This Beef and Broccoli recipe is east, fast, and full of flavor! You can make your own takeout dinner at home and have it on the table in 30 minutes!
Beef and Broccoli is one of the most popular dishes for our family. It is a classic Chinese-American dish that I am particularly obsessed with. It always accompanies our order from our favorite local takeout spot.
This classic Chinese beef and broccoli recipe is quick and easy to make at home, and it tastes even better than the restaurant version! It satisfies my craving for Chinese takeout but with less oil and sugar than what you’ll find at most restaurants.
I love the flavors and how easy this one-pan wonder is to make. For more takeout classics made at home, try Mongolian Beef Stir Fry, Better Than Takeout Sesame Chicken, or Szechuan Beef.
Table of Contents
Why I Love Beef and Broccoli
- Beef and Broccoli is cost-effective, especially when using affordable cuts like flank steak or flat iron steak.
- Its one-pan cooking method makes preparation and cleanup a breeze.
- Packed with fresh broccoli, it’s not just tasty but also healthy and you can pair it with rice, chow mein, or even ham fried rice to make it a more hearty meal.
Recipe Ingredients
Soy Sauce – This adds a deep, savory flavor that enhances the rich taste of the dish.
Garlic – Minced garlic brings a bold taste that’s essential in many Asian dishes.
Ginger – Freshly grated ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy kick.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.
Variations
Add Vegetables – Try adding carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to your Beef and Broccoli. They add extra flavor, a bit of crunch, and some vibrant color that makes the dish even more delicious and wholesome.
Soy Sauce Variation – If you need a gluten-free option, swap the soy sauce with tamari. It’s a great alternative without the gluten.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Toss sliced beef in cornstarch, and set it aside.
Step 2: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, salt, pepper, and red pepper or chili paste (if desired). Set aside.
Step 3: Place a large skillet over medium heat, and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, remove from the pan and transfer to a plate.
Step 4: Add the remaining oil to the pan. Add onion and sauté for 1 minute. Add broccoli and cook for 3 minutes. Return the beef to the pan. Add the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the beef is coated in a thick, sticky sauce and the broccoli is fully coated.
Step 5: Serve immediately.
Expert Tip
For tender beef in your Beef and Broccoli, always slice it against the grain with a sharp knife—it helps break down the muscle fibers. When cooking, make sure your pan is hot and cook the beef quickly for the best results. Don’t overcrowd the pan; give the beef space to sear instead of steam.
FAQs
Sauté sliced beef in the Instant Pot with a bit of oil until browned, then remove. Whisk sauce ingredients in the pot, add the beef back, and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes with a quick pressure release. Cook broccoli in the microwave for 3-4 minutes until tender, then add it to the Instant Pot with a cornstarch slurry.
Fresh broccoli is ideal for its crisp texture; two small heads should yield enough florets. If using frozen broccoli, reduce cooking time as it’s pre-blanched. However, note that frozen broccoli might result in a slightly mushier texture.
Yes, place beef and sauce ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3.5-4 hours until the steak is tender. Mix some broth from the crockpot with cornstarch, add this mixture back to the pot with broccoli, and cook for an additional 20 minutes.
Storage Info
To STORE Beef and Broccoli, place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While it’s possible to freeze it, the texture of the broccoli may change upon thawing.
For REHEATING, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or use the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
More Asian Dishes to Try
Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak - cut into thin strips
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar - packed
- 5 cloves garlic - minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger - freshly grated
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp kosher sea salt
- dash red pepper
- 1/4 tsp chili paste
- 2 tbsp canola oil - or vegetable oil
- 1/2 yellow onion - divided, thinly sliced
- 2 small heads broccoli - cut into florets
Instructions
- Toss the sliced beef in cornstarch and set it aside.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, salt, pepper, and red pepper or chili paste (if desired). Set aside.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat, and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, remove from the pan and transfer to a plate.
- Add the remaining oil to the pan. Add the onion and sauté for 1 minute. Then, add the broccoli florets and cook for 3 minutes. Return the beef to the pan, add the sauce, and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the beef is coated in a thick, sticky sauce and the broccoli is fully coated.
- Serve immediately.
This beef and broccoli was delicious. We love it!
Took under 30 minutes and tasted better than takeout. Sauce was thick and glossy, steak stayed tender.
This was quick and easy to make and soo soo delicious. It was a hit at home. Will definitely be making again.
Nothing better than protein and veggies! The flavor is perfection. It was cooked perfectly too!