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Easy beef and broccoli recipe with tender beef and crisp broccoli

Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe

This easy beef and broccoli recipe combines tender sliced beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory homemade garlic ginger sauce for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.'4
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Broccoli
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon water
For the Stir-Fry Sauce
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon cold water
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
For Serving
  • Cooked white rice brown rice, or noodles
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds optional
  • Red pepper flakes optional

Method
 

  1. Pat the beef dry with paper towels and slice it thinly against the grain.
  2. Place the beef in a bowl and toss it with cornstarch, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Let it rest for about 10 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, honey or brown sugar, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to make a smooth slurry. Set aside.
  5. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil, followed by the broccoli and 1 tablespoon of water.
  6. Cover and cook the broccoli for about 2–3 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender. Transfer it to a plate.
  7. Add the remaining olive oil to the hot skillet. Cook the beef in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
  8. Cook the beef for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through.
  9. Return the broccoli to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together and simmer gently for 1–2 minutes.
  10. Stir the cornstarch slurry again and pour it into the skillet while stirring.
  11. Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli.
  12. Remove from the heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
  13. Serve immediately over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles.

Notes

  • Slice the beef thinly against the grain for a more tender texture.
  • Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking the beef.
  • Cook the broccoli until tender-crisp rather than soft.
  • Fresh garlic and ginger provide the best flavor.
  • Adjust the honey or brown sugar depending on how sweet you prefer the sauce.
  • Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat.
  • Serve over white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
  • Refrigerate leftovers promptly in an airtight container.
  • Keep leftovers refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below.
  • Use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days for best quality.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • The broccoli may become softer after freezing and thawing.