If you’re craving a takeout favorite but want to keep things incredibly simple, this Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe is the answer to all your weeknight dinner dreams. Tender strips of beef, crisp broccoli, and the most irresistible glossy sauce come together faster than you can decide what to order. The magic happens in just one pan, making it not only speedy but also delightfully easy to clean up after. Trust me, you’ll want to add this flavorful classic to your regular rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes the Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe such a staple in my kitchen is how effortlessly the ingredients transform into something so delicious. Each item here adds its own unique flair — a little savor, sweetness, texture, or pop of green that makes the whole dish sing together.
- Flank steak, thinly sliced: Cutting against the grain keeps the beef ultra-tender and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Coating the steak locks in juiciness and creates that signature silky sauce texture.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Gives just the right amount of salty goodness without overpowering the dish.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a deep, complex umami flavor that’s essential for that Chinese takeout feel.
- Hoisin sauce: Brings sweetness and a little tang, rounding out all the savory notes.
- Brown sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance all the savory flavors perfectly.
- Sesame oil: A splash brings in gorgeous nutty aroma and depth.
- Vegetable oil: Neutral oil ensures nothing distracts from the main flavors during stir-frying.
- Broccoli florets: Bright and crisp, they add color, crunch, and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings bold, punchy flavor with every bite.
- Fresh ginger, minced: Adds a hint of natural warmth and brightness to the stir-fry.
- Water: A quick steam for the broccoli and just enough liquid to help the sauce cling perfectly to every bite.
How to Make Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Steak
Start by placing your thinly sliced flank steak in a medium bowl and tossing it thoroughly with cornstarch. This little trick is the secret to that signature soft-yet-crisp texture you find in restaurant dishes. Make sure each piece is well coated — it only takes a minute, but the payoff is magic.
Step 2: Mix the Savory Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. This beautiful blend is where the Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe gets its distinct flavor — sweet, savory, and absolutely delectable. Set it aside and get excited for the next step!
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak slices in a single layer. Let them sear without moving for about 2–3 minutes per side. You want a deep golden color and slight caramelization for that irresistible flavor. Once browned, set the beef aside — but don’t wipe out the pan! There’s flavor gold in there.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add your second tablespoon of oil, followed by the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry them for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. That quick sizzle infuses the oil with all their spicy, sharp notes, laying the foundation for the whole dish.
Step 5: Steam the Broccoli
Toss in the broccoli florets and pour in the water, then quickly cover the pan. Steam for about 3–4 minutes, just until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp. This keeps its color and crunch, the perfect contrast to the savory beef and luscious sauce.
Step 6: Bring Everything Together
Now for the grand finale! Return the beef to the skillet, pour in your reserved sauce, and stir it all together. Let everything simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and generously coats every piece. Every bite of this Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe will have you swooning over its glossy finish.
How to Serve Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe, sprinkle it with some toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions just before serving. These little touches offer crunch and a pop of color, making the dish as inviting to look at as it is to eat.
Side Dishes
The classic pairing is hot, fluffy steamed white rice, which soaks up every drop of that gorgeous sauce. You could also serve it with brown rice, cauliflower rice for something lighter, or even a side of stir-fried noodles for an even heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe in lettuce wraps for a fresh, crisp bite, or pile it over a bed of Asian slaw for a colorful crunch. You could even add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a little drizzle of sriracha for those spice enthusiasts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftovers cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe keeps beautifully for up to three days, making it a winner for meal prep lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, let the dish cool completely first. Place in freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure there’s as little air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It’ll stay fresh for up to two months — just thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
The best way to reheat the Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe is in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwave reheating works too, but go in 30-second bursts to avoid overcooking the beef or broccoli.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! Flank steak is fantastic for its tenderness, but sirloin or skirt steak work just as well. The key is to slice thinly against the grain, whichever cut you choose.
Is this Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe gluten-free?
With a few swaps, yes! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and make sure your oyster and hoisin sauces are certified gluten-free. Otherwise, the recipe is naturally dairy-free.
How can I make it spicier?
For a little kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil to the sauce, or toss in some sliced fresh chilies along with the aromatics. Adjust to your preferred heat level.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can substitute frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available. Thaw and drain it before adding to the pan to avoid excess water. The texture may be a little softer, but the flavor will still be great!
What’s the best way to cut the steak?
Always slice the steak thinly, against the grain. This keeps the meat tender rather than chewy — and helps it soak up all that amazing sauce in every bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made a stir-fry at home, this Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe is the perfect place to start. It’s a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s simple enough for busy evenings, yet impressive enough to wow your friends and family. Give it a try and watch it become your new go-to!
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Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful Chinese-American stir-fry dish that you can easily make at home. Tender slices of beef are cooked with broccoli in a savory sauce, perfect for a delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Toss the sliced flank steak with cornstarch until coated.
- Make the Sauce: Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
- Cook the Beef: Sear steak in oil until browned; set aside.
- Stir-Fry: Sauté garlic and ginger, then add broccoli and water. Steam until tender-crisp.
- Combine: Return beef to skillet, pour in sauce, and cook until thickened.
- Serve: Enjoy hot over rice.
Notes
- You can substitute flank steak with sirloin or skirt steak.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or swap broccoli for a mix of stir-fry vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
