Beef and Broccoli is your answer to bland takeout and soggy stir fries. This easy homemade version is bursting with tender steak, crisp broccoli, and a bold garlic ginger sauce that rivals your favorite restaurant.
Hi, I’m Jack welcome to my kitchen! I’m the recipe developer and food enthusiast behind Cooks Foody. This blog started from my passion for creating memorable meals that are easy enough for everyday cooking. When I first mastered this classic Chinese-American favorite, I knew I had to share it. Whether you’re cooking for two or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers in flavor, speed, and satisfaction.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything from choosing the best cut of beef to stir frying perfection, with prep tips, flavor hacks, and a few expert FAQs along the way.
Why This Beef and Broccoli Recipe Works
- 🥩 Uses affordable, easy-to-find flank steak
- ⏱️ Marinates in 15 minutes for incredible tenderness
- 🍚 Perfect for weeknights or weekend feasts
- 🍜 Balanced umami, garlic, and ginger flavor profile
- 🧄 Tastes better than takeout guaranteed!
Choosing the Right Meat for Beef and Broccoli
Best Cuts for This Recipe
- Flank steak: Lean and flavorful, ideal for quick stir-fry
- Alternative: Skirt steak or sirloin tip if flank is unavailable
Buying Tips
- Look for even marbling and deep red color
- Ask your butcher to slice thin if you’re short on prep time
Substitutions
- Use chicken thighs for a poultry variation
- Replace beef with seitan or tempeh for a plant-based twist
Ingredients & Prep for Beef and Broccoli
Meat Prep Essentials
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- 1 tsp baking soda (for tenderizing)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (light)
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
Marinate beef for 15 minutes.
Marinade Beams
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (light)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (dark)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
Pantry Staples
- Canola or vegetable oil for stir frying
- 1 lb broccoli florets, blanched or steamed
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later!
I’d love to see your twist on it feel free to post your photos on Pinterest and tag me!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Beef and Broccoli
Pre-Cooking Prep for Beef and Broccoli
- Slice steak thinly and marinate for 15 minutes
- Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 60 seconds, drain and set aside
- Prepare sauce by whisking all liquids and seasonings together
Cooking Method for Beef and Broccoli
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over high heat
- Sear beef in batches until browned (about 1 min per side)
- Remove beef; sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant
- Add sauce to pan, bring to a simmer, then add slurry
- Toss in broccoli and cooked beef, stir until sauce thickens and coats evenly
Doneness Check for Beef and Broccoli
- Beef should be just cooked through and tender
- Sauce should cling lightly to meat and broccoli
Resting for Beef and Broccoli
- Let sit for 3–5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to deepen
Pro Tips for Perfect Beef and Broccoli
Avoiding Tough/Dry Meat
- Always slice beef against the grain
- Do not overcook high heat, short time is key
Tool Recommendations
- Carbon steel or nonstick wok
- Sharp chef’s knife and meat thermometer
Storage & Reheating
- Store up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth
Flavor Variations for Beef and Broccoli
| Variation | Description | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Spicy Sichuan | Add chili oil or red pepper flakes | Toss in last with sauce |
| Paleo/Keto | Use coconut aminos, arrowroot starch | Skip sugar |
| Thai-Inspired | Add Thai basil, fish sauce, lime | Garnish with crushed peanuts |
Serving Suggestions for Beef and Broccoli
- 🍚 Serve over jasmine or brown rice
- 🥢 Pair with scallion pancakes or egg rolls
- 🍷 Best with light-bodied red wine or a cold lager
FAQs about Beef and Broccoli
Q: Can I use frozen beef?
A: Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.
Q: How do I keep broccoli crisp?
A: Blanch briefly and avoid overcooking during the stir-fry.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely store sauce, meat, and veggies separately until ready to heat and combine.
Conclusion
This Beef and Broccoli recipe delivers all the flavor and satisfaction of your favorite Chinese takeout but fresher, faster, and even more delicious. Fire up your wok and bring the restaurant home tonight!
Print
Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe in 30 minutes (Better than Takeout!)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
Beef
- 1 lb flank steak thinly sliced 1/4 inch thick against the grain
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Stir Fry Sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- ½ tablespoon cornstarch
Stir Fry
- 1 lb broccoli cut into bite sized pieces
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- ½ tablespoon ginger minced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Marinate the beef. In a mixing bowl, add the thinly sliced beef, baking soda, Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, white pepper, water, and cornstarch. Add the beef to the marinade and mix until thoroughly combined. Set aside and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Mix stir-fry sauce. In a small mixing bowl, add the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Mix until combined. Set aside.
- Boil broccoli. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil with a generous pinch of salt. Once it reaches a boil, add the broccoli and cook for 1-2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the beef. Bring one tablespoon of cooking oil to a wok or large skillet on medium-high heat until hot. Once the pan is hot, spread the marinated beef onto a single layer and cook for 30 seconds on each side until seared and browned. Remove from the wok and set aside.
- Stir fry everything together. Add one tablespoon of cooking oil to the skillet on medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Saute for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Then add the broccoli and cook the broccoli for 1 minute. Lastly, add the beef and stir-fry sauce. Toss together for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce is thickened and evenly coated. Once everything is mixed, turn off the heat, add the sesame oil, and toss to combine.
- Serve. Serve with freshly diced green onions and rice. Enjoy!
Notes
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Large skillet
- Prep Time: 5minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
Nutrition
- Calories: 355kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 2373mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 91mg