This beef and broccoli recipe is your go-to for a fast, flavorful weeknight win—tender beef strips tossed with crisp broccoli in a glossy soy-garlic sauce that clings to every bite. Ready in 20 minutes, this beef and broccoli recipe captures authentic Chinese takeout vibes at home, with minimal prep and maximum taste. The secret? Velveting the beef for melt-in-your-mouth texture, balanced by vibrant broccoli florets. Perfect over rice or noodles, this beef and broccoli recipe satisfies cravings without fuss. For more Asian-inspired meals, check our Stir-Fry Recipes or Beef Recipes. Quick dinner ideas? See 20-Minute Dinners. Love saucy mains? Explore Sauce Recipes.
Table of Contents
What Is Beef and Broccoli Recipe?
A beef and broccoli recipe is a classic stir-fry dish where thinly sliced beef is quickly cooked with broccoli florets in a savory sauce of soy, garlic, ginger, and oyster sauce, resulting in a glossy, restaurant-style entree. This beef and broccoli recipe highlights tender beef against crunchy broccoli, often served with steamed rice to soak up the umami-rich sauce. Originating from Chinese-American cuisine in the 20th century, the beef and broccoli recipe adapted affordable cuts and veggies into a beloved takeout staple.
In this beef and broccoli recipe, marinating beef ensures juiciness, while blanching broccoli keeps it bright green. The sauce thickens with cornstarch for that signature cling—making every forkful in the beef and broccoli recipe satisfying. It’s versatile: spicy, mild, or veggie-packed. Nutritionally, broccoli adds fiber and vitamin C, complementing beef’s protein for a balanced beef and broccoli recipe meal.
Why You’ll Love It
This beef and broccoli recipe delivers takeout quality with home ease. Here’s why the beef and broccoli recipe shines:
- Lightning Speed: 20 minutes from start to finish—ideal for busy beef and broccoli recipe nights.
- Tender-Crisp Balance: Velvety beef meets snappy broccoli in this beef and broccoli recipe.
- Sauce Perfection: Glossy, garlicky coating elevates the beef and broccoli recipe simply.
- Family Favorite: Customizable heat makes beef and broccoli recipe kid-approved.
- Budget-Friendly: Pantry staples star in this affordable beef and broccoli recipe.
The beef and broccoli recipe rivals favorites from top sites for its foolproof appeal.
Recipe Overview
Total Time: Prep 10 minutes; Cook 10 minutes; Total 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Marinate, stir, sauce—beef and broccoli recipe done right.
Ingredients
Fresh picks make this beef and broccoli recipe pop—use flank steak for best results.
Beef and Broccoli Recipe Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against grain: Tender star of beef and broccoli recipe.
- 4 cups broccoli florets (1 large head): Crisp veggie in beef and broccoli recipe.
- 3 tbsp soy sauce, low-sodium: Umami base for beef and broccoli recipe sauce.
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce: Rich depth in beef and broccoli recipe.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Thickens beef and broccoli recipe glossy.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic kick for beef and broccoli recipe.
- 1-inch ginger, grated: Fresh zing in beef and broccoli recipe.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: For high-heat beef and broccoli recipe sear.
- 1/4 cup beef broth: Loosens beef and broccoli recipe sauce.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Nutty finish on beef and broccoli recipe.
- Optional: 1 tsp red pepper flakes: Heat for spicy beef and broccoli recipe.
Serves hearty portions in beef and broccoli recipe.
Quick Marinade
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Tenderizes beef in beef and broccoli recipe.
- 1 tsp cornstarch: Velvets for juicy beef and broccoli recipe.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Flavors beef and broccoli recipe slices.
Pro tip: Slice beef frozen 20 minutes for even beef and broccoli recipe strips.
Instructions
Foolproof steps for standout beef and broccoli recipe.
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Toss sliced beef with marinade ingredients; let sit 10 minutes. This velvets beef for succulent beef and broccoli recipe texture.
