Beef and Broccoli is a beloved Chinese-American dish that brings together tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and a savory, flavorful sauce. This dish is popular for its quick preparation and hearty taste, making it the perfect weeknight dinner for busy families. With just a few ingredients and simple cooking steps, you can recreate this restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen, ensuring it’s fresher and healthier than takeout.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beef and Broccoli is a winning combination of juicy, tender beef and fresh, crisp broccoli cooked in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sweetness. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that satisfies your cravings for something hearty and nutritious. The best part is that this recipe is easy to prepare, uses basic pantry ingredients, and is customizable according to your taste. You can make it spicy, add extra veggies, or even switch out the protein. Plus, it pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles, making it a versatile option for any meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- Broccoli florets
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Brown sugar
- Cornstarch
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- Vegetable oil or sesame oil
- Water or beef broth
- Cooked white rice, for serving (optional)
Directions
- Make the Sauce:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water (or beef broth) to create a smooth sauce. Set it aside for later. - Cook the Beef:
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef in a single layer, cooking it for about 2–3 minutes until it’s browned and tender. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside. - Sauté the Garlic and Ginger:
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary. Sauté the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger (if using) until fragrant and golden brown. - Cook the Broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets to the pan and splash in a little water to help steam the vegetables. Cover the pan and allow the broccoli to cook for about 2–3 minutes, just until it’s tender yet still crisp. - Combine the Ingredients:
Return the cooked beef to the pan with the broccoli. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat both the beef and broccoli evenly. - Serve:
Serve the beef and broccoli stir-fry hot over steamed rice or noodles, if desired. Enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!
Servings and Timing
- Serves: 4
- Prep time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook time: 10–15 minutes
- Total time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
- Different Proteins: You can swap the beef for other proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs also work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Additional Veggies: Add extra vegetables like sliced carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas to give the dish more color and nutrients.
- Spicy Version: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or sriracha.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari to make this dish gluten-free.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve this dish over cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a low-carb alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can microwave the leftovers in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. If the sauce thickens too much during storage, add a splash of water or broth while reheating.
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- 2 cups cooked white rice optional, for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water (or beef broth) to create the sauce. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and cook for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary, then sauté garlic (and ginger if using) until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets and a splash of water to the pan. Cover and steam for 2–3 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
- Return the beef to the pan, then pour in the sauce. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli.
- Serve the beef and broccoli stir-fry hot with steamed rice or noodles if desired.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best cut of beef for Beef and Broccoli?
Flank steak or sirloin is ideal due to their tenderness. These cuts absorb the sauce well and remain juicy when cooked quickly.
2. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the broccoli first, and slightly reduce the cooking time since frozen broccoli is often pre-blanched.
3. Is oyster sauce necessary in this recipe?
Oyster sauce adds a deep, savory flavor to the dish, but you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or extra soy sauce if needed.
4. How do I make the beef tender?
Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Avoid overcooking, and consider marinating the beef briefly with cornstarch for added softness.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef and sauce in advance. However, it’s best to cook the dish fresh before serving to maintain the ideal texture and flavor.
6. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs are excellent alternatives to beef in this recipe.
7. Is Beef and Broccoli gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce, or opt for tamari or coconut aminos, it’s entirely gluten-free.
8. What should I serve with Beef and Broccoli?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
9. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, though the texture of the broccoli may soften after freezing. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
10. How do I thicken the sauce?
Cornstarch should naturally thicken the sauce during cooking. If it’s not thick enough, allow the sauce to simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
Conclusion
Beef and Broccoli is the ultimate comfort food, offering a delicious blend of savory, tender beef, crunchy broccoli, and a rich sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something flavorful and satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—whether you want to change up the protein, add extra vegetables, or spice things up, this recipe can be tailored to your preferences. Serve it with your choice of rice or noodles, and you’ll have a wholesome, homemade meal that rivals takeout. This quick and tasty stir-fry will become a favorite in your dinner rotation for years to come!