Beef and broccoli is the beloved takeout classic you can easily make at home in about 25 minutes. Thin slices of tender steak and bright, crisp-tender broccoli are coated in a glossy, savory-sweet garlic ginger sauce that clings to every bite.
This easy beef and broccoli recipe uses a simple velveting trick with cornstarch and a touch of baking soda to keep the beef juicy and soft, just like at your favorite Chinese restaurant. The sauce comes together from pantry staples and thickens right in the pan.
Serve it over steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a satisfying weeknight dinner that costs far less than delivery. It also makes excellent meal prep, with flavors that hold up beautifully in the fridge.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Broccoli
- Tender, restaurant-style beef every time
- A glossy garlic ginger soy sauce that coats everything
- Ready in 25 minutes in one pan
- Cheaper and fresher than takeout
- Great for meal prep over rice
Ingredients You’ll Need for Beef and Broccoli
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, plus 1 tablespoon soy sauce, for the beef
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil, divided
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- For the sauce: 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/2 cup beef broth, 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
How to Make Beef and Broccoli
- Toss the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and the baking soda and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, beef broth, and sesame oil for the sauce.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat and sear half of the beef for 1 to 2 minutes per side until browned, then transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining beef.
- Add the remaining oil and the broccoli with 2 tablespoons water, cover, and steam for 2 to 3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
- Add the garlic and ginger and stir for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the sauce and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until thickened.
- Return the beef to the pan and toss for 1 minute to coat.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions and serve over rice.
Tips for the Best Beef and Broccoli
- Slice the steak against the grain. Cutting across the muscle fibers makes each piece noticeably more tender.
- Freeze the steak for 20 minutes before slicing so it is firm enough to cut into very thin pieces.
- Cook the beef in batches over high heat for a good sear instead of steaming it in a crowded pan.
- Steam the broccoli briefly with a splash of water so it stays crisp and vibrant green.
Variations to Try
- Use sirloin, skirt steak, or flat iron instead of flank
- Add sliced carrots or red bell pepper for color
- Stir in a spoonful of chili garlic sauce for heat
- Swap beef for chicken thighs or shrimp
- Use honey in place of brown sugar for a slightly different sweetness
How to Store It
Store leftover beef and broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
It freezes well for up to 2 months, though the broccoli will be softer after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cut of beef for beef and broccoli?
Flank steak is the classic choice, but sirloin, skirt steak, and flat iron all work well when sliced thinly against the grain.
How do you make beef tender in stir fry?
Slice it thinly against the grain and coat it with cornstarch and a pinch of baking soda before searing.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Add frozen florets straight to the pan and cook a minute or two longer, though fresh stays crisper.
How do I thicken beef and broccoli sauce?
The cornstarch in the sauce thickens it as it simmers. If it is too thin, simmer a little longer.
Easy Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Toss the beef with the cornstarch, soy sauce, and baking soda and rest 15 minutes.
- Tip: This keeps the beef tender.
- Whisk the sauce ingredients together.
- Sear the beef in batches over high heat and set aside.
- Steam the broccoli with a splash of water until crisp-tender.
- Add the garlic and ginger, then the sauce, and simmer until thick.
- Return the beef, toss to coat, and serve over rice with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
Cook the beef in batches for a better sear.