Meanwhile, blanch broccoli: Boil 2 minutes in salted water, drain, ice bath—keeps green vibrancy in beef and broccoli recipe.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Whisk soy, oyster sauce, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, broth, sesame oil, and flakes (if using). Set aside—this glossy mix defines beef and broccoli recipe flavor.
Step 3: Stir-Fry
Heat 1 tbsp oil in wok or skillet over high heat. Sear beef 2 minutes per side until browned; remove. Add remaining oil, broccoli 1 minute to char edges. Return beef, pour sauce—stir 2 minutes until thickened, coating beef and broccoli recipe evenly.
Step 4: Serve
Plate beef and broccoli recipe hot over rice. Garnish sesame seeds for crunch.
Pro Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Refine your beef and broccoli recipe with these.
Essential Pro Tips
- High Heat: Wok sear locks juices in beef and broccoli recipe.
- Thin Slices: Ensures quick cook for tender beef and broccoli recipe.
- Sauce Timing: Add last to avoid over-thickening beef and broccoli recipe.
- Batch Tip: Cook beef first—overcrowding steams beef and broccoli recipe.
Variations for Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Chicken Swap: Breast strips for lighter beef and broccoli recipe.
- Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers or carrots to beef and broccoli recipe.
- Spicy Kick: Sriracha in sauce amps beef and broccoli recipe heat.
- Low-Carb: Cauliflower rice base for keto beef and broccoli recipe.
- Slow Cooker: Low 4 hours for hands-off beef and broccoli recipe.
Tailor beef and broccoli recipe your way.
Storage & Shelf Life
Preserve beef and broccoli recipe freshness easily.
How Long in the Fridge?
Airtight container 3-4 days—beef and broccoli recipe reheats well. Use USDA FoodKeeper app.
Can You Freeze It?
Portion beef and broccoli recipe in bags up to 2 months. Thaw fridge, stir-fry refresh.
Signs It’s Gone Bad
Slimy beef or off odors—discard beef and broccoli recipe. Follow FDA handling.
Reheating
Stovetop medium with splash water to 165°F—revives beef and broccoli recipe sauce.
Nutrition
Per Serving:
Calories: ~320
Protein: ~28g
Carbs: ~12g
Fat: ~18g
Sodium: ~800mg
Broccoli boosts beef and broccoli recipe vitamins. See MyPlate.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Tried beef and broccoli recipe? Rate, comment tweaks! Tag @masterlyrecipes. More in Stir-Fry Recipes and Beef Recipes.
Conclusion
This beef and broccoli recipe nails quick, saucy perfection—tender beef, crisp broccoli, glossy stir-fry that beats takeout. Versatile and delicious, the beef and broccoli recipe fits any night. Whip up beef and broccoli recipe soon; pair with rice for bliss.
FAQs
What’s special about beef and broccoli recipe?
Tender beef and crisp veggies in umami sauce—beef and broccoli recipe is takeout magic at home.
How to make beef tender in beef and broccoli recipe?
Marinate with cornstarch—velvets for juicy beef and broccoli recipe.
Can I use frozen broccoli in beef and broccoli recipe?
Yes, thaw and pat dry—beef and broccoli recipe stays crisp.
Is beef and broccoli recipe healthy?
Balanced protein-veggie—beef and broccoli recipe fits wellness goals.
Best cut for beef and broccoli recipe?
Flank or sirloin—thin slices shine in beef and broccoli recipe.
How spicy is beef and broccoli recipe?
Mild; add flakes for heat in beef and broccoli recipe.
Slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe?
Yes, low 4 hours—tender beef and broccoli recipe alternative.
How long does beef and broccoli recipe last?
Fridge 3-4 days—USDA FoodKeeper guides beef and broccoli recipe.
Vegetarian beef and broccoli recipe?
Tofu swap—keeps saucy beef and broccoli recipe vibe.
Serve beef and broccoli recipe with what?
Rice or quinoa—absorbs beef and broccoli recipe sauce perfectly.