Tasty Beef And Broccoli Recipe

Savory Beef and Broccoli Recipe: A Speedy Family Favorite

Weeknight dinners demand something spectacular, and this beef and broccoli recipe hits all the right notes of flavor and simplicity.

Bold Asian-inspired seasonings combine with tender beef slices in a savory stir-fry that comes together faster than takeout.

Crisp broccoli florets soak up rich, garlicky sauce while maintaining their bright green crunch.

Marinating the beef ensures each bite bursts with deep, complex flavor profiles that dance across your palate.

Restaurant-quality meals don’t require complicated techniques or hours of preparation.

Lean beef and fresh broccoli create a protein-packed dish that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

Prepare to transform your dinner routine with this mouthwatering culinary adventure that promises both comfort and excitement.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Fresh Ingredients For Beef And Broccoli

For Sauce Base:
  • Soy Sauce: Adds savory depth and rich umami flavor to the dish, choose a high-quality dark soy sauce for best results.
  • Brown Sugar: Balances the saltiness with a gentle sweetness, opt for fresh, soft brown sugar for smooth melting.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy texture, use fresh, lump-free cornstarch.
  • Oyster Sauce: Provides a deep, complex flavor profile, select authentic Asian-style oyster sauce.
  • Beef Broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and adds liquid to the sauce, use low-sodium broth for better control.
  • Sesame Oil: Introduces a nutty, aromatic finish, choose toasted sesame oil for maximum flavor.
For Protein and Vegetables:
  • Beef: Select tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak, slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
  • Broccoli: Provides crunch and nutritional boost, choose fresh, vibrant green florets with tight clusters.
For Aromatics and Cooking:
  • Garlic: Adds sharp, pungent base flavor, use fresh cloves for most intense taste.
  • Ginger: Brings bright, zesty undertones, select firm, smooth ginger root without wrinkles.
  • Cooking Oil: Ensures proper searing and prevents sticking, use neutral oils like vegetable or canola.

Tools You Need For Beef And Broccoli

  • Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for stir-frying beef and broccoli with high, even heat.
  • Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking together sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Helps blend sauce components without lumps.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for slicing beef and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for cleanly cutting beef into thin slices.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate sauce ingredient proportions.

How To Cook Beef And Broccoli Quick

  • Whip Up the Flavor Bomb

Create a tangy sauce by blending soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, beef broth, and sesame oil in a mixing bowl. Let it sit and get acquainted with its delicious potential.

  • Tame the Broccoli

Fire up a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Splash in some oil and toss in the broccoli with a quick water splash. Dance it around for 3-4 minutes until it’s bright green and wonderfully crisp. Scoot it to the side of the pan.

  • Sear the Beef

Drop more oil into the hot pan. Lay out the beef slices in a single layer, letting each piece get a gorgeous golden-brown tan. Flip them after 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking.

  • Bring Everything Together

Welcome the broccoli back to the pan. Pour the sauce over the beef and veggies, stirring everything until they’re beautifully coated and glistening.

  • Final Sizzle

Let everything mingle and bubble for another 2-3 minutes. The sauce will thicken and cling to each morsel, creating a mouthwatering glaze.

  • Serve and Devour

Pile the beef and broccoli over steaming rice and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Saucy Tips For Better Beef And Broccoli

  • Quick Marinating Magic: Let beef sit in half the sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking to infuse deeper flavors and tenderize the meat.
  • Low-Carb Twist: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly alternative that keeps the delicious sauce intact.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Swap beef with firm tofu or tempeh, ensuring you press out excess moisture before cooking to achieve a similar texture and absorb sauce beautifully.
  • Spice Level Control: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to increase heat, or keep it mild for kids by reducing or eliminating spicy elements while maintaining the original flavor profile.
  • Leftover Brilliance: Store remaining beef and broccoli in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to preserve meat tenderness and prevent sauce separation.

Serve Beef And Broccoli Over Rice

  • Vibrant Rice Bed: Spread fluffy steamed white rice on a wide plate, creating a perfect canvas for the sizzling beef and broccoli to rest upon, allowing the savory sauce to seep into each grain.
  • Garnish Glory: Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top to add a fresh crunch and nutty layer of flavor that complements the rich beef and tender broccoli.
  • Asian-Inspired Plating: Serve in a traditional ceramic bowl with chopsticks alongside, presenting the dish with an authentic feel that celebrates the meal's delicious Asian-inspired essence.
  • Quick Side Companion: Pair with a light cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil to balance the hearty beef and provide a refreshing contrast to the main dish.

Store Beef And Broccoli For Later

  • Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare double the recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals that save time and energy.
  • Refrigerator Strategy: Store leftover beef and broccoli in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days, keeping the meat tender and vegetables crisp by placing them in the coolest part of the refrigerator.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Separate sauce, beef, and broccoli before freezing to maintain optimal texture, storing each component in individual freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm leftovers gently in a skillet with a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent meat from becoming tough, ensuring a restaurant-quality meal at home.
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Tasty Beef And Broccoli Recipe

Tasty Beef And Broccoli Recipe


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4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty beef and broccoli stir-fry brings Chinese takeout magic to home kitchens with tender meat and crisp vegetables. Quick weeknight dinners become delightful culinary experiences when you master this classic comfort dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • ½ cup soy sauce, low-sodium
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsps cornstarch
  • 2 tbsps vegetable oil, divided
  • ½ cup beef broth or water
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
  • Cooked white rice

Instructions

  1. Sauce Fusion: Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, oyster sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, beef broth, and sesame oil in a mixing bowl. Allow the sauce to meld flavors while preparing other components.
  2. Broccoli Preparation: Heat a large skillet or wok, add oil, and introduce broccoli florets with a splash of water. Swiftly stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until achieving a crisp-tender consistency. Remove and set aside.
  3. Beef Searing: Reheat the skillet with additional oil, carefully place beef slices in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
  4. Ingredient Harmony: Reintroduce broccoli to the skillet with seared beef. Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Final Integration: Gently stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thoroughly coat the beef and broccoli.
  6. Serving Presentation: Plate the aromatic beef and broccoli over steaming rice, creating a visually appealing and flavor-packed dish.

Notes

  • Optimize Meat Slicing: Cut beef against the grain into thin, uniform slices for maximum tenderness and easier chewing. Thinner cuts (about 1/4 inch) ensure quick cooking and absorb marinade more effectively.
  • Manage Heat Levels: Use high heat when searing beef to develop a golden-brown caramelized exterior without overcooking. Consistent, high temperature prevents meat from becoming tough and maintains its juicy interior.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent; whisk thoroughly to prevent lumps. If sauce appears too thick, gradually add beef broth to achieve desired silkiness. Adjust seasoning as needed for balanced flavor profile.
  • Customize Dietary Adaptations: Swap beef with tofu or chicken for alternative protein options. Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free soy sauce substitute. For low-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice or serve over zucchini noodles.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Stir-Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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