Description
This irresistibly easy Beef and Broccoli recipe delivers a perfect balance of tender, flavorful beef and crisp-tender broccoli coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that will wow your family and guests every time.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for coating beef)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and green onions, for garnish (optional)
Sauce
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, beef broth or water, brown sugar, cornstarch, oyster sauce if using, and sesame oil. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Coat the beef: In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with 2 tablespoons cornstarch, salt, and pepper until lightly coated. This helps create a silky texture and thickens the sauce later.
- Cook the broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to turn bright green. Add a splash of water to the pan, cover, and steam for an additional 2 minutes until the broccoli is just tender. Remove broccoli and set aside.
- Cook the beef: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry the coated beef in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is browned all over. Return all the cooked beef to the pan.
- Add aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using) to the beef. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Simmer with sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the beef. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.
- Combine and finish: Add the cooked broccoli back into the skillet and toss everything together to coat the broccoli in the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the beef and broccoli hot over steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired for an added pop of flavor and color.
Notes
- Be sure to slice the beef thinly and against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Oyster sauce is optional but adds a deeper umami flavor; you can omit for a lighter taste.
- Use a wok or a large skillet to ensure even cooking and space for stir-frying in batches.
- The cornstarch coating not only tenderizes the beef but also helps thicken the sauce to a glossy finish.
- Adjust the brown sugar amount to taste if you prefer your sauce less sweet or more savory.
