Beef and broccoli is a simple and delicious dish that’s perfect for any night. Tender beef and crunchy broccoli are coated in a savory sauce, making it a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you’re short on time or just craving something flavorful, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Why We Love This Beef and Broccoli Recipe
There’s so much to love about this beef and broccoli recipe! It’s not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also a wholesome, balanced meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Quick and Simple: You don’t need hours of preparation. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein from the beef and fiber from the broccoli, this dish is both nourishing and filling. It’s a great way to enjoy a balanced meal without the hassle of complex ingredients or steps.
- Flavorful: The savory sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of ginger brings out the natural flavors of the beef and broccoli, creating a dish that’s both rich in taste and satisfying.
- Versatile: Whether served over rice, noodles or on its own, this recipe adapts to your preferences. You can even make it spicier or milder, depending on your taste!
This beef and broccoli recipe checks all the boxes: it’s simple, healthy, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to favorite in many kitchens. It’s the kind of meal that you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients
For this beef and broccoli recipe, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
Beef – Flank steak or sirloin works best. These cuts are tender and cook quickly.
Broccoli – Fresh broccoli florets are preferred for a crisp texture.
Garlic – Minced fresh garlic adds flavor. Avoid garlic powder for better taste.
Ginger – Fresh grated ginger gives a warm, spicy kick.
Soy Sauce – Use regular soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free.
Oyster Sauce – Adds savory depth to the dish.
Brown Sugar – Balances the salty flavors of the sauce.
Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce for a smooth finish.
Sesame Oil – Adds a nutty richness. Can substitute with vegetable oil if needed.
Water or Broth – Forms the base for the sauce.
Vegetable Oil – Used for sautéing the beef and garlic.
Instructions
Ready to bring this beef and broccoli recipe to life? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get your dish from the stovetop to your table in no time:
Prepare the Beef – Slice the beef thinly against the grain, trimming any excess fat. Set aside.
Blanch the Broccoli – Boil water with salt, add broccoli, and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Beef – Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce – In the same skillet, sauté garlic and ginger in sesame oil. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and water, then simmer. Thicken with cornstarch mixed with water.
Combine Everything – Return beef and broccoli to the skillet. Toss in the sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
Serve – Serve the beef and broccoli over rice or noodles or on its own.
Pro Tips
To make this beef and broccoli recipe even easier and more delicious, here are some pro tips to elevate your dish:
Slice the Beef Thinly
For the most tender beef, slice it against the grain as thinly as possible. This helps the meat cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re short on time, place the beef in the freezer for 20 minutes before slicing—it will be much easier to cut into thin pieces.
Use Fresh Broccoli
Fresh broccoli works best in this recipe because it stays crisp and vibrant when cooked. If you’re using frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli
Blanching the broccoli for just 2-3 minutes ensures it remains bright green and slightly tender. Overcooking it can result in a mushy texture, which is not what you want. Aim for that perfect balance of tenderness with a bit of crunch.
Customize the Sauce
Want to make the sauce spicier? Add a bit of red pepper flakes or chili paste to give it a kick. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a touch more brown sugar to balance the flavors.
Cornstarch is Key for a Thick Sauce
The cornstarch slurry is essential for thickening the sauce and giving it that glossy finish. Mix the cornstarch with water before adding it to the skillet so it dissolves evenly and thickens the sauce without clumps.
Rest the Beef
After cooking the beef, let it rest for a minute before adding it back into the sauce. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Variations
One of the best things about this beef and broccoli recipe is how versatile it is! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few fun variations to try:
Add More Veggies
If you want to pack in more vegetables, try adding bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the mix. These not only boost the nutritional value but also add vibrant color and extra crunch.
Make It Spicy
For those who enjoy a little heat, add chili paste, red pepper flakes, or sliced fresh chilies to the sauce. You can adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance, creating a flavorful, spicy kick to the dish.
Swap the Beef
While flank steak or sirloin are great choices, feel free to swap them out for chicken, shrimp, or even tofu if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian version. Each protein will absorb the sauce in its own delicious way.
Gluten-Free Option
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari and make sure the oyster sauce is gluten-free. You’ll still get the same rich, savory flavor without any gluten.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made this delicious beef and broccoli, it’s time to think about how to serve it! Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal and make it even more satisfying:
Over Steamed Rice
A classic choice, steamed jasmine rice or brown rice complements the savory beef and broccoli perfectly. The rice soaks up the rich sauce, making each bite even more flavorful.
On a Bed of Noodles
For a more filling option, serve the beef and broccoli over cooked rice noodles or lo mein. The noodles will add a nice texture and absorb the sauce beautifully, turning this into a complete meal.
With Stir-Fried Vegetables
Keep the vegetable theme going by adding a side of stir-fried veggies like mushrooms, bok choy, or zucchini. This adds variety and extra nutrition to your plate, making your meal even more colorful and balanced.
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FAQs
How to thicken beef and broccoli sauce?
If you find that your sauce is too thin, you can easily thicken it with cornstarch. Simply mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water, then add it to the sauce while it’s simmering. The sauce will thicken in just a few minutes, creating a rich, glossy finish. For a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch slurry as needed.
What cut of beef is used for beef and broccoli?
Flank steak, sirloin, or even skirt steak are all great cuts to use for beef and broccoli. These cuts are tender, lean, and cook quickly, making them perfect for this stir-fry recipe. Be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Can I make beef and broccoli in advance?
Yes! Beef and broccoli can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce. The dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Can I make beef and broccoli with a different protein?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of beef or want to try something new, you can substitute the beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Each protein works wonderfully with the sauce and broccoli, so feel free to mix it up based on your preferences.
How do I make beef and broccoli spicy?
To add some heat to your beef and broccoli, you can stir in some chili paste, red pepper flakes, or even fresh sliced chilies while cooking the sauce. Start with a small amount and taste-test until you reach your desired spice level.
beef and broccoli recipe
Ingredients
- Beef: 1 lb flank steak or sirloin thinly sliced against the grain
- Broccoli: 2 cups florets fresh or frozen
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced
- Ginger: 1-inch piece grated
- Soy Sauce: ¼ cup for a gluten-free version, use tamari
- Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons adds depth to the flavor
- Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon balances the saltiness
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon for thickening the sauce
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon adds richness
- Water or Broth: ¼ cup for the sauce base
- Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing
Instructions
Prepare the Beef
- Start by slicing the beef thinly against the grain. This will help it cook quickly and stay tender. If you’re using flank steak, make sure to trim any excess fat before slicing. Once sliced, set the beef aside.
Blanch the Broccoli
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until they’re bright green and just tender. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced beef in a single layer. Let it sear for 1-2 minutes without stirring to get a nice brown crust. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add a bit of sesame oil and sauté the garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Then, pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and water (or broth). Stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then add the cornstarch mixed with a bit of water to thicken it.
Combine Everything
- Add the beef and broccoli back into the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the beef and broccoli in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and everything to heat through.
Serve
- Once everything is well coated and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Serve your delicious beef and broccoli over steamed rice or noodles or on its own.