Easy Homemade Beef and Broccoli
This homemade Beef and Broccoli is a quick, satisfying main dish that brings classic takeout flavors straight to your kitchen. Tender slices of beef are seared until perfectly browned, then coated in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce with crisp-tender broccoli. Everything comes together in one skillet and is ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something comforting, fresh, and flavorful without relying on takeout.
What makes this recipe special is its simplicity. With everyday pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, you get a balanced dish rich in protein and vegetables, with a sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. Serve it over warm rice for a complete, family-friendly meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish
- One-pan cooking for minimal cleanup
- Fresh ingredients you can feel good about serving
- Perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavors
- Easily customizable with extra vegetables
Best Cuts of Beef for Beef and Broccoli
Flank steak is a classic choice for beef and broccoli because it is flavorful and slices well when cut thinly against the grain. Flat iron steak is another excellent option if available, as it is naturally tender and cooks quickly. Sirloin also works well, and even chuck steak can be used if trimmed of excess fat and sliced carefully. The key is thin slicing against the grain to ensure tender results.
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as vegetable or sunflower oil), divided
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Toasted sesame seeds, optional, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients
Slice the beef thinly against the grain and set aside. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and measure out the remaining ingredients so everything is ready before cooking. - Brown the beef
Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add half of the oil. Once hot, add the beef in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. Repeat with remaining beef, adding more oil only if needed. - Mix the sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, and beef broth until well combined. Set aside. - Build the flavor
Reduce the heat slightly and add the remaining oil to the same skillet. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and stir to combine. - Cook the broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently, until the broccoli is bright green and just tender. - Thicken the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Slowly stir this into the skillet. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil and cook until thickened and glossy. - Finish the dish
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir until everything is evenly coated and warmed through, about 1 minute. - Serve
Spoon the beef and broccoli over cooked rice and garnish with toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
Helpful Tips for Success
- Always slice beef against the grain to keep it tender.
- Cook the beef in batches to ensure proper browning and avoid steaming.
- Do not overcook the broccoli; it should remain crisp-tender for the best texture.
- Low-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the final dish.
- If serving with rice, start cooking it before you begin the stir-fry so everything finishes at the same time.
Variations and Add-Ins
This recipe is easy to customize. You can add sliced carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, or snow peas along with the broccoli. For a slightly spicy version, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Beef and broccoli is great for meal prep. Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken further when chilled, so a splash of water or broth can help loosen it during reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over steamed white or brown rice. It also pairs well with simple vegetable sides or homemade egg rolls for a full takeout-style dinner at home.
This easy Beef and Broccoli recipe delivers all the comfort of your favorite restaurant dish with the freshness and control of home cooking. Once you try it, it is sure to become a regular part of your dinner rotation.
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