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This classic Beef and Broccoli recipe stands out for its perfect balance of tender, thinly sliced flank steak and crisp-tender broccoli florets, all enveloped in a savory, slightly sweet stir-fry sauce.
What makes this dish especially appealing is its quick cook time—ready in just 30 minutes—making it an excellent choice for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Nutritionally, it’s packed with lean protein from the beef, which supports muscle maintenance and overall health.
The broccoli adds valuable fiber and antioxidants, promoting digestion and immune support.
The use of olive and sesame oils introduces heart-healthy fats while keeping saturated fat low.
With a moderate carb count and a wholesome sauce free of heavy additives, this recipe is both satisfying and nutrient-rich.
Plus, its versatility allows for easy vegetable swaps to suit your taste or seasonal produce availability.
Overall, it’s a flavorful, nutritious, and practical option for everyday cooking.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Non-Stick Skillet
Essential for evenly cooking the beef and broccoli without sticking or burning.
A good-quality non-stick skillet reduces the need for excess oil and makes cleanup a breeze, perfect for quick stir-fries.
Sharp Chef’s Knife
Vital for thinly slicing the flank steak and chopping broccoli florets precisely.
A sharp, comfortable chef’s knife speeds up prep work and ensures uniform cooking by cutting consistent pieces.
Grater or Microplane
Needed for finely grating fresh ginger and garlic, which release maximum flavor in the stir-fry sauce.
A microplane provides an effortless way to incorporate aromatic ingredients that elevate the dish.
Mixing Bowl
Useful for whisking together the stir-fry sauce ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the brown sugar dissolves and the cornstarch blends evenly to create a smooth, thickened sauce.
Measuring Spoons and Cups
Accuracy is key when measuring soy sauce, oils, and seasonings to maintain the perfect flavor balance every time.
Reliable measuring tools make the recipe foolproof and consistent.
Flavor-Packed Beef and Broccoli
Equipment
- 1 Non-Stick Skillet
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife
- 1 Grater or Microplane
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- Measuring Spoons and Cups Set
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 1 pound flank steak thinly sliced into bite-sized strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, divided
- 1 pound fresh broccoli cut into about 6 cups of florets
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds optional, for garnish
For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated garlic about 3 cloves
- ½ cup hot water
- 6 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
- 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Place the flank steak in the freezer for about 30 minutes before slicing; this firms up the meat and makes it easier to cut thin strips. When ready, slice the steak thinly against the grain into bite-sized pieces.
- Whisk the Stir-Fry Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the grated ginger, grated garlic, hot water, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, black pepper, and sesame oil. Stir thoroughly until the sugar and cornstarch dissolve completely. Set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets, then cover partially with a lid. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli turns bright green and is crisp-tender. For softer broccoli, add 2 tablespoons of water before covering to steam it gently. Remove broccoli from the pan and set aside.
- Sear the Beef: Increase the heat to high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Spread the sliced beef in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the meat is just cooked through. Test doneness by cutting a piece to check.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked beef. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally as the sauce thickens. Return the broccoli to the pan and mix well. If the sauce is too thick, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Transfer the beef and broccoli stir-fry to serving plates. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired and serve immediately over steamed white rice.
Notes
- Alternative Cuts of Beef: You can substitute flank steak with top sirloin, top round, tri-tip, or even ribeye for different flavor and tenderness.
- Vegetable Variations: Fresh vegetables work best here; avoid frozen for optimal texture. Feel free to add or swap in snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to customize your stir-fry.
- Make Ahead: The sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Cooking Tip: Slicing the beef thinly against the grain helps ensure tender bites.
- Serving Suggestion: This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, but cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative.
Chef’s Secrets for Best Flavor
Achieving the perfect Beef and Broccoli comes down to a few key techniques.
First, freezing the flank steak for about 30 minutes before slicing makes it easier to cut thin, even strips, which ensures quick and uniform cooking.
Always slice against the grain to maximize tenderness—this simple tip makes a big difference in texture.
When cooking the broccoli, avoid overcooking to maintain its bright color and crisp-tender bite; adding a splash of water and covering the pan helps steam the florets gently without turning them mushy.
Using a combination of olive oil and toasted sesame oil adds layers of flavor while keeping the dish light and heart-healthy.
Lastly, whisking the sauce ingredients thoroughly before adding ensures a smooth, well-balanced glaze that thickens just right.
Serving Suggestions for Balanced Meals
Beef and Broccoli is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.
The classic choice is steamed white rice, which soaks up the savory sauce beautifully.
For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice or quinoa make excellent alternatives without sacrificing texture or nutrition.
To round out your meal, consider serving it alongside simple steamed dumplings or a crisp Asian cucumber salad to add freshness and crunch.
A drizzle of extra toasted sesame oil or a sprinkle of fresh scallions right before serving can elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise.
This recipe also works well as a filling for lettuce wraps, offering a light and satisfying handheld meal.
Storage Tips to Keep Freshness
To store leftovers, allow the beef and broccoli to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
It can be refrigerated safely for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave to prevent the broccoli from becoming soggy and the beef from drying out; add a splash of water or soy sauce to help revive the sauce.
This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months—freeze in portion-sized containers for easy thawing.
When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove for best texture and flavor retention.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
While frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch, fresh broccoli is preferred for this recipe to maintain a crisp-tender texture and vibrant color. Frozen broccoli tends to release more water, which can make the dish watery.
2. What cuts of beef work best?
Flank steak is ideal due to its flavor and texture when sliced thin. You can also use top sirloin, top round, tri-tip, or ribeye depending on your preference and budget.
3. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep the sauce flavorful and safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
4. Can I prep the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The stir-fry sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated. Just whisk it again before adding to the pan.
5. How can I make the dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha sauce to the stir-fry sauce before cooking for a nice spicy kick that complements the savory flavors.
This recipe is inspired by natashaskitchen and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.