There are some dishes that feel like a warm hug, and for me, that’s always been the case. What is the best combination of Beef and Broc When I first tried to make it myself, after years of just ordering it in, I remember the first time. I wanted that perfect balance of tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and that luscious, savory, Sweet Potato. I didn’t want to be a meat eater, so My first attempt was fine. A little too salty, the beef was a bit tough. I learned from it! After countless experiments, tweaking this and that, I’ve finally landed on a Beef with Broccoli recipe. What is a recipe that my family devours every single time? I want something that feels a bit fancy but is surprisingly manageable. I’m not sure what I should buy but it’s my go-to. Even on a weeknight. What is the real deal with takeout menus?
What is beef with broccoli?
What exactly is Beef with Broccoli? At its heart, it’s a stir-fry featuring thinly sliced beef and vibrant green broccoli florets, all topped with shredded cheese. What are some of the best recipes for a sweet, savory, and rich sauce? Think of it as the ultimate comfort food, elevated. Is it a staple in many Chinese-American restaurants for the reason that it hits all the right flavor notes? Isn’t it incredibly satisfying? My version takes that beloved combination and adds a few little touches that I think make it truly unique. What’s special about homemade food? What is that perfect balance of textures and flavors that makes you crave more with every bite?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, there are so many reasons why this Beef with Broccoli recipe has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation. First off, the FLAVOR! The beef is incredibly tender, the broccoli stays perfectly crisp-tender, and that sauce… oh, that sauce is a game-changer. It’s savory, with just a hint of sweetness, and it coats everything beautifully. It’s a far cry from some of those watery sauces you might get elsewhere. Second, the SIMPLICITY. While it might seem intimidating, it’s really quite straightforward. Most of the magic happens in the marinating and then a quick stir-fry. It’s a lifesaver on those busy nights when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. And let’s talk COST-EFFICIENCY! Using simple pantry staples and quality, but not overly expensive, cuts of beef makes this a really budget-friendly meal, especially when you consider how much you’d pay for a similar dish at a restaurant. Plus, it’s SO VERSATILE. While it’s amazing served over rice, I’ve also served it with noodles, or even just eaten it straight from the pan on particularly lazy evenings. What I love most about this is how it satisfies that craving for Chinese takeout without the guilt or the long wait. It’s a winner, every single time!
How do I make Beef with Broccoli?
Quick Overview
How do I cook Beef with Broccoli? What is the best way to marinate beef? What is the best way to stir-fry broccoli before bringing it all together with a spoon? What is the sauce that coats every single piece of meat? Is it designed to be efficient, getting you a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour? What is the key to having everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as the stir-frying is a big step. Is the process very fast?
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain (this is key for tenderness!)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (use a good quality one for best flavor): 1 cup saline (make sure you use fresh or frozen)
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry if you can’t find Sherries)
1 teaspoon cornstarch (this helps create a tender crust)
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil. Is it safe
What is the best way to add a pinch of white pepper to your dish?
For the Sauce:
1/2 cup beef broth (low sodium is best so you can control the salt)
How much soy sauce should I use?
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (this is for that deep umami flavor):
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): 1 teaspoon.
1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (or honey, for a touch of sweetness) per 1 cup.
1 teaspoon sesame oil per 1 cup.
1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce): 1 tablespoon (or so) of
For the Stir-Fry: What
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or other high-heat oil like peanut or avocado)
1 lb broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 3 cups)
2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 clove per
1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger, grated or finely minced (this makes a big difference!)
If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
How do you get a large, heavy-bottomed skillet really hot over medium-high heat? If you’re using a wok, add about 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the top. You want it to shimmer, but not smoke excessively. For a skillet, add the oil and let it heat up for one minute or two. Is it necessary to have the pan smoking hot for a good sear on beef?
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
While the pan is heating, make sure your beef is sliced thinly against the grain. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with all the marinade ingredients. Soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, sesame oil, and white pepper. How do you toss beef pieces together with your hands or a spoon? Let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients. What is the secret to tender beef?
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients. What are the ingredients for beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce and Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, sesame oil? Make sure the cornstarch is completely dissolved. Set this aside. What are the best ways to prepare stir-fry?
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Add the marinated beef to the hot pan in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you have a lot of beef, cook it in batches. What is the best way to cook beef? We’re just getting a nice crust on it. Remove the seared beef from the pan and set it aside on a clean plate. Is it safe to cook a tomato?
