If you’ve ever craved a takeout classic that’s quick, flavorful, and satisfying, this Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender strips of flank steak cooked to perfection and bright, crisp broccoli coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, this dish comes together in no time to give you that unbeatable comfort food fix right at home. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner to wow your family without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish right means having a few simple, high-impact ingredients on hand. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes this beef and broccoli pop off the plate. Let’s walk through what you’ll need.
- Flank steak (1 pound): Choose a tender cut you can slice thinly across the grain for the best texture.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Necessary for that quick, high heat sear that locks in flavor.
- Broccoli florets (3-4 cups): Fresh and bright, they bring a beautiful pop of green and crunch.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup): The salty, umami backbone of the sauce without being overpowering.
- Water (1/2 cup): Helps balance the sauce’s consistency and intensifies the flavor infusion.
- Apple cider or rice vinegar (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle tang that brightens the entire dish.
- Toasted sesame oil (1/2 teaspoon): A small splash brings that irresistible nutty aroma.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Sweetens everything perfectly, creating a beautifully balanced sauce.
- Cornstarch (3 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce to that luscious, clingy finish we all love.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Infuses a zesty kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Essential for that unmistakable depth of flavor and aroma.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon or to taste): Adds a little heat that’s optional but highly recommended for some zing.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) Recipe
Step 1: Prep Like a Pro
Before the skillet even hits the heat, prep all your ingredients. Trim any fat from the flank steak and slice it thinly against the grain into bite-sized pieces; this ensures tenderness with every bite. Whisk together the soy sauce, water, vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes to create a sauce that’s bursting with flavor and ready to thicken beautifully as you cook.
Step 2: Get That Pan Hot and Ready
Add one tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet over high heat. Let it get truly hot — you’re looking for the oil to shimmer so the broccoli will sear just right and maintain its crunch. This step is crucial for locking in freshness and color.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli to Tender-Crisp Perfection
Toss the broccoli florets into the hot pan and stir them frequently. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they’re tender but still retain a bit of crunch and their vibrant green color. Then, plate them and set aside while you cook the steak.
Step 4: Sear the Beef Beautifully
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil back to the pan. Layer in the thinly sliced flank steak in a single layer, giving it a chance to brown and sear without crowding. Don’t stir immediately — let it sit for about a minute to get that caramelized edge. Then flip the pieces and cook for one more minute. Remember, beef cooks fast and easily overcooks, so leaving it slightly rare inside is ideal for tenderness.
Step 5: Combine and Coat Everything in Sauce
Return the broccoli to the pan and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Stir and toss quickly until every morsel is coated and the sauce thickens into a rich glaze—about 1 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and get ready for a delicious meal that tastes like a night off from cooking but with all the homemade love.
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate both flavor and presentation. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped scallions for a fresh bite and irresistible crunch. A few extra red pepper flakes on top can add a nice pop of color and spice.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. If you want even more texture, serve alongside crispy egg rolls or a light Asian-style cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun family dinners or impressive meal prep, serve the beef and broccoli over a bed of soba noodles or tuck it inside lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld twist. You can also plate it vibrant with a drizzle of sriracha mayo for those who love a spicy kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover beef and broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The beef may continue to soak up the sauce, making it more flavorful, but be mindful that broccoli can soften over time.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to save portions for later. Pack in freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawing, remember the texture of the broccoli may change slightly, but the flavors remain delicious.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and keep the beef tender. You can also microwave it covered for a minute or two, but be careful not to overcook or dry out the steak.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness when sliced thin, you can also use sirloin or skirt steak. Just make sure to slice it very thin against the grain to keep it tender once cooked.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you need a gluten-free option, tamari works beautifully as a 1:1 replacement. Coconut aminos offer a soy-free, slightly sweeter alternative with less salt.
Is it okay to use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Fresh broccoli is best for texture and color, but if frozen is what you have, thaw and drain thoroughly to avoid excess water. You may want to cook it a bit less to avoid mushiness.
Why does the sauce thicken quickly?
The cornstarch in the sauce acts as a thickening agent and activates when heated. Stirring continuously as soon as you add the sauce helps ensure a smooth, glossy finish without lumps.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
For a vegan twist, swap the beef for firm tofu or tempeh and use mushroom or vegetable broth instead of water. The sauce stays deliciously versatile and flavorful even without meat.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) Recipe combines speed, simplicity, and mouthwatering flavor to deliver one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned cook, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a homemade takeout favorite that’s healthier and fresher. Give it a try soon—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A quick and flavorful Beef and Broccoli stir-fry recipe that can be made in just 30 minutes. Tender flank steak slices and crisp-tender broccoli florets are cooked in a savory sauce made with low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, fresh ginger, garlic, and a hint of toasted sesame oil. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Beef and Broccoli
- 1 pound flank steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 3–4 cups broccoli florets
Sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 cup (packed) brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Trim any fat from the flank steak and slice it thinly across the grain into bite-sized pieces. Whisk together all the sauce ingredients—soy sauce, water, vinegar, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes—in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Heat the skillet and cook broccoli: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet and heat over high until the oil shimmers. Add the broccoli florets and stir or toss frequently for 4-5 minutes until they become tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Cook the beef: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Spread the beef pieces in a single layer in the skillet and let them sear undisturbed for about 1 minute. Flip and stir with cooking tongs, cooking for another minute or so. The beef should be slightly rare at this stage to avoid toughness.
- Combine broccoli and sauce: Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet with the beef. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli; stir and toss the mixture until everything is evenly coated and the sauce thickens, about 1-3 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat immediately to prevent overcooking and serve the Beef and Broccoli hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Slicing the flank steak thin and across the grain ensures the beef remains tender.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content of the dish.
- Toasted sesame oil adds a nutty aroma but is used sparingly because of its strong flavor.
- The broccoli should be cooked until just tender-crisp for the best texture.
- Be careful not to overcook the beef as it will become tough quickly.
