Fuss-Free Beef and Broccoli Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Tender strips of beef dance with vibrant broccoli florets in this classic Chinese beef and broccoli stir-fry that promises restaurant-quality flavor at home.

The savory sauce coats each morsel with a delightful blend of umami and sweetness.

Soy sauce, garlic, and ginger create a symphony of tastes that will make your taste buds sing.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this simple yet impressive dish.

Home cooks can master this recipe in less than 30 minutes, transforming basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of protein and vegetables, making it a nutritious and satisfying choice.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly you can create this restaurant-style favorite in your own kitchen.

Step-by-Step Beef and Broccoli Instructions

• Prep the Protein

Grab your beef and slice it super thin, cutting against the grain for maximum tenderness. A quick freezer trick (15 minutes) will make slicing a breeze.

• Create the Magic Marinade

Sprinkle cornstarch over the beef slices and splash in some soy sauce. Let this flavor party sit for 5-10 minutes, allowing the meat to absorb all the deliciousness and become incredibly soft.

• Fire Up the Wok

Heat your cooking surface until it’s scorching hot. You want that sizzle that makes your kitchen smell amazing.

• Sear the Beef

Toss the marinated beef into the hot pan, letting each piece get a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Work quickly and keep everything moving to prevent burning.

• Veggie Time

Slide in your broccoli florets, stir-frying until they’re bright green and crisp-tender. You want them to have a little bite, not turn into mushy sadness.

• Sauce It Up

Pour in your favorite stir-fry sauce, coating everything evenly. Let everything dance together for a minute or two until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat and veggies.

• Serve and Enjoy

Slide your beef and broccoli onto a bed of steaming rice. Grab chopsticks (or a fork) and dig in while it’s hot!

Beef Stir-Fry Tricks & Swap Ideas

• Tender Meat Technique: Partially freeze beef for 15 minutes before slicing to achieve perfectly thin, even cuts that cook quickly and absorb marinade beautifully.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace cornstarch with almond flour or coconut flour for a keto-friendly version that maintains the same crispy texture and rich flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute beef with firm tofu or seitan, pressing and marinating the protein to ensure maximum flavor absorption and a similar meaty texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the beef and broccoli in advance and store separately in the refrigerator, combining just before serving to keep vegetables crisp and prevent soggy leftovers.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by adding sriracha, red pepper flakes, or fresh chili peppers according to personal preference, making the dish mild or fiery hot with simple ingredient tweaks.

How to Plate Beef and Broccoli for Dinner

• Asian Rice Bowl Delight: Serve the beef and broccoli over steamed jasmine or white rice, allowing the savory sauce to seep into the grains for a flavorful meal.
• Lettuce Wrap Adventure: Wrap the tender beef and broccoli in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option that adds a fresh, crunchy texture to the dish.
• Noodle Fusion Experience: Toss the beef and broccoli with hot egg noodles or rice noodles, creating a quick and satisfying one-pan meal that combines protein and vegetables.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack the beef and broccoli in meal prep containers with rice or noodles for an easy grab-and-go lunch that stays delicious throughout the week.

Storing Your Stir-Fry for Later Meals

• Smart Marination Method: Letting beef sit with cornstarch and soy sauce helps break down proteins, creating incredibly tender meat that melts in your mouth.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen beef and broccoli will maintain quality for 2-3 months.
• Reheating Pro Tip: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent meat from becoming tough or dry.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients You Need for Beef and Broccoli

• Flank Steak: Lean cut that absorbs marinade beautifully and cooks quickly with tender results when sliced against the grain.
• Cornstarch: Magical coating that helps seal in juices and creates a silky smooth texture on the meat's surface.
• Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami flavor and acts as a natural tenderizer for the beef.

• Oyster Sauce: Adds rich, complex sweetness and depth to the overall dish's flavor profile.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a subtle tangy brightness that balances the savory elements.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces a nutty, aromatic finish that elevates the entire recipe.

• Broccoli Florets: Crisp green vegetable that adds nutrition and vibrant color to the stir-fry.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that infuses the dish with intense, savory undertones.
• Ginger: Provides a warm, slightly spicy kick that complements the beef perfectly.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds a mild onion flavor and beautiful green accent.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking oil ideal for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering other flavors.

Wok & Pan Tools for Quick Beef Stir-Fry

• Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for high-heat stir-frying and getting that perfect sear on the beef.
• Sharp Chef's Knife: Crucial for slicing beef thinly and precisely against the grain.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for preparing ingredients.
• Mixing Bowl: Needed for marinating and tossing beef with cornstarch and soy sauce.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure soy sauce and other seasonings.
• Tongs: Great for flipping and moving beef quickly in the hot skillet.

Effortless Beef And Broccoli Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory beef and broccoli stir-fry delights home cooks with its classic Asian-inspired flavors. Rich protein and tender vegetables combine for a satisfying meal you can quickly prepare in less than 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain)
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or 0.5 tsp ground ginger)
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 2 tbsps soy sauce
• ¼ cup beef broth (or water for a lighter version)
• 2 tbsps cornstarch
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (adds depth, optional but recommended)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey (for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 tsp sesame oil (for authentic flavor)
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Freeze beef briefly, then slice thinly against muscle grain for maximum tenderness and quick cooking.
2. Marination: Thoroughly coat beef slices with cornstarch and soy sauce, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate and tenderize meat.
3. Vegetable Staging: Divide broccoli into uniform florets, ensuring consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
4. Pan Initiation: Ignite wok or skillet to high heat, creating an ideal searing environment for rapid caramelization.
5. Protein Sautéing: Swiftly cook beef, stirring constantly to achieve golden-brown exterior while maintaining succulent interior, then temporarily remove from pan.
6. Vegetable Transformation: Rapidly cook broccoli until vibrant green and crisp, preserving nutritional value and textural integrity.
7. Sauce Integration: Whisk sauce ingredients into silky emulsion, designed to uniformly envelop protein and vegetables with rich, glossy coating.
8. Final Fusion: Reunite beef with broccoli, pour sauce, and gently toss to ensure complete flavor distribution and harmonious blending.
9. Plating Finale: Transfer to steamed rice, optionally garnishing with sesame seeds or green onions to elevate visual and gustatory experience.

Notes

• Optimize Beef Cutting: Freeze meat briefly to achieve paper-thin, uniform slices that guarantee tender, easy-to-chew texture.
• Cornstarch Magic: Use cornstarch sparingly to create a light protective coating, preventing meat from becoming tough and sealing in delicious juices.
• High Heat Technique: Maintain scorching wok or skillet temperature to develop rich caramelization and prevent soggy, steamed meat instead of crispy edges.
• Broccoli Brilliance: Blanch broccoli quickly in boiling water before stir-frying to enhance color, reduce cooking time, and preserve vibrant green nutrients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg