The Best Beef and Broccoli Recipe That Tastes Like Takeout

Simmering beef and broccoli creates a delightful dance of flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Savory chunks of meat mingle perfectly with crisp green florets in this classic Asian-inspired dish.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying meals that don’t compromise on taste.

Home cooks appreciate simple recipes with bold, impressive results.

Restaurants charge premium prices for something you can easily master in your own kitchen.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of tender protein and vibrant vegetables.

Come join this culinary adventure and discover how effortlessly delicious home cooking can be.

Keeping Beef and Broccoli Fresh and Delicious

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the beef and broccoli completely before transferring to a storage container to prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety and quality.

FAQs

• What type of beef works best for this recipe?

Flank steak or sirloin are perfect because they’re tender, lean, and slice easily into thin strips.

• How can I make the beef more tender?

Slice the meat against the grain and marinate it for 15-30 minutes in soy sauce to help break down muscle fibers and ensure a softer texture.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Fresh broccoli is recommended for better texture and crispness, but you can use frozen broccoli if needed. Just thaw and drain excess water before stir-frying.

• Is this dish spicy?

The traditional recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce if you want to increase the heat level.

Beef and Broccoli That Never Disappoints

• Speedy Stir-Fry Magic: This beef and broccoli recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious and quick.
• Flavor-Packed Nutrition Boost: Combining lean protein from beef with nutrient-rich broccoli creates a balanced dish that satisfies hunger while delivering essential vitamins and minerals in every bite.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe your own, turning a basic stir-fry into a personalized dining experience that keeps everyone excited about mealtime.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cooking equipment and straightforward preparation mean less cleanup and more enjoyment, making this recipe a go-to solution for home cooks seeking convenience without compromising on taste.

Ingredients for Classic Beef and Broccoli

• Beef: Thinly sliced beef provides the main protein source for this classic stir-fry dish.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli adds a crisp texture and nutritional boost to the meal.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: These Asian condiments create a rich, savory flavor base for the dish.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive nutty aroma and depth to the sauce.
• Honey: Provides a subtle sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• Black Pepper: Introduces a mild heat and aromatic spiciness.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking the beef and vegetables in the skillet.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the stir-fry.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy finish.
• Water: Used to steam the broccoli and help create the sauce.

How to Cook Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Sizzle The Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place beef slices and cook until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color, around 3-4 minutes.

Transfer the beef to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken The Garlic

Add another splash of oil to the same skillet.

Drop in minced garlic and quickly sauté until its aromatic fragrance fills your kitchen, about 30 seconds.

Step 3: Brighten With Broccoli

Introduce broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry energetically.

Pour a small amount of water, cover the pan, and let the broccoli steam until it becomes vibrantly green and crisp-tender.

Step 4: Create The Flavor Fusion

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Sesame oil
• Honey
• Black pepper

Pour this magical sauce into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Reunite And Thicken

Return the previously cooked beef to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly.

Add cornstarch slurry and continue stirring until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, glossy coating.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Plate your delectable beef and broccoli over steamed rice or noodles.

Dive into this delicious meal straight away while it’s piping hot.

Tips to Boost Beef and Broccoli Flavor

• Choose lean beef cuts like sirloin or flank steak for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Slice beef against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing during each delicious bite.
• Prep all ingredients beforehand to maintain high heat and prevent overcooking, which keeps meat juicy and broccoli perfectly crisp.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting cornstarch: add more for thicker consistency or less for a lighter coating on the ingredients.
• Consider substituting honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for alternative sweetness if needed, making the recipe more flexible for different dietary preferences.

Flavor Variations for Beef and Broccoli

• Chicken Swap: Replace beef with sliced chicken breast for a lighter protein option that cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute beef with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing out excess moisture before cooking to achieve a meaty texture and absorb rich flavors.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip rice or noodles and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lower-carbohydrate meal that maintains the original recipe's core taste profile.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade for those who enjoy a more intense, fiery flavor in their stir-fry.

What to Pair with Beef and Broccoli

• Quick Family Dinner Delight: Serve this beef and broccoli over fluffy jasmine rice for a classic comfort meal that satisfies everyone.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion into lunch containers with extra rice for a delicious next-day office or school lunch that stays fresh and tasty.
• Weekend Game Night Twist: Transform the dish into lettuce wraps by serving beef mixture inside crisp butter lettuce leaves for a fun, interactive dining experience.
• Asian-Inspired Appetizer: Create mini beef and broccoli bites by serving on small toothpicks as a crowd-pleasing party snack that packs bold flavor in every bite.

Quick Beef and Broccoli Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rich beef and broccoli stir-fry brings classic Chinese flavors to home kitchens. Savory meat, crisp vegetables, and glossy sauce create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced

Vegetables:

• 3 cups broccoli florets

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water

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Instructions

1. Sear beef slices in a scorching hot skillet over medium-high heat with vegetable oil until caramelized and golden, approximately 3-4 minutes. Transfer meat to a separate plate.
2. In the same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
3. Introduce broccoli florets to the pan, stir-frying vigorously for 2-3 minutes. Splash water, cover, and steam for an additional 2 minutes until vegetables reach tender-crisp perfection.
4. Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, honey, and black pepper in a separate bowl to create a harmonious flavor profile.
5. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, allowing it to simmer and develop depth.
6. Reintroduce the seared beef to the pan, gently folding to coat evenly with the glossy sauce.
7. Incorporate cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, thick consistency, approximately 1-2 minutes.
8. Plate immediately over steamed rice or noodles, serving while piping hot for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

• Choose a lean cut of beef like sirloin or flank steak for a healthier protein option that remains tender and flavorful.
• Slice beef against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing during eating.
• Marinate beef beforehand with a splash of rice wine or additional sesame oil to enhance meat’s flavor and softness.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain authentic taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg