Beef and Broccoli Recipe – Easy and Delicious

Beef and broccoli is a popular dish in many restaurants because it’s quick, tasty, and healthy.

Tender beef slices are cooked with crisp broccoli and coated in a savory sauce.

The balance of flavors—salty soy sauce, a touch of sweetness, and the freshness of broccoli—makes it a favorite for both kids and adults.

The best part is that you don’t need to order takeout to enjoy it.

With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make this dish at home.

This guide will take you through everything you need to know to cook beef and broccoli perfectly.

Ingredients

Before cooking, gather all your ingredients.

Having everything ready makes the process smooth and quick.

• Flank steak – 1 pound (thinly sliced against the grain)
• Broccoli florets – 4 cups (about 2 heads of broccoli)
• Vegetable oil – 3 tablespoons
• Garlic – 3 cloves (minced)
• Fresh ginger – 1 tablespoon (grated)
• Soy sauce – ½ cup
• Brown sugar – ¼ cup
• Oyster sauce – 2 tablespoons
• Cornstarch – 2 tablespoons (for sauce)
• Cornstarch – ¼ cup (for beef coating)
• Water – ½ cup
• Sesame oil – 1 teaspoon
• Red pepper flakes – ½ teaspoon (optional, for spice)
• Sesame seeds – 1 teaspoon (for garnish)
• Green onions – 2 stalks (sliced, for garnish)

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Beef

The beef is the star of this dish, so choosing the right cut is important.

Flank steak is the best option because it is lean yet flavorful.

Slice the beef thinly against the grain.

Cutting against the grain means slicing across the natural lines of the meat fibers.

This makes the beef much more tender and easier to chew.

Once sliced, coat the beef lightly in ¼ cup cornstarch.

This helps the beef brown nicely in the pan and also thickens the sauce later.

Set the beef aside for about 10 minutes while you prepare the broccoli and sauce.

Step 2: Prepping the Broccoli

Broccoli adds freshness and crunch to this dish.

Wash the broccoli well and cut it into bite-sized florets.

Avoid cutting them too small because they may become mushy when cooked.

To make sure the broccoli stays bright green and crisp, blanch it before stir-frying.

Here’s how:

Bring a pot of water to boil.

Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 minutes.

Drain them and immediately place them in ice water to stop the cooking process.

This quick step keeps the broccoli vibrant and crunchy.

Drain well and set aside.

Step 3: Making the Sauce

The sauce brings everything together.

It should be savory, slightly sweet, and full of flavor.

In a small bowl, mix together:

Soy sauce

Brown sugar

Oyster sauce

2 tablespoons cornstarch

½ cup water

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Stir until the sugar and cornstarch are completely dissolved.

This sauce will thicken once it cooks with the beef, coating everything beautifully.

If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes to the mixture.

Step 4: Cooking the Beef

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Make sure the oil is hot before adding the beef.

Cook the beef in small batches so it browns instead of steaming.

Spread the slices in a single layer and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side.

The beef should be browned but not overcooked.

Remove the beef from the skillet and place it on a plate.

Continue until all the beef is cooked.

Step 5: Bringing It All Together

Now it’s time to combine everything.

Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet.

Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the prepared sauce and bring it to a simmer.

It will start to thicken after a minute.

Next, return the beef to the pan.

Toss to coat the slices in the sauce.

Finally, add the broccoli and stir everything together.

Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the broccoli is heated through and the sauce coats everything evenly.

Step 6: Serving Beef and Broccoli

Beef and broccoli is best enjoyed fresh and hot.

Here are some serving ideas:

With Steamed Rice: White rice or jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up the sauce.

With Brown Rice: A healthier option with a nutty flavor.

With Noodles: Serve over stir-fried noodles for a heartier meal.

Low-Carb Option: Enjoy it with cauliflower rice or just as it is.

Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for garnish.

This adds a nice crunch and freshness to the dish.

Tips for Success

Slice Thinly: Cutting the beef thin against the grain ensures tenderness.

Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Keep it slightly crisp for the best texture.

Hot Pan: Make sure the skillet or wok is hot before adding beef for a quick sear.

Batch Cooking: Cook the beef in small amounts so it browns nicely.

Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and add to the pan.

Why People Love Beef and Broccoli

This dish is a favorite because it’s quick, balanced, and satisfying.

It combines protein, vegetables, and sauce into one complete meal.

It’s also healthier than many takeout options.

You control the ingredients, reduce the sugar if you want, and even add more vegetables like carrots or snap peas.

The cooking process is fast—once you have everything prepped, it takes less than 20 minutes to make.

That’s why it’s a perfect recipe for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t have much time.

Final Thoughts

Beef and broccoli is more than just a restaurant dish—it’s a recipe you can easily make at home.

With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce, it’s comfort food that doesn’t take hours to prepare.

Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or on its own, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your table.

Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s such a popular choice around the world.

So grab your skillet, slice that beef, and bring the taste of beef and broccoli into your kitchen tonight.