Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Beef and Broccoli recipe is simple, healthy, and ready in under 30 minutes. The beef stays juicy and tender thanks to a quick marinade, while the broccoli retains a perfect crunch. The sauce balances salty, sweet, and umami flavors, making it a deliciously comforting dish that pairs well with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Beef flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced)
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Broccoli florets
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Soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
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Oyster sauce
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Brown sugar or honey
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Garlic (minced)
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Fresh ginger (minced)
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Cornstarch
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Vegetable oil or sesame oil
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Water or beef broth
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Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Directions
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In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and cornstarch. Add sliced beef and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
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Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches and cook until browned but not fully cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, add broccoli and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Add a splash of water or broth and cover briefly to steam.
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Return the beef to the pan with broccoli. Pour in remaining sauce and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and beef is cooked through.
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Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
Variations
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Substitute broccoli with other vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or baby corn.
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Use ground beef or thinly sliced chicken or instead of beef.
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Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
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Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the beef tender and broccoli crisp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw and drain excess water before cooking to prevent sogginess.
What cut of beef is best for stir-fry?
Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak are great choices due to their tenderness and flavor.
How do I make the beef tender?
Thin slicing against the grain and marinating in soy sauce and cornstarch helps tenderize the beef.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives.
Can I prepare the beef ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the beef up to 24 hours in advance for more flavor.
What can I serve with Beef and Broccoli?
Steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles are excellent accompaniments.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Cornstarch mixed with water is used to thicken the sauce during cooking.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, but you can add red pepper flakes or chili sauce to add heat.
Can I cook this in a regular pan instead of a wok?
Yes, a large skillet works well too.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Conclusion
Beef and Broccoli is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that brings the taste of Chinese takeout home. With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a flavorful sauce, this dish is a versatile weeknight favorite that can be customized to your taste. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a satisfying option you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation.

Beef and Broccoli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Beef and Broccoli is a classic Chinese-American stir-fry featuring tender slices of beef and crisp broccoli florets tossed in a savory, slightly sweet soy-based sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful and healthy dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners and pairs beautifully with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
-
Beef flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced)
-
Broccoli florets
-
Soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
-
Oyster sauce
-
Brown sugar or honey
-
Garlic (minced)
-
Fresh ginger (minced)
-
Cornstarch
-
Vegetable oil or sesame oil
-
Water or beef broth
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
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In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Add sliced beef and toss to coat. Marinate at least 15 minutes.
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Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook beef in batches until browned but not fully cooked, 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, stir-fry broccoli for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Add a splash of water or broth, cover briefly to steam.
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Return beef to pan with broccoli. Pour in remaining sauce, stir-fry 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and beef is cooked through.
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Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
Substitute broccoli with snap peas, bell peppers, or baby corn for variety.Ground beef or other thinly sliced meats can replace flank steak.Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha for spice.Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.