Quick Beef And Broccoli Recipe

Quick & Savory Beef and Broccoli Recipe Everyone Will Love

Craving a delightful beef and broccoli dish that sparkles with Asian-inspired flavors?

Culinary magic happens when tender meat meets vibrant green florets in this quick, satisfying meal.

Succulent strips of protein dance alongside crisp vegetables, creating a harmony of textures and tastes.

Minimal ingredients blend seamlessly to craft an impressive dinner that looks restaurant-quality but comes together effortlessly at home.

Simple marinades infuse each bite with rich, savory notes that will make you feel like a professional chef.

Home cooking reaches new heights with this straightforward yet delectable combination that promises to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

You’ll want to grab your skillet and start cooking right now.

FAQs

  • What kind of beef works best for this recipe?

Flank steak or sirloin are ideal choices because they’re tender, lean, and slice easily into thin strips for quick cooking.

  • How do I slice the beef thinly?

Partially freeze the beef for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This makes it firmer and easier to cut into thin, even strips against the grain.

  • Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade for extra heat. Start with a small amount and adjust to your spice preference.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. Use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Beef And Broccoli Packed With Flavor

  • Tackle Quick Protein Meal: Perfect for busy individuals craving a delicious protein-packed dinner that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
  • Maximize Nutrition Boost: Combines lean protein from beef with nutrient-dense broccoli, creating a balanced meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.
  • Master One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by using a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and making this recipe ideal for weeknight dinners or quick meal preparation.
  • Customize Flavor Profile: Easily adaptable recipe allows home cooks to adjust sauce intensity, swap protein, or add extra vegetables based on personal preference and ingredient availability.

Ingredients For Beef And Broccoli

Main Ingredients:
  • Beef: A tender protein that provides the main flavor and substance of the dish.
  • Broccoli: A vibrant green vegetable that adds nutrition and crunch to the recipe.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Provides deep umami flavor and seasoning for the dish.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty aroma to enhance the overall taste.
  • Brown Sugar: Brings a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.
  • Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating.
Aromatics and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide a sharp and zesty flavor base.
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for stir-frying and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.
Garnish (Optional):
  • Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Adds visual appeal and a fresh finishing touch to the dish.

How To Cook Beef And Broccoli

Step 1: Craft the Flavor-Packed Sauce

Grab a small bowl and mix together the magical sauce ingredients:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Brown sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Water

Whisk everything until smooth and set aside for later.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef

Fire up a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Drizzle in vegetable oil and toss in the beef. Stir-fry those meat pieces until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.

Scoop out the beef and park it on a plate.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

In the same sizzling skillet, add another splash of vegetable oil.

Toss in minced garlic and ginger, letting them dance and release their incredible fragrance for about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Transform the Broccoli

Add broccoli florets to the skillet.

Stir-fry them for 2-3 minutes, then splash in a bit of water. Cover and let steam for 2 more minutes until the broccoli is perfectly tender-crisp.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Return the beef to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together, letting the sauce bubble and coat every morsel.

Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef and broccoli.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your masterpiece over steamed rice or noodles.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you’re feeling fancy. Dig in and savor the incredible flavors!

Tips For Beef And Broccoli

  • Marinate beef beforehand for deeper flavor penetration and more tender meat.
  • Slice beef against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
  • Use high heat when stir-frying to achieve that classic restaurant-style sear and prevent meat from becoming tough.
  • Keep broccoli crisp by not overcooking; aim for bright green color and slight crunch to maintain nutritional value.
  • Choose low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier version without compromising authentic taste and reduce salt content.

Different Spins On Beef And Broccoli

  • Chicken Swap: Replace beef with sliced chicken breast for a lighter protein option that absorbs the same delicious sauce flavors.
  • Tofu Vegetarian Version: Substitute beef with firm tofu cubes, pressing and marinating tofu beforehand to enhance absorption of sauce and improve texture.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the same savory profile of the original recipe.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free to create a safe version for those with gluten sensitivities.

What To Serve With Beef And Broccoli

  • Family Dinner Night: Elevate this classic beef and broccoli dish as a comforting weeknight meal that brings everyone together around the table, enjoying warm servings over fluffy white rice.
  • Restaurant-Style Plating: Create an elegant presentation by arranging beef and broccoli in a circular pattern on a wide plate, drizzling extra sauce around the edges, and sprinkling fresh green onions on top for a professional touch.
  • Quick Lunch Meal Prep: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers with separated compartments, keeping rice and beef and broccoli in different sections to maintain optimal texture and freshness for easy workday lunches.
  • Asian-Inspired Fusion Bowl: Transform the recipe into a trendy rice or quinoa bowl, adding extra toppings like pickled vegetables, crispy wontons, or a soft-boiled egg to enhance flavor complexity and nutritional value.

Storing Beef And Broccoli Properly

  • Refrigerate leftover beef and broccoli in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the meat and vegetables separate from rice to maintain texture.
  • Transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Label the container with the date to track storage time.
Print
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Quick Beef And Broccoli Recipe

Quick Beef And Broccoli Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty beef and broccoli stir-fry delivers Chinese-inspired comfort with tender meat and crisp vegetables. Savory sauce and quick cooking method make this classic dish a perfect weeknight meal for hungry diners.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 3 cups broccoli florets

Sauce and Seasoning:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Optional: sesame seeds
  • Optional: sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a small mixing vessel, creating a glossy marinade. Let the mixture rest.
  2. Fire up a large skillet or wok to medium-high heat, drizzling vegetable oil across the surface. Swiftly sear beef slices until they develop a rich caramel exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes. Transfer protein to a holding plate.
  3. Without cleaning the skillet, introduce another splash of oil. Tumble minced garlic and ginger into the hot pan, quickly moving them around to release their aromatic essence, about 30 seconds.
  4. Cascade broccoli florets into the skillet, agitating them rapidly to ensure even cooking. Introduce a modest water splash, then cover to steam for 2 minutes, maintaining vibrant green color and crisp texture.
  5. Reunite the seared beef with the vegetable medley, pouring the prepared sauce across the ingredients. Continuously stir and toss, allowing the sauce to embrace and transform into a glossy, clingy coating, roughly 2-3 minutes.
  6. Plate immediately atop steamed rice or noodles, sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for a final flourish of flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Tenderize beef by slicing against the grain to ensure maximum softness and easier chewing experience.
  • Use high heat when stir-frying to achieve quick caramelization and prevent meat from becoming tough or rubbery.
  • Substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder for gluten-free diets or replace beef with tofu for a vegetarian version.
  • Cook broccoli just until bright green and crisp to retain nutrients and prevent overcooking, which can make vegetables mushy and less flavorful.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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