Quick and Easy Beef and Broccoli

Beef and Broccoli is a quick, flavorful, and healthy stir-fry made with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce. This better-than-takeout recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast & easy – Ready in just 25 minutes.
• Healthier than takeout – Less oil, sugar, and sodium.
• Rich, savory sauce – A perfect balance of garlic, ginger, soy, and sesame.
• Customizable – Add more veggies or spice to your taste.
• Perfect with rice or noodles – Serve over white rice, brown rice, or lo mein.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Beef:

• Flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• Soy sauce (for marinating)
• Cornstarch (for tenderness)
• Vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

For the Sauce:

• Low-sodium soy sauce
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated
• Brown sugar or honey
• Oyster sauce (adds depth, optional)
• Beef broth or water
• Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water, for thickening)
• Sesame oil (for flavor)

For the Stir-Fry:

• Broccoli florets
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Directions

this recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

1. In a bowl, mix sliced beef, soy sauce, and cornstarch.
2. Let sit for 10 minutes while prepping other ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, oyster sauce, beef broth, and cornstarch slurry.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef

1. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned.
3. Remove beef from pan and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli

1. In the same pan, add broccoli and ¼ cup water.
2. Cover and steam for 2 minutes until tender-crisp.
3. Remove the lid and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

1. Return beef to the pan and pour in the sauce.
2. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
3. Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with green onions.
4. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes.
• Extra Veggies – Toss in bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas.
• Low-Carb Version – Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Gluten-Free – Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• No Oyster Sauce? – Substitute with hoisin sauce or more soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the broccoli may lose texture.

FAQs

What’s the best beef for this dish?

Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye work best—thinly slice against the grain for tenderness.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Blanch or steam before adding to the stir-fry.

How do I keep the beef tender?

• Slice against the grain.
• Marinate with cornstarch for 10 minutes.
• Cook quickly on high heat to prevent overcooking.

What can I serve with beef and broccoli?

Serve over steamed rice, fried rice, lo mein, or quinoa.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Substitute with thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

Add an extra ½ teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Cook everything, store separately, and reheat before serving.

What oil is best for stir-frying?

Vegetable, avocado, or peanut oil work best for high-heat cooking.

Can I make this without soy sauce?

Try coconut aminos or low-sodium tamari as a substitute.

How do I prevent soggy broccoli?

Cook quickly on high heat and avoid over-steaming.

Conclusion

This Quick and Easy Beef and Broccoli is a fast, flavorful, and healthier alternative to takeout! With its tender beef, crisp broccoli, and savory garlic-ginger sauce, this dish is perfect for busy nights. Try it today and enjoy a homemade classic!

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