Description
This irresistibly easy beef and broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry that combines tender slices of beef with vibrant broccoli in a savory sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it features simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking method that delivers restaurant-quality results 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 soy sauce, beef broth or water, brown sugar, cornstarch, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Coat the beef: In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, salt, and pepper to lightly coat all pieces. This helps create a tender 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. Add a splash of water, cover the pan, and steam the broccoli for an additional 2 minutes until it turns bright green and becomes just tender. Remove broccoli from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the beef: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch for 2 to 3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Return all the beef to the skillet once done.
- Add aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using) to the skillet with the beef, stirring and frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine with sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and garlic mixture. Stir well to incorporate and bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.
- Finish with broccoli: Add the cooked broccoli back into the skillet and toss everything together to coat the broccoli with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the beef and broccoli hot over steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute beef with firm tofu and use vegetable broth in the sauce.
- Adjust the brown sugar quantity to taste for a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
- Steaming broccoli briefly keeps it crisp and vibrant while retaining nutrients.
- Use a large skillet or wok to cook in batches, which prevents overcrowding and promotes even browning.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- For gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
