If you’re craving a classic Chinese takeout favorite that you can easily make at home, beef and broccoli is the perfect dish to try. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re a beginner cook or just looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe will guide you through making tender beef and crisp broccoli coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Let’s dive into how you make beef and broccoli that tastes better than takeout!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Stir Fry:
– 1 to 1.25 pounds of flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak, thinly sliced against the grain into bite-sized strips
– 4-5 cups broccoli florets, chopped into small bite-size pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil, divided
– 4 green onions, chopped (white and light green parts)
For the Sauce:
– ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
– ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
– ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon water
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, cornstarch, red pepper flakes (if using), and water until smooth. Set this aside — it will thicken beautifully when heated later.
2. Cook the Broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until it is crisp-tender. Transfer the broccoli to a plate and set aside.
3. Cook the Beef
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the sliced beef and sprinkle with a little black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned but still tender. You want to avoid overcooking to keep the beef juicy.
4. Combine and Finish
Return the broccoli to the pan with the beef. Give the sauce a quick whisk and pour it over the beef and broccoli. Stir everything together and cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly. Stir in the green onions just before removing from heat.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your homemade beef and broccoli hot over steamed white or brown rice. Garnish with sesame seeds if you like for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Tips for the Best Beef and Broccoli
– Slice the beef thinly and against the grain to ensure tenderness.
– Marinate the beef briefly with a bit of soy sauce and cornstarch for extra flavor and a velvety texture.
– Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should be tender but still crisp to provide a nice contrast to the beef.
– Use a hot pan or wok to get a good sear on the beef, which adds flavor.
– Adjust the sauce sweetness or saltiness by tweaking the brown sugar and soy sauce to your taste.
Why Make Beef and Broccoli at Home?
Making beef and broccoli yourself lets you control the ingredients, making it healthier than many takeout options. You can reduce sodium, avoid preservatives, and customize the sauce to your liking. Plus, it’s a quick meal that comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that balances savory, sweet, and umami flavors with fresh vegetables and tender beef. It’s a great way to enjoy a restaurant-style dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Enjoy your delicious homemade beef and broccoli with a side of rice for a satisfying meal everyone will love!
Beef and broccoli is a quick, flavorful dish that’s easy to master and perfect for any night of the week.