Name: Beef And Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced; 3 cups broccoli florets; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp ginger, minced; 1/4 cup water; 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

There's nothing quite like the irresistible combination of tender beef and crisp broccoli, all coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. This Beef and Broccoli recipe is the perfect answer to those takeout cravings, made right in your own kitchen.

I first fell in love with beef and broccoli during a trip to San Francisco's Chinatown, where every bite was a revelation of flavor and texture. Over the years, I’ve tweaked and perfected my own version, ensuring it’s quick, easy, and family-approved.

Get ready to whip up a dish that's as satisfying as your favorite takeout but even fresher. Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love This Beef and Broccoli

Prepare to meet your new go-to dinner recipe. This Beef and Broccoli is everything you want in a meal: delicious, fast, and endlessly customizable.

First, it’s ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a lifesaver when you need something quick without sacrificing flavor.

It’s also budget-friendly. By using affordable cuts of beef and fresh broccoli, you can serve a wholesome, restaurant-quality meal at home for a fraction of the cost.

What’s more, this dish is packed with nutrition. The broccoli adds a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while the lean beef provides protein to keep you energized.

Finally, the flavors are out of this world. The umami-rich sauce, made with soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of ginger, perfectly coats every bite, making it impossible to resist.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple ingredients, each contributing to the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Beef

Choose flank steak or sirloin for the best results. These cuts are tender and soak up the marinade beautifully. Be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure each bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Broccoli

Fresh broccoli florets are key for a vibrant, crisp texture. Frozen broccoli works in a pinch, but fresh is best for that satisfying crunch.

Soy Sauce

The foundation of the sauce, soy sauce, brings that classic salty, savory flavor. For a lower-sodium option, feel free to use low-sodium soy sauce.

Garlic and Ginger

Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the dish, adding aromatic depth and a slight spicy kick. Don’t skip these – they make all the difference.

Cornstarch

This recipe uses cornstarch to thicken the sauce and help coat the beef evenly. It also helps tenderize the meat when added to the marinade.

For equipment, all you need is a large skillet or wok, a sharp knife, and a cutting board. Simple tools, big flavor!

How to Make This Beef and Broccoli

Making this dish at home is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for the perfect Beef and Broccoli every time.

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by slicing your beef thinly against the grain. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, and a splash of sesame oil. Toss the beef in the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, cornstarch, brown sugar, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. This savory-sweet sauce is the heart of the dish.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and sear the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until browned, then remove and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Broccoli

In the same pan, add your broccoli florets with a splash of water. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the beef to the pan and pour in the sauce. Toss everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli.

Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy your homemade takeout masterpiece.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), here’s how to store them for maximum freshness.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

Variations and Substitutions

This Beef and Broccoli recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Vegetarian: Swap the beef for firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth in the sauce.
Protein Swap: Try chicken, shrimp, or pork instead of beef for a different twist.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick.
Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy as-is for a keto-friendly meal.
Extra Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added color and flavor.

Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand – the possibilities are endless!

This Beef and Broccoli recipe is proof that takeout-style meals can be just as delicious and even more rewarding when made at home. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and let the compliments roll in!