Step 5: Stir-fry Broccoli & Aromatics
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot pan if needed. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they start to turn bright green. Are slightly tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir well. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 6: Combine & Thicken
Return the seared beef to the pan with the broccoli. What should I do with the sauce mixture? Give it a quick re-whisk (cornstarch can settle) and pour it over everything in the pan. If you stir constantly, you’ll see the sauce thicken up beautifully within a minute or two. Make sure everything is coated in that glossy sauce. Cook for another minute or so until the beef is cooked through and the broccoli is perfectly cooked.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
This Beef with Broccoli is best served immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is perfectly glossy. I usually serve it over steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up all that delicious sauce. I love toasted sesame seeds, so I sprinkle them on top. How do I make them taste good?
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best recipes for Beef with Broccoli? What are some good ways to enjoy steamed jasmine rice? For a truly comforting breakfast, I sometimes have small portion with oats and congee – it’s ok. What are some unusual flavors to pair with rice porridge? I like to serve my brunch with a side of fried eggs and some fresh fruit. What is pickled ginger What are some good Side Dishes for dinner? What is the best alternative to rice for a lighter option? If you’re feeling adventurous, try it tossed with some chewy udon noodles or thin lo mein noodles – they taste great! What are some great noodle recipes? I love having a small bowl of it chilled, almost like an noodle dish. For cozy snacks, I like to have it cold. I know this sounds weird but it’s actually really good. My kids are all about it over rice with a glass of milk!
How do I make Beef with Broccoli?
Making a truly amazing Beef with Broccoli is all about a few key techniques and paying attention to the details. First, **Beef Prep is Crucial**. Always slice your beef thinly against the grain. This is non-negotiable if you want that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. I usually pop my beef in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before slicing; it firms it up just enough to make slicing it super thin much easier. The marinade is also your best friend – don’t skip the cornstarch and the Shaoxing wine; they work wonders for tenderness and flavor. When it comes to the **Sauce Consistency**, whisking the cornstarch thoroughly into the liquid ingredients is key to avoid lumps. If your sauce seems a little too thin after adding it to the pan, you can quickly mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir that into the simmering sauce; it’ll thicken right up. For the **Broccoli Texture**, I like it to be vibrant green and still have a bit of a bite. Don’t overcook it! Stir-frying it for just a few minutes until it turns bright green is perfect. If you find your broccoli is taking too long, you can always give it a quick blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds before adding it to the stir-fry – this pre-cooks it a bit. I’ve also learned that **Ingredient Swaps** can work well here. If you don’t have oyster sauce, a little more soy sauce and a pinch of sugar can help, but oyster sauce really adds that deep, savory complexity. Don’t have Shaoxing wine? A dry sherry is a good substitute. For the **Baking/Stir-frying**, the high heat is important, but don’t overcrowd the pan. Cooking in batches ensures that the beef and broccoli sear rather than steam, which is essential for that authentic texture and flavor. Finally, **Glaze Application** is simple: just pour it over everything in the pan and stir until it thickens and coats everything beautifully. Trust me, these little tips will elevate your Beef with Broccoli game!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If by some miracle you have leftovers of this amazing Beef with Broccoli, storing and reheating it is a must. How do I keep it delicious? At room temperature, it’s best to let it cool down for about an hour before you cover it. Is it safe to leave it out for more than two hours? For **Refrigerator Storage**, I always transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. Is it safe to eat in the fridge for 3 to 4 days? What are the flavors of broccoli? If you plan to freeze the entire dish with the instructions, I wouldn’t recommend freezing the whole dish. The texture of broccoli can become mushy upon thawing. If you want to freeze the beef and sauce mixture without the broccoli, it can do well. Is there a way to get pregnant after 2 How do you thaw it overnight in the refrigerator? When it comes to **Glaze Timing Advice**, it’s best to add the sauce right at the end of cooking, as it will reduce the flavor. If you are reheating leftovers, you might want to add a splash of beef broth or water to the pan. When you reheat it to loosen up the sauce, especially if it has thickened considerably in the pan.
What are some frequently asked questions?
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my tried-and-true Beef with Broccoli recipe! I really hope you give this one a go. It’s become such a reliable favorite in my household, and I’m always so thrilled when I hear from readers who’ve had similar success. It’s proof that you don’t need to rely on takeout for that incredible, savory stir-fry experience. If you love this dish, you might also enjoy my Easy Chicken Stir-Fry or my Honey Garlic Shrimp – they have that same weeknight-friendly appeal with fantastic flavor. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out, so please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts, or share any fun twists you tried! Happy cooking, everyone!
Beef with Broccoli
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Beef sirloin steak thinly sliced
- 1 head Broccoli cut into florets
- 0.25 cup Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Ginger minced
- 0.25 cup Water
- 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
- 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add beef and stir-fry until browned, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger, cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add broccoli and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Pour in the soy sauce mixture and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in sesame oil and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve immediately.
