Beef and Broccoli Recipe: 5 Easy Steps to Stir-Fry Perfection

Name: Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: For the Beef & Marinade:; 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; ½ teaspoon baking soda (optional); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; For the Sauce:; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey); 2 teaspoons cornstarch; ½ cup beef broth (or water); 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional); ½ teaspoon sesame oil; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; For the Stir-Fry:; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (or ¼ tsp ground ginger); Optional Add-ins & Toppings:; Cooked white rice, for serving; Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish; Sliced green onions, for freshness; Red chili flakes, for heat

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Beef and broccoli recipe lovers, this one’s for you. When you want something quick, savory, and better than takeout, this stir-fry delivers in every way. Beef and broccoli recipe favorites like this bring together tender sliced meat, vibrant broccoli, and a garlicky sauce that clings to every bite—all ready in minutes and perfect over rice for a no-fuss dinner.

What makes this beef and broccoli recipe so irresistible isn’t just how fast it comes together—it’s the perfect balance of comfort and freshness. With thinly sliced beef, perfectly cooked broccoli, and that rich, soy-based stir-fry sauce, you get a takeout favorite with a homemade twist. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend dinner, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your skillet.

Why This Beef and Broccoli Recipe Works

There’s a reason this dish has stood the test of time—beef and broccoli is a classic for good reason. But what sets this recipe apart from others? It’s all about getting that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and simplicity.

1. Tender, Flavorful Beef
We use thin slices of flank steak or sirloin, marinated just long enough to soak up all the savory goodness. A quick sear locks in the juices while keeping the meat tender and flavorful.

2. Crisp-Tender Broccoli
No soggy vegetables here. The broccoli is briefly blanched or flash-cooked in the pan to preserve its bright color, crunch, and nutrients. It’s the perfect contrast to the rich beef.

3. Homemade Stir-Fry Sauce
Forget bottled sauces—this one is made from simple pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. It’s bold, salty, slightly sweet, and customizable to your taste.

4. One Pan, Minimal Mess
It all comes together in a single skillet or wok, making cleanup as easy as cooking. This recipe fits perfectly into any weeknight dinner plan.

5. Better Than Takeout
With fresh ingredients, no MSG, and full control over the flavors and salt levels, this homemade version rivals your favorite takeout—at a fraction of the cost.

Ingredients for Beef and Broccoli (Serves 4)

For the Beef & Marinade:

1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon baking soda (optional, for ultra-tender beef)
1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Sauce:

¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey for a natural option)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
½ cup beef broth (or water)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for brightness)
½ teaspoon sesame oil
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Stir-Fry:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or neutral oil like avocado or canola)
3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, bite-size)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (or ¼ tsp ground ginger)

Optional Add-ins & Toppings:

Cooked white rice, for serving
Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Sliced green onions, for freshness
Red chili flakes, for a little heat

For a deeper flavor boost, you can even use homemade beef broth from soup bones, which adds a rich, slow-simmered taste.”

Beef searing in a hot wok with garlic and ginger

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, ½ teaspoon baking soda (optional), and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes while you prep the other ingredients. This step helps tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavor.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, beef broth, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Set aside. This sauce will thicken beautifully and coat the beef and broccoli in savory goodness.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 1–2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside. Alternatively, you can steam them or sauté directly in the pan if you like more bite.

Step 4: Sear the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally until browned but not overcooked. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add a splash of oil if needed, then sauté the minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

Step 6: Combine and Simmer

Return the beef to the pan, along with the blanched broccoli. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat and broccoli evenly.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot over a bed of steamed white rice. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or a dash of chili flakes for extra flair.

Variations & Customizations

One of the best things about this beef and broccoli recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, going low-carb, or want to use what’s already in your fridge, here are some easy ways to switch it up:

1. Switch the Protein

Chicken and Broccoli: Use boneless chicken breast or thighs, sliced thin
Pork and Broccoli: Thin-sliced pork tenderloin or shoulder works beautifully
Tofu and Broccoli: For a vegetarian version, pan-fry firm tofu until crispy and use it in place of beef

2. Add More Vegetables

Bulk it up with:

Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
Snow peas or snap peas
Sliced mushrooms
Zucchini, shredded carrots, or bok choy

More veggies = more color, crunch, and nutrients.

