Miley This beef and broccoli recipe is my go-to when I want takeout flavors without actually ordering in. It’s fast, uses one pan, and the sauce clings to every bite.
I’ve made it on busy weeknights and lazy Sundays—never disappoints. It hits all the right notes: savory, slightly sweet, and packed with garlicky goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You get tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich sauce that takes minutes to mix up. It all comes together in one pan, so cleanup’s a breeze. I usually serve it over steamed rice, but it’s just as good over noodles or even on its own. Great for meal prep or doubling for leftovers.
Ingredients
For the beef
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or any neutral oil)
For the sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¾ cup water or beef broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon grated ginger (optional, but I like the kick)
For the stir-fry
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds and green onions (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the beef
In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it sit while you mix up the sauce and get the broccoli ready.
2. Whisk the sauce
Stir together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. I like to give it another quick stir right before pouring it in the pan.
3. Cook the broccoli
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok. Add the broccoli and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns bright green and tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
4. Sear the beef
Add a bit more oil to the pan if needed. Toss in the beef and sear it for 2 to 3 minutes, just until browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
5. Add the sauce and finish
Pour the sauce over the beef. Stir constantly as it thickens—this only takes a minute or two. Toss the broccoli back in and mix everything until coated. Serve hot over rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
Easy Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank or sirloin steak, sliced thin
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¾ cup water or broth
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp grated ginger
Stir-fry:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp oil
- Cooked rice
- Green onions and sesame seeds
Instructions
- Toss beef with soy sauce and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Whisk all sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- Stir-fry broccoli until bright and tender. Remove.
- Sear beef slices until browned.
- Add sauce and cook until thickened. Return broccoli, mix, and serve.
Tips & Variations
- Use frozen broccoli if that’s what you’ve got—just thaw and pat dry
- Swap in chicken or tofu using the same method
- Add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra veggies
- I sometimes double the sauce when I want it extra saucy
- Store leftovers in the fridge—it reheats great the next day
Serving Suggestions
Serve over fluffy jasmine rice, lo mein noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter twist. Add a side of egg rolls or dumplings to make it a full takeout-style meal at home. Sprinkle extra sesame seeds on top right before serving for a nice finish.
Final Thoughts
Beef and broccoli is the kind of recipe that proves simple can be delicious. Once you’ve made it a couple of times, it becomes second nature. Keep your knife sharp for those thin beef slices, and you’ll have dinner ready in no time.
