Nothing beats the savory comfort of homemade Beef and Broccoli when you're craving that perfect balance of tender meat and crisp vegetables. This restaurant-style dish has been my family's weeknight hero for years, especially when my kids are begging for something that tastes like takeout but feels like home.
The aromatic sauce coating every bite creates pure magic that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Ready to bring this Chinese-American classic to your own kitchen?
Why You'll Love This Beef and Broccoli
This Beef and Broccoli Recipe isn't just another stir fry sitting in your recipe collection. It's your secret weapon for creating restaurant-quality meals that'll have your family gathered around the dinner table in pure anticipation. What makes this dish absolutely irresistible is the perfect marriage of tender, marinated beef strips and vibrant green broccoli, all swimming in a glossy, savory sauce that clings to every piece.
My husband still talks about the first time I made this easy beef and broccoli recipe, and my daughter literally asks for it every week. The best part? It comes together faster than ordering delivery, yet delivers those authentic Chinese beef and broccoli flavors that make you feel like you're dining at your favorite restaurant.
What You'll Need for Perfect Beef and Broccoli
These simple ingredients create the most satisfying stir fry you'll ever make. I love how everything comes together with pantry staples and fresh components that most families already have on hand.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons frying oil
- 1 cup fresh broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for serving
For the Marinade:
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
For the Sauce:
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
- ⅓ cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ⅕ teaspoon salt
- ⅕ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Flavor Boosters
You can add sliced green onions for extra freshness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Some folks love adding sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch.
This beef and broccoli stir fry is super easy, full steps are in the recipe card.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli
Making this beef and broccoli sauce masterpiece is honestly easier than calling for takeout, and the results are so much better. The key is timing and keeping that wok or pan screaming hot for the perfect sear.
Marinate the Beef
Mix brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a medium bowl, whisking to eliminate any lumps. Add your sliced flank steak and toss to coat completely. Let it marinate for 15 minutes while you prep everything else.
Cook the Broccoli First
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
Whisk together ginger, garlic, beef broth, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
Sear the Marinated Beef
Add more oil to your hot pan and cook the marinated beef for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep the heat at medium to ensure the beef cooks through without becoming tough. Transfer to a plate.
Should I marinate beef for beef and broccoli? Yes! Marinating tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor, creating that restaurant-quality texture we all love.
Create the Glossy Sauce
Pour your prepared sauce into the same pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens and becomes glossy.
Bring Everything Together
Return the beef to the pan and stir-fry in the sauce for 3 minutes. Add the broccoli back and toss everything together for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Aliana's Pro Kitchen Tips
- The secret to perfect beef and broccoli lies in slicing your meat against the grain and keeping your pan blazing hot.
- I learned this trick from my Chinese neighbor who taught me that the key to tender beef is both the marinade and proper slicing technique.
- Always slice your flank steak as thin as possible, and don't overcrowd the pan when cooking.
- If you're making a larger batch, cook in batches to maintain that high heat.
- Another game-changer? Let your cornstarch mixture sit for a few minutes before using it, this prevents lumps in your sauce.
Easy Swaps and Creative Variations
Transform this beef and broccoli recipe by using ground beef and broccoli for a quicker weeknight version, or try it as a slow cooker beef and broccoli by adjusting cooking times. You can swap flank steak for sirloin if that's what you have available.
Storage and Serving Guide
Store leftover beef and broccoli stir fry covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to refresh the sauce.
What Goes Great With Beef and Broccoli
This beef and broccoli pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. My family loves it over noodles for an extra hearty meal.
Common Questions About Beef and Broccoli
Should I marinate beef for beef and broccoli?
Absolutely! Marinating tenderizes the meat and adds incredible flavor depth that makes restaurant-style results at home.
Should you boil broccoli before stir frying?
No need to boil! Stir-frying fresh broccoli directly maintains its crisp texture and vibrant color perfectly.
How to make delicious beef and broccoli?
The key is high heat, proper marinating, and not overcooking the vegetables to maintain their crisp texture.
What's the best cut of meat for beef and broccoli?
Flank steak sliced thin against the grain gives the most tender, flavorful results every time.
More Delicious Ideas You'll Love
If you're looking for more Chinese cooking recipes that bring restaurant flavors home, these favorites never fail to impress:
Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry with Chickpeas - Plant-based protein meets crispy vegetables in perfect harmony
Longhorn Brussels Sprouts Recipe - Sweet and savory side dish that converts even the pickiest eaters
Pad See Ew Recipe - Thai comfort noodles with that perfect balance of sweet and salty
Want more healthy dinner recipes for weight losing? These fast dinner recipes are flavorful, satisfying, and always a hit.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes, I'd love to see your twist on it!
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Beef and Broccoli Recipe:
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet or wok To stir-fry beef and vegetables at high heat
- 2 Medium mixing bowls For marinade and sauce preparation
- 1 Sharp knife To slice beef against the grain
- 1 Cutting board For safe food preparation
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds flank steak - thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons frying oil - divided for cooking
- 1 cup broccoli florets - fresh, bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - for serving
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar - for marinade
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce - for marinade
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch - for marinade
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice - fresh squeezed
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger root - grated
- 3 cloves garlic - grated
- ⅓ cup beef broth - low sodium preferred
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar - for sauce
- 6 tablespoons soy sauce - for sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch - for sauce thickening
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil - for sauce
- ⅕ teaspoon salt - to taste
- ⅕ teaspoon black pepper - freshly ground
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef Mix brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a medium bowl, whisking to eliminate any lumps. Add your sliced flank steak and toss to coat completely. Let it marinate for 15 minutes while you prep everything else.
- Cook the Broccoli First Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Whisk together ginger, garlic, beef broth, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Sear the Marinated Beef Add more oil to your hot pan and cook the marinated beef for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep the heat at medium to ensure the beef cooks through without becoming tough. Transfer to a plate.
- Create the Glossy Sauce Pour your prepared sauce into the same pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens and becomes glossy.
- Bring Everything Together Return the beef to the pan and stir-fry in the sauce for 3 minutes. Add the broccoli back and toss everything together for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and well coated.
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