3. Go Low-Carb or Keto

Skip the rice and serve with:

Cauliflower rice
Shredded cabbage stir-fry
Zoodles (zucchini noodles)

Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and reduce the sugar or use a keto-friendly sweetener.

4. Make It Spicy

If you love a little heat, add:

5. Sauce It Your Way

Want it sweeter? Add more brown sugar or a spoonful of hoisin sauce.
Need more salt? Add a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce.
Want extra umami? A dash of miso paste or mushroom powder adds depth.

Beef and broccoli stir-fry served over rice

What to Serve with Beef and Broccoli

This beef and broccoli recipe is bold, saucy, and satisfying on its own—but pairing it with the right sides turns it into a complete, restaurant-worthy meal. Here are some tasty options to serve alongside:

1. Steamed White Rice

The classic pairing. It soaks up all the sauce and balances the savory flavors with its mild, fluffy texture.

2. Brown Rice or Jasmine Rice

For a nuttier flavor or a more aromatic twist, brown rice or jasmine rice add complexity while still keeping things simple.

3. Fried Rice

Got leftover rice? Make it work harder with a quick fried rice—toss it in a pan with eggs, veggies, soy sauce, and garlic for a flavorful upgrade.

4. Noodles

Serve beef and broccoli over:

Lo mein noodles
Ramen noodles
Soba or rice noodles

Tossed with a bit of sesame oil, they create a full-on stir-fry bowl experience.

5. Asian-Inspired Appetizers

Make it a takeout-style dinner with sides like:

Egg rolls
Steamed dumplings
Crab rangoons
Scallion pancakes

These snacks bring variety and texture to your table.

6. Light Side Salads

Pair this rich main with a refreshing side:

Cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds
Asian slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy soy dressing

They cleanse the palate and keep things feeling fresh.

Love comfort food with a twist? Don’t miss our chicken pot pie in popovers—the ultimate cozy dinner idea.

FAQs – Beef and Broccoli Recipe

1. What is beef and broccoli sauce made of?

The sauce is a flavorful combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, cornstarch, and sesame oil, with garlic and ginger for extra depth. Some variations also include rice vinegar or hoisin sauce for sweetness and complexity.

2. How to make delicious beef and broccoli?

The key is in the marinade and sauce. Marinate the beef briefly with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a touch of sesame oil. Stir-fry quickly over high heat to sear, not steam. Use fresh garlic and ginger, and don’t overcook the broccoli—crisp-tender is best. Finally, let the sauce simmer just long enough to thicken and coat everything evenly.

3. What cut of beef is used in beef and broccoli?

The best cuts are flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak—they’re tender when sliced thin against the grain and cook quickly in a hot pan. Avoid tough cuts like chuck or round unless they’re thinly sliced and well-marinated.

4. What is the secret ingredient in stir fry beef?

A touch of baking soda in the marinade! It helps tenderize the beef and gives that velvety texture you often find in restaurant stir-fries. Just ½ teaspoon is enough to work magic—especially when paired with cornstarch and sesame oil.

For a comprehensive guide on selecting the best cuts of beef for various dishes, including stir-fries, refer to The Ultimate Guide to Beef Steak Names and Cuts.

Final Thoughts

This beef and broccoli recipe isn’t just a quick dinner—it’s a full-flavored, satisfying experience that’s easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests. Whether you’re craving takeout or looking for a healthier, homemade version, this dish delivers tender beef, crisp broccoli, and bold umami flavor in every bite.

With endless ways to customize it—different proteins, spice levels, veggies, and side pairings—it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in your kitchen. Once you master the basics, you’ll come back to it again and again, each time with your own creative twist.

So grab that skillet, heat it up, and enjoy a homemade favorite that’s better than takeout and full of flavor your whole table will love.