable oil: With its high smoke point, it’s perfect for getting that gorgeous sear on the beef and broccoli.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings a wonderful aroma and sharp pungency.
- Fresh ginger: Just a teaspoon boosts the dish with warm spice and brightness.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that lets the other flavors shine.
- Cooked white rice: Fluffy and plain — the ideal partner for soaking up every drop of sauce.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start this recipe by whisking together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and beef broth (or water) in a medium bowl until absolutely smooth. This mixture is the backbone of your Beef and Broccoli, marrying salty, sweet, and umami flavors for a sauce that glazes beautifully and clings to every bite.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat up one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your expertly sliced beef and sprinkle with black pepper. Give it a quick stir-fry for about 2 to 3 minutes until just browned but still a little rare inside — this keeps the beef tender. Remove it to a plate so it doesn’t overcook while you prepare the veggies.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Broccoli
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan, then toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry them for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re bright green and just starting to get tender, but still retain a lovely crunch. Right at the end, stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. These aromatics wake up the entire dish.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the browned beef (plus any juices from the plate) into the skillet with the broccoli. Pour in the sauce you prepared earlier. Stir everything thoroughly and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens up and shimmers. The beef should be cooked through but still tender, and the broccoli will be just perfect.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Spoon your piping-hot Beef and Broccoli over bowls of white rice and enjoy it right away. The silky sauce, tender beef, and crisp-tender broccoli create absolute harmony on your plate.
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds brings a fresh, nutty accent and a pop of color. If you’re feeling zesty, a drizzle of chili oil or a few red pepper flakes will add a little heat to your Beef and Broccoli.
Side Dishes
This dish is delightful on its own, but you can round out the meal with fluffy steamed rice, classic egg rolls, or a chilled cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch. A bowl of miso or egg drop soup also makes a comforting starter alongside Beef and Broccoli.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Beef and Broccoli in lettuce cups for a fresh twist, or pile it over brown rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a new spin. For parties, serve as part of a family-style spread with other favorite stir-fries and dumplings — it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Beef and Broccoli completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerated, it will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it a terrific candidate for meal prep lunches or speedy dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze Beef and Broccoli for up to two months. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to squeeze out any air to protect the flavor and texture. For the best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce as needed. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until fully warmed through and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Beef and Broccoli?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin are favorites for their tenderness, you can try ribeye, skirt steak, or even thinly sliced chuck if that’s what you have on hand. The key is slicing thinly against the grain for the most tender bite.
Is Beef and Broccoli gluten-free?
Yes, it can easily be made gluten-free. Substitute tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce for the regular soy sauce, and double-check your oyster and hoisin sauces for any wheat ingredients.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the beef for cubed tofu or your favorite plant protein, and use mushroom sauce or a vegetarian oyster sauce. The rest of the method stays just the same and still delivers all that bold flavor.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Of course! Just use a large wok or skillet, and cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This way, each slice gets beautifully browned and your Beef and Broccoli stays irresistibly tasty.
What vegetables go well with Beef and Broccoli?
You can easily add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or baby corn along with the broccoli. These veggies soak up the flavorful sauce and add even more color and crunch to your stir-fry.
Final Thoughts
Every time you make Beef and Broccoli, you’ll fall in love with its speed, flavor, and that special feeling you get from a comforting, homemade meal. Share it with family, serve it to friends, or treat yourself to a bowlful of pure, savory joy — it’s a dish that never fails to satisfy. Give it a try, and make it your own favorite go-to stir-fry!
Print
Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Beef and Broccoli stir-fry recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that brings the goodness of tender beef slices and crisp broccoli florets together in a savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this Chinese-American favorite is sure to please your taste buds!
Ingredients
For the Beef:
1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain;
For the Stir-Fry:
3 cups broccoli florets; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 cup beef broth or water; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and beef broth until smooth; set aside.
- Stir-Fry Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and season with black pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef to a plate.
- Stir-Fry Broccoli: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan, then add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine and Serve: Return the beef to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the beef is cooked through. Serve immediately over cooked white rice.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, marinate the beef slices in 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon cornstarch for 15 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute chicken or tofu for the beef if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup beef and broccoli
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
