Beef and Broccoli Recipe

This Beef and Broccoli Recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero—tender strips of beef nestled amongst vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli, all coated in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce that rivals your favorite takeout spot. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families or anyone craving a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how beautifully simple, yet essential, each ingredient is for this Beef and Broccoli Recipe. Every element, from the thinly sliced steak to that aromatic ginger and garlic, brings fantastic flavor, color, and texture to the dish. Here’s what goes into making your stir fry sing:

• Flank steak: The secret to ultra-tender strips—freeze for 30 minutes for paper-thin slicing, or substitute top sirloin, tri-tip, or ribeye for a twist.
• Olive oil or vegetable oil: Use for stir-frying and to help get that irresistible sear on your beef and a lovely sauté on broccoli.
• Fresh broccoli: Go for crowns and slice into florets—this keeps the veggies crisp-tender and fresh (avoid frozen for best texture).
• Sesame seeds: Totally optional, but they add a nutty, toasty finish!
• Fresh ginger and garlic: These aromatics deliver layers of authentic flavor and zing; grate them for the best results.
• Hot water: Helps dissolve the sauce ingredients and encourages even sauce texture.
• Low sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free Tamari): The salty, savory backbone of your stir fry sauce—go low-sodium for healthier control.
• Light brown sugar: Gives a touch of sweetness that beautifully balances the soy sauce.
• Cornstarch: Key for thickening your sauce so it perfectly coats every bite.
• Black pepper: Adds just a subtle kick and peppery warmth.
• Sesame oil: Gives your sauce a deep, nutty, authentic stir-fry finish. A little goes a long way!

Variations

This Beef and Broccoli Recipe is a fantastic template—don’t be afraid to let your creativity (and your crisper drawer!) run wild. Whether you’re keeping it classic or riffing for nutritional needs, customizing this stir fry is a snap.

• Swap out the protein: Try thin-sliced chicken breast or tofu for a lighter, vegetarian take—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Add more veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms all work beautifully and bring even more color and crunch.
• Go gluten-free: Use Tamari instead of soy sauce and cornstarch as your thickener for a fully gluten-free dish.
• Spicy kick: Toss in a dash of chili flakes or a swirl of Sriracha to the sauce for some heat.

How to Make Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Beef

Start by popping your steak in the freezer for about 30 minutes—this truly is the game-changer for super-thin, uniform slices. Cut against the grain for tender bites, and set your beef aside. If you’re starting your rice on the side, get it going now so everything’s ready at once.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Sauce

Gather all your sauce ingredients into a bowl: ginger, garlic, hot water, low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, black pepper, and sesame oil. Whisk until the sugar completely dissolves and everything’s silky—this powerful little sauce will make your kitchen smell absolutely incredible.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

In your largest skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium. Add your broccoli florets and sauté, partially covered, for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The broccoli should be vibrant green and crisp-tender. Prefer your broccoli a little softer? Splash in a couple tablespoons of water and let it steam under the lid for a minute, then remove broccoli to a plate.

Step 4: Sear the Beef

Crank up the heat to high, add the remaining oil, then spread the beef in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for about 2 minutes per side—this quick cooking lets the outside get color while staying juicy inside. Test for doneness, then slide the beef out if it’s ready.

Step 5: Finish with Sauce and Broccoli

Reduce the heat to medium-low, pour your prepared stir fry sauce into the pan, and simmer for 3–4 minutes while it thickens and turns glossy. Toss the cooked broccoli back in, give it a stir to coat, and if you’d like the sauce a bit thinner, just add 1–2 tablespoons of water. Serve everything hot over fluffy white rice.

How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

For a truly restaurant-worthy finish to your Beef and Broccoli Recipe, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds just before serving. You can also add a few thinly sliced green onions or a swirl of sesame oil—they add both visual pop and an extra burst of flavor you’ll absolutely love.

Side Dishes

This stir fry is classic over fluffy white rice, but jasmine or brown rice are awesome too. Looking to round out your meal? Try a simple egg drop soup, crisp cucumber salad, or even steamed edamame on the side. Everything comes together so quickly, you might even have time for homemade fortune cookies!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, modern twist, serve your Beef and Broccoli Recipe in lettuce cups or spooned into individual noodle bowls. It’s also fantastic as a part of a DIY Asian-inspired dinner spread—fill-your-own rice bowls with toppings like chili oil, crushed peanuts, or shredded carrots for a dinner party everyone will remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If lucky enough to have leftovers, store your cooled Beef and Broccoli Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken slightly, and the flavors deepen even more!

Freezing

This stir fry freezes well—simply pack into freezer-safe containers. For the best texture, freeze the cooked beef and sauce together, but blanch fresh broccoli and add it after reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To revive your Beef and Broccoli Recipe, gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too—just cover to keep moisture in, and heat in short bursts until just warmed through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to enjoy this Beef and Broccoli Recipe—fast, flavorful, and so comforting, it may just become a new family favorite. Pull together those simple ingredients, let your kitchen fill with the cozy aromas of stir fry night, and treat yourself to a dish that delivers every single time. Happy cooking!

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