Skip the takeout and prepare an easy beef and broccoli recipe in 20 minutes or less.
As in, you are less than half an episode of Fixer Upper away from dipping your chopsticks into a big ol’ bowl of the most flavorful, tender, saucy Easy Beef and Broccoli, you read that right — 20 minutes!
During my second pregnancy, I had a lot of cravings for the traditional takeout foods (like Orange Chicken, Pad Thai, and Chicken Egg Rolls), so I decided a quick and healthy beef and broccoli dish was a necessity.
This dish contains only two tablespoons of oil, but you better believe that all of the sweet, sour, and garlicky flavors of soy sauce are still present. After all, isn’t the gravy-like sauce the best part of beef and broccoli?
It must be thick enough to completely cover the tender beef slices and broccoli florets without adding undue weight to the dish. Most importantly, there must be just the right amount of sauce to allow the accompanying rice to fully absorb the delicious, garlicky gravy. Want to see for yourself? Tune in below!.
Grab a knife and get ready to slice and dice your way to Easy Beef and Broccoli, which is sure to drive takeout menus out of business.
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Beef and Broccoli Recipe:
Beef is delicious and protein-packed to give you the sustained strength you need to get through the back to school season. We also made sure to add plenty of broccoli for a balanced meal. Beef is so versatile for stir fry. You can add your favorite vegetables to this recipe like snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, and even mushrooms.
What is the Best Cut of BEEF for Stir Fry?
Tender and lean beef cuts make the best stir-fry ingredients. We adore flank steak, which when thinly sliced against the grain is lean and simple to chew. More great beef cuts for stir fry include:
How to Make Beef and Broccoli:
You should have all of your ingredients prepared and ready to go before turning on the stove because this recipe comes together quickly and uses just one skillet. It is just 6 steps in one skillet!.
- Slice beef strips
- Make stir fry sauce
- Cook broccoli and remove from pan.
- Cook beef
- Add stir fry sauce
- Return broccoli to the pan
The Best Beef and Broccoli Sauce:
Numerous stir fry recipes have failed due to a shoddy sauce. We repeatedly tested this recipe until we found the ideal ratio of sweet to savory. For the best stir fry sauce:
- Use low sodium soy sauce (or Gluten Free Tamari)
- Don’t use too much fresh ginger because it has a strong flavor.
- Sesame oil is essential because it imparts a true flavor.
- To mellow out the garlic and ginger, simmer the sauce for at least 3 minutes.
- Add 2 Tbsp water at the very end to make the sauce thinner.
How to Ensure Tender Beef?
In a stir fry, the right cut can make all the difference (see list above). Here are our best tips to achieve tender beef:
- Freeze steak 30 minutes for easier slicing
- Cut against the grain in extremely thin slices using a sharp knife.
- To sear and seal in juices, add steak to a hot skillet.
- Avoid packing the pan too tightly because it will cool quickly and steam cook.
Can I Make Beef and Broccoli Ahead?
This recipe for saucy beef and broccoli reheats really well, making it ideal for weekly meal prep and packed lunches for work and school. You and your family will have the strength and energy you need to get through the hectic school year thanks to the protein and nutrients in beef.
For meal prep: add cooled rice to a heat-safe container and top with the Beef Broccoli Stir Fry, then cover and refrigerate until ready to heat and serve (Beef and Broccoli can be refrigerated up to 4 days).
How to Pack a Hot Thermos:
Pack a hot thermos in the morning and it will be warm at lunchtime. A hot thermos can keep food hot for 5 hours before it’s eaten, and this Broccoli Beef is the Best. School. Lunch. Ever!
- Fill the thermos 3/4 full with boiling water (do not overfill), cover with a lid, and let sit for five minutes before draining and adding food.
- Meanwhile, heat food to 165˚F. Place into the heated thermos and close with lid.
More Beef Recipes that Reheat Well:
For meal preparation, lunch at school and work, you can use any recipe that reheats well. You can use this list to get through the back-to-school period.
Watch Natasha Make Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry:
I hope this Beef Broccoli Stir Fry video recipe becomes a favorite for you. It’s such a treat to enjoy home cooking when you’re on the go. For more great beef lunch ideas, visit Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner.
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Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Beef and Broccoli is a quick 30-minute meal that only requires one pan and is packed with fresh broccoli, tender beef that is packed with nutrients, and the best stir fry sauce. We love this over steamy white rice.
Beef and Broccoli Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak, very thinly sliced into bite-sized strips
- 2 Tbsp olive oil , (or vegetable oil), divided
- 1 lb broccoli, (cut into 6 cups of florets)
- 2 tsp sesame seeds, optional garnish
Stir Fry Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (loosely packed)
- 2 tsp garlic, grated (from 3 cloves)
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 6 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce, (or GF Tamari)
- 3 Tbsp packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp corn starch
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- To ensure that the white rice is ready when the stir fry is finished, begin cooking it first. Cover and freeze steak 30 minutes for easier slicing.
- In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the stir-fry sauce, stir to completely dissolve the sugar, and set aside.
- 1 tablespoon of oil and a large skillet on a medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring or tossing frequently, until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. Remove from the pan. The broccoli will steam cook if you add 2 tablespoons of water before covering it with the lid for softer broccoli.
- Increase heat to high heat and add 1 Tbsp oil. Add the beef and cook it in a single layer for 2 minutes on each side, or until just done. Quickly pull out a piece to test for doneness.
- Reduce heat to medium or low, add the sauce, and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. It will thicken. Add broccoli and stir to combine. If you want to thin the sauce, stir in 1-2 Tbsp water. Serve over white rice.
Nutrition Facts Beef and Broccoli Recipe Amount Per Serving
Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe by Masterchef • Taste Show
FAQ
What kind of beef is best for Chinese dishes?
Chinese restaurants use flank steak, by far the most popular meat cut, in all of their stir-fry dishes. Additionally, it is the beef cut that we use in our stir-fry recipes that is most frequently advised. Flank steak is flavorful, relatively reasonably priced, and readily available.
How do you cut beef for beef and broccoli?
This dish, one of the most popular Chinese takeout options, combines tender beef with broccoli, onions, and bean sprouts in a ridiculously delicious sauce.
What is Chinese beef and broccoli made of?
The best side dishes for beef and broccoliPineapple fried rice. Stir fried udon noodles. Rainbow noodle salad. Salt and pepper chips. Cooked lettuce with oyster sauce and garlic. Cantonese spring rolls,“As you wish” vegetables. Prawn toast.