Beef and Broccoli is the ultimate quick-and-easy stir fry that never disappoints. Tender slices of beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a glossy, savory sauce come together in just one pan. Whether you serve it over rice or noodles, this dish delivers a satisfying and balanced meal that tastes just like your favorite Chinese takeout—only fresher and faster.
What Makes This Dish Special?
This homemade version of Beef and Broccoli skips the additives and goes straight for flavor. The beef is marinated briefly for extra tenderness, and the broccoli stays vibrant and crunchy. The sauce—rich with soy, garlic, and ginger—coats everything perfectly. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and done in under 30 minutes.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp baking soda (optional for extra tenderness)
For the Stir Fry:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
Optional garnish: sesame seeds, green onions
Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, mix sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and baking soda if using. Let sit for at least 10 minutes while prepping other ingredients.
2. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, sesame oil, and the cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
3. Stir Fry the Broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and stir fry for 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Cook the Beef
Add the remaining oil to the pan. Sear the beef in batches until browned and just cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
5. Combine and Sauce
Return all the beef to the pan, add the garlic and ginger, and stir for 30 seconds. Add the broccoli and pour in the sauce. Toss everything together and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the meat and veggies, about 2–3 minutes.
6. Serve
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.
Variations
- Spicy Beef and Broccoli: Add red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap beef for tofu or tempeh and use veggie oyster sauce.
- More Veggies: Stir in mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas.
- Low Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy on its own.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Sharp knife
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or spatula
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave or heat in a skillet with a splash of water.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop.
My Cooking Experience
Beef and Broccoli is one of those recipes I always turn to when I need something quick and universally liked. It’s a hit with both kids and adults, and it’s endlessly adaptable. Once you master the sauce, you can tweak it for all sorts of stir fries. It’s fast, flavorful, and better than takeout.
Conclusion
Beef and Broccoli is a go-to stir fry that brings restaurant-style flavor to your own kitchen in less than half an hour. With juicy beef, crisp broccoli, and a deeply savory sauce, it’s a delicious way to get dinner on the table fast without compromising on taste.
beef and broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and baking soda if using. Let sit for at least 10 minutes while prepping other ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, sesame oil, and the cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and stir fry for 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the pan. Sear the beef in batches until browned and just cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Return all the beef to the pan, add the garlic and ginger, and stir for 30 seconds. Add the broccoli and pour in the sauce. Toss everything together and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the meat and veggies, about 2–3 minutes.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave or heat in a skillet with a splash of water.
