The Easy Better-Than-Takeout Beef and Broccoli Recipe is the perfect solution when you are craving classic Chinese-style flavors but want something faster, fresher, and made right at home. This one-pan dish comes together in about 20 minutes and delivers tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a glossy, savory sauce that tastes even better than takeout.
With simple ingredients and a quick cooking method, this beef and broccoli recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anytime you want a satisfying dinner without the wait.
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Broccoli Recipe
This recipe is fast, flavorful, and incredibly reliable. The beef cooks quickly over high heat, staying juicy and tender, while the broccoli remains bright and crisp-tender instead of overcooked.
The sauce is what truly sets this dish apart. It is savory, slightly sweet, and thick enough to coat every bite without being heavy. Because you control the ingredients, you can easily adjust the salt, sweetness, or vegetables to suit your taste.
Another reason to love this recipe is cleanup. Everything cooks in one pan, which means less mess and more time to enjoy your meal.
Ingredients for Beef and Broccoli
Stir Fry
- 1 and 1 half pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
Sauce
- 1 half cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger or 1 half teaspoon ground ginger
Optional Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Ingredient Notes
Flank steak is ideal for stir fry because it becomes very tender when sliced thinly against the grain. Sirloin is another excellent option.
Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness, especially since the sauce reduces slightly as it cooks.
Cornstarch is essential for creating the thick, glossy sauce that clings to the beef and broccoli.
Fresh ginger adds brightness, but ground ginger works well if that is what you have on hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, cornstarch, brown sugar or honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Set aside so it is ready to go once cooking starts.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced beef in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until browned and mostly cooked through. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until bright green and crisp-tender.
If needed, add a small splash of water and cover briefly to help steam the broccoli.
Step 4: Combine and Add Sauce
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the broccoli. Stir to combine.
Give the sauce another quick whisk, then pour it into the pan. Stir constantly as the sauce comes to a simmer and thickens, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the sauce has thickened and evenly coats the beef and broccoli, remove the skillet from the heat.
Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Success
- Slice beef thinly and against the grain for tenderness
- Use high heat for quick searing and best flavor
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking beef
- Whisk sauce again before adding to prevent cornstarch settling
- Serve immediately for best texture
Flavor Variations
This beef and broccoli recipe is easy to customize.
For heat, add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili sauce to the sauce mixture.
For extra vegetables, add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots.
For a garlic-forward version, increase garlic to 5 cloves.
For a lighter sauce, reduce sugar slightly and add extra broccoli.
Serving Suggestions
Serve beef and broccoli over steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice for a classic pairing.
It also works well over noodles, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for a different twist.
Add a simple side like egg rolls, dumplings, or a cucumber salad for a complete takeout-style meal at home.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Freezing is possible, though broccoli may soften slightly. Freeze for up to 2 months, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat gently.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
FAQ About Beef and Broccoli
How do I keep beef tender in stir fry?
Slice the beef thinly against the grain and cook it quickly over high heat. Overcooking will make it tough.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but thaw and pat it dry first. Frozen broccoli may be softer than fresh, but it still works.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and is great for meal prep. The sauce may thicken, so add a little water when reheating.
What cut of beef works best?
Flank steak and sirloin are both excellent choices. Skirt steak also works well when sliced thinly.
Beef and Broccoli
Equipment
- large skillet or wok
- mixing bowl
- whisk
- cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger or 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- sliced green onions (optional garnish)
- sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, cornstarch, brown sugar or honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add broccoli and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender, adding a splash of water if needed to steam.
- Return the beef to the skillet with the broccoli. Whisk the sauce again and pour it into the pan. Stir constantly as it simmers and thickens, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat once the sauce is thick and glossy. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
Easy Better-Than-Takeout Beef and Broccoli Recipe proves that you do not need takeout menus to enjoy bold, satisfying flavors at home. With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a rich savory sauce, this one-pan meal delivers big results with minimal effort.
Once you try it, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation.
