There’s something undeniably mouthwatering about a beef and broccoli recipe that can whisk you away to your favorite Chinese takeout spot without the need for pants. Just imagine tender slices of beef, sautéed until they glisten in soy sauce, paired with vibrant green broccoli that adds both color and crunch. The aroma alone could make a cat ditch its nap for a thorough investigation around the dinner table.
This dish isn’t just for weeknight dinners; it’s perfect for impressing guests when you want to show off your culinary prowess (or when you’ve run out of excuses not to invite them over). The symphony of flavors will have everyone asking for seconds, or at least wondering how you pulled off such restaurant-quality magic in your own kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This beef and broccoli recipe is a breeze to whip up after a long day
- The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a delightful experience
- Its vibrant colors make it an eye-catching centerpiece on any table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with rice or noodles based on your cravings
My family still talks about the time I made this dish during a game night. They couldn’t believe I was capable of such deliciousness!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Flank Steak: Choose well-marbled flank steak for the best flavor and tenderness; slice it thinly against the grain.
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Fresh Broccoli: Look for bright green florets; they should be firm and free of yellowing.
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Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness and enhance flavor.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add bold flavor; mince them finely for the best results.
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Ginger: Use fresh ginger for that zingy kick; peel and grate it just before use.
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Sesame Oil: A drizzle adds richness and depth; use toasted sesame oil for an extra nutty flavor.
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Cornstarch: This is essential for tenderizing the meat; use as a coating before cooking.
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Beef Broth: It enriches the sauce with beefy goodness; homemade or store-bought works well.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare the Beef: Slice flank steak thinly against the grain. Toss it in cornstarch until evenly coated—this will keep it tender during cooking.
Marinate the Meat: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Let your sliced beef soak up these flavors while you prepare other ingredients.
Cook the Beef: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated beef in batches, cooking until browned and just cooked through—about 2-3 minutes per batch.
Add Broccoli Florets: Toss in fresh broccoli florets into the same skillet after all beef is cooked. Stir-fry until they turn bright green and slightly tender—around 3-4 minutes will do.
Create the Sauce: Pour in beef broth along with any remaining marinade into the skillet. Stir continuously until everything is coated in that glorious sauce—this should take about 1-2 minutes.
Serve It Up!: Once everything is cooked through and well-coated, serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy!
Now that you’ve mastered this delightful beef and broccoli recipe, get ready to bask in compliments from friends and family alike!
You Must Know
- This beef and broccoli recipe is a family favorite that offers a delightful balance of savory flavors and tender textures
- The vibrant greens and juicy beef create an eye-catching dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the beef, then stir-fry it until browned, followed by the broccoli until tender-crisp for optimal flavor.

Add Your Touch
Consider swapping in chicken or tofu for a different protein or adding red pepper flakes for extra heat to personalize your dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover beef and broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on low heat to maintain tenderness without overcooking.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality beef cuts like flank or sirloin for tenderness
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while stir-frying; this ensures even cooking
- Always blanch broccoli briefly before sautéing to preserve its bright color and crunch
Cooking this beef and broccoli recipe reminded me of my first attempt, where I accidentally created a beefy disaster that looked more like soup than stir-fry!

FAQ
What can I use instead of broccoli?
Feel free to substitute with snap peas, bok choy, or bell peppers for variety.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep your beef and broccoli recipe gluten-free.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Marinate the beef in advance and chop vegetables for easier meal prep during busy weeknights.
Beef and Broccoli
Beef and broccoli is a quick and satisfying dish that brings the vibrant flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout right to your kitchen. Featuring tender slices of flank steak coated in a savory soy sauce blend and complemented by crisp broccoli, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the sliced flank steak with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Combine soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in another bowl. Marinate the beef in this mixture for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated beef in batches until browned (about 2-3 minutes per batch).
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Pour in beef broth along with any remaining marinade, stirring until everything is well-coated (about 1-2 minutes).
- Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg


