Easy Beef and Broccoli: 30 Min Magic

Oh, you know that craving for Chinese takeout? That perfect combination of tender beef and bright, crisp broccoli swimming in a savory, garlicky sauce? Yeah, me too! For the longest time, I was on a mission to recreate that classic beef and broccoli magic right in my own kitchen, especially for those crazy weeknights when the last thing I wanted to do was decide between a million different meal delivery services. After a lot of tinkering, I finally cracked it! This recipe is my go-to because it’s honestly SO easy and delivers that restaurant-quality flavor you’re dreaming of, all without needing a fancy sous-vide precision cooker. It’s proof that you can have amazing takeout at home, and trust me, you’ll want to add this to your regular rotation! You can read more about my journey back to kitchen joy on my About page!

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Why You'll Love This Easy Beef and Broccoli

This isn’t just another beef and broccoli recipe; it’s your new weeknight BFF! Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:

• So Speedy: We’re talking total deliciousness in about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those busy evenings!
• Seriously Easy: No complicated steps here, just straightforward instructions every home cook can nail.
• Restaurant-Worthy Flavor: That savory, garlicky sauce and tender-crisp texture? It tastes just like your favorite takeout spot.
• Satisfies That Craving: Hits the spot every single time when you’re dreaming of classic Chinese American comfort food.
• Versatile & Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the sauce to your liking.

Ingredients for Authentic Beef and Broccoli

Getting that perfect Chinese American beef and broccoli flavor at home is all about the right ingredients, and thankfully, they’re super simple! You’ll need about a pound of flank steak – make sure to slice it nice and thin against the grain for maximum tenderness. Then, we’ve got soy sauce and cornstarch for that beautiful marinade that makes the beef so tender and gives it a lovely coating. For the veggies, about a head of broccoli, cut into florets, is key. Don’t forget the aromatics: fragrant minced garlic and fresh grated ginger are non-negotiable for that classic taste! The sauce itself brings it all together with beef broth, more soy sauce, a touch of oyster sauce for that umami depth, a little brown sugar to balance it out, and finally, a drizzle of sesame oil for that signature finish. So easy, right?

Tips for the Best Beef and Broccoli

Alright, let’s chat about how to make this beef and broccoli stir-fry absolutely shine. Getting that perfect texture and flavor is all about a few key tricks I’ve picked up over the years. It’s these little things that really make a difference between an okay dish and one that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Chinese American restaurant! Think of it as unlocking those takeout secrets right in your own kitchen. You got this! For more tips and tricks, you can always check out my latest blog posts.

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Achieving Tender Beef for Your Beef and Broccoli

Okay, the absolute number one secret to *guaranteed* tender beef? It’s all in how you slice it! You HAVE to slice your flank steak thinly against the grain. If you look closely at the steak, you’ll see those long muscle fibers running in one direction – cut perpendicular to those. Trust me, it makes ALL the difference. Then, that little marinade with soy sauce and cornstarch? It’s not just for flavor; the cornstarch creates a protective coating that keeps the beef super moist and tender as it cooks. Don’t skip it!

Perfecting the Broccoli Texture

Nobody wants mushy broccoli, right? The trick here is a quick blanch! Just a minute or two in boiling water, then straight into an ice bath – or at least a really cold water rinse. This brightens up the gorgeous green color and stops the cooking process, leaving you with broccoli that’s tender but still has a fantastic little crunch. It makes all the difference when you’re mixing it into that savory sauce later on. It’s a small step that pays off big time!

How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Alright, let’s get this yummy beef and broccoli stir fry on the table! It’s actually super straightforward, and before you know it, you’ll be digging into a plate of pure deliciousness. This recipe has become a lifesaver for my weeknight dinners because it’s so fast and easy.

Marinating and Prepping the Beef

First things first, grab a bowl and toss that thinly sliced flank steak with a tablespoon of soy sauce and the cornstarch. Give it a good mix so every single piece is coated. This little marinade does wonders for tenderizing the beef and helping it get a nice little crust when it hits the hot pan. Let it hang out for at least 10 minutes while you get the other stuff ready.

Preparing the Broccoli and Aromatics

Now for the broccoli! Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, toss in your florets, and let them hang out for just 1-2 minutes until they turn bright green. Quickly drain them and give them a cold rinse – this stops the cooking so they stay nice and crisp-tender, not mushy! Next, mince up your garlic and grate your ginger. These guys are going to add SO much amazing flavor.

Cooking the Beef and Building the Sauce

Get a big skillet or wok nice and hot over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Add your marinated beef – and please, don’t crowd the pan! Cook it in batches if you have to. You want it nicely browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes. Once it’s done, scoop it out and set it aside. Add a little more oil if needed, then toss in your garlic and ginger. Stir ’em around for about 30 seconds until they smell amazing. Now, pour in the beef broth, the rest of the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Give it a stir and let it bubble away for a minute to thicken up slightly.

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Combining and Finishing the Beef and Broccoli

Pop that beautifully browned beef back into the skillet with the sauce. Add your lovely blanched broccoli florets. Give everything a good toss to coat it all in that glorious sauce. Let it bubble for another minute or two until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened just a touch more. Finish it off with a drizzle of sesame oil for that authentic aroma. And that’s it! You’ve just made incredible beef and broccoli!

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Variations for Your Beef and Broccoli

You know, the beauty of a great beef and broccoli recipe like this is how easily you can make it your own! I love sticking to the classic, but sometimes I like to mix things up. Feeling adventurous? Throw in some colorful bell peppers, maybe some crisp snow peas or even thinly sliced carrots along with the broccoli for extra crunch and a splash of color. If you’re feeling a little spicy, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a tiny drizzle of chili garlic sauce when you add the main sauce ingredients will give it a fantastic kick that’s just out of this world. And hey, if beef isn’t your thing one night, this sauce is also amazing with chicken or even shrimp! Check out my Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken for another quick dinner idea!

Serving Suggestions for This Weeknight Stir-Fry

My easy beef and broccoli is fabulous all on its own, but serving it over a bed of fluffy steamed rice is just classic! Seriously, that warm rice soaks up all that amazing savory sauce beautifully. If you’re feeling like a whole spread, it’s also fantastic with some simple steamed or stir-fried veggies on the side, or maybe some other delicious sides from my kitchen. It truly makes the whole meal feel complete, like you’ve just walked out of your favorite Chinese restaurant!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This beef and broccoli holds up really well. Just pop any extra into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’s usually best within 3–4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I find the microwave works fast, just a minute or two until it’s bubbly. If you prefer, you can also gently reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a tiny splash of water or broth if it seems a little dry. Either way, it’s still delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef and Broccoli

Got questions about my easy beef and broccoli? I’ve got you covered! There are a few things that pop up, and I’m happy to share my kitchen wisdom to make sure your stir-fry turns out perfectly every time.

Can I use a different cut of beef for this beef and broccoli?

You absolutely can! While flank steak is mygo-to for tenderness, sirloin or even a nice ribeye cut thinly against the grain works wonderfully. Just keep in mind that some cuts might cook a tiny bit faster or differently, so keep an eye on it! For more steak ideas, check out my Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas.

How do I make the sauce thicker for my beef and broccoli?

If you love a thicker, glossier sauce, it’s super easy! Just whisk together about 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Once the sauce is simmering in step 6, slowly pour in this slurry, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired thickness. It usually only takes a minute!

Is this beef and broccoli recipe gluten-free?

Great question! The recipe as written isn’t gluten-free because of the soy sauce and oyster sauce, which typically contain wheat. To make it gluten-free, just swap out the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and make sure your oyster sauce is also gluten-free (or use a GF alternative like mushroom stir-fry sauce).

Nutritional Information for Beef and Broccoli

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info below is an estimate, and it can vary a bit depending on the exact ingredients you use and how much you serve yourself (no judgment if you go for seconds!). This recipe is for one serving, not including the rice, which is pretty reasonable for a weeknight meal that tastes this good!

• Serving Size: 1 serving (without rice)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

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Recreate your favorite Chinese restaurant beef and broccoli at home with this quick and easy stir-fry recipe. Tender beef and crisp broccoli are coated in a savory soy-garlic sauce, perfect for a weeknight meal.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 15 min
• Total Time: 30 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stir-fry
• Cuisine: Chinese American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for stir-frying
• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Cooked rice, for serving

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Toss to coat the beef evenly. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the broccoli by blanching it. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the broccoli florets, and cook for 1-2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid crowding) and stir-fry until browned, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add a little more oil to the skillet if needed. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in the beef broth, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
6. Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Add the blanched broccoli florets. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the broccoli is heated through.
7. Stir in the sesame oil.
8. Serve the beef and broccoli stir-fry immediately over cooked rice.

Notes

• For extra tender beef, ensure you slice it thinly against the grain.
• You can add other vegetables like sliced carrots, bell peppers, or snow peas along with the broccoli.
• Adjust the sauce ingredients to your preference; add more sugar for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (without rice)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg