Beef and Broccoli is an easy, 1-pan, 30-minute meal that’s loaded with fresh broccoli, tender beef, and the best stir-fry sauce. This Beef and Broccoli Recipe definitely satisfies the craving for takeout. Watch the video recipe below and see how easy it is!
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Helpful Reader Review
“Oh my goodness! The hype is real, y’all!! I made this tonight for the first time and my husband raved and raved. It was not difficult at all. I followed the recipe exactly, using flank steak and following the tip of adding water to make the broccoli a little more tender. My only regret is I did not double the recipe is there are no leftovers…” – Hannah ★★★★★
Beef and Broccoli Video
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.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I developed this recipe years ago as a copycat for the Panda Express, P.F. Changs and Cheesecake Factory Beef and Broccoli – the sauce here really makes the dish! It satisfies my family’s frequent cravings, but I think this homemade version has better flavors and textures. It also has better ingredients, so I feel really good about serving it to my family. I make sure to add plenty of broccoli for a balanced meal, and honestly, I’ve never seen my kids eat broccoli so fast!
This is also a versatile dish – you can add your favorite vegetables to this recipe (see ingredient variations below). I love serving this over cooked white rice, but have gotten creative over the years and sometimes add noodles for a Beef Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry that is a meal in one dish (add that to next weeks meal plan).
Ingredients
This recipe follows my mantra – ‘sometimes the simplest recipes are the best.’ A good stir fry should be simple. Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy broccoli beef.
- Beef – Flank Steak is the best cut of beef for stir fry because it’s tender, lean, and easy to chew. More options include: Top Sirloin Steak, Top Round Steak, or Tri-Tip Steak. Ribeye also works for extra flavor and richness.
- Broccoli – Fresh broccoli florets are best. I avoid using frozen broccoli because it gets mushy, releases liquid and dilutes the sauce, making it bland. You can also change out the vegetables – try snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, and even mushrooms.
- Sauce – an easy and perfect blend of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, water, brown sugar, pepper, sesame oil and corn starch to thicken up the sauce.
Natasha’s Tips for Thin-Sliced Beef
If you freeze your steak for about 30 minutes, it will be much easier to make thin and even slices because it stays in place. Slice against the grain, between 1/8″ to 1/4″ thick – the thinner you shave the beef, the better – it cooks faster, stays tender, and absorbs the sauce better.
The Best Stir Fry Sauce for Beef and Broccoli
Many stir fry recipes have gone wrong with a poorly made sauce. I tested this recipe over and over until I arrived at the perfect balance of sweet and savory. For the best stir fry sauce:
- Use low sodium soy sauce, or add to taste (or try Gluten Free Tamari)
- Use the right amount of fresh ginger – it has strong flavor so don’t overdo it.
- Do not skip the sesame oil as it gives authentic flavor
- Simmer sauce at least 3 minutes to mellow out garlic and ginger
- For a thinner sauce, add 2 Tbsp water at the end
How to Make Beef and Broccoli
This recipe moves fast and comes together in 1 skillet and 5 easy steps, so you want to have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you fire up the stove. It is just 6 steps in one skillet!
- Slice beef strips
- Make stir fry sauce
- Cook broccoli and remove from skillet.
- Cook beef
- Add stir fry sauce and return broccoli to the pan
Tips for the Best Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Here are my best tips to achieve a perfectly cooked stir fry with tender beef and perfectly cooked broccoli:
- Start with the right cut of beef (see ingredients section above) and thinly sliced steak for quick and even cooking.
- Add steak to a HOT skillet to sear and seal in the juices
- Use Fresh broccoli (not frozen)
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or it will cool the pan resulting in steam cooked beef.
Make Ahead and Storage
This saucy beef and broccoli recipe reheats really well so it’s perfect for weekly meal prep and to-go lunches for school and work.
- Prep Ahead: slice your beef, prepare the broccoli and make the sauce the day before and store them all separately until ready to cook.
- Storage: Once the beef and broccoli has cooled to room temperature, cover and refrigerate 3-4 days per USDA guidelines for storing cooked beef. For Meal prep, store in individual containers to reheat portions.
- Freezing: You can freeze but the texture will suffer since broccoli can get mushy when thawed.
- To Reheat: set portions in a skillet and stir fry over medium heat until hot. Add a splash of water to loosen up the sauce.
Beef and Broccoli is delicious and protein-packed dinner and you’ll love how quick and easy it is to make. Stir-fry recipes, such as our Ground Beef Stir Fry, Vegetable Stir Fry, and Shrimp Fried Rice, have become go-to’s because they are fast and healthier than going out.
Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
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 fresh 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
Instructions
- Prep: Start cooking white rice first so it's ready when the stir fry is done. Cover and freeze steak 30 minutes for easier slicing, then thinly slice against the grain.
- Make the Sauce: Combine all stir fry sauce ingredients in a bowl, stir well to dissolve the sugar, and set aside.
- Cook Broccoli: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp oil. Add broccoli florets and sauté 4-5 minutes, partially covered with lid, stirring or tossing several times until broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender then remove from pan. Tip: If you prefer softer broccoli, add 2 Tbsp water before covering with the lid and it will steam cook the broccoli.
- Cook Beef: Increase heat to high heat and add 1 Tbsp oil. Add beef in a single layer and sauté 2 minutes per side or just until cooked through. Quickly pull out a piece to test for doneness.
- Add the sauce, reduce heat to medium/low and simmer 3-4 minutes. It will thicken. Add broccoli and stir to combine. Stir in 1-2 Tbsp water to thin the sauce if desired. Serve over white rice.
Notes
- More steak options include: Top Sirloin Steak, Top Round Steak, Tri-Tip Steak, or Ribeye
- Vegetables: for best results, use fresh vegetables, not frozen. You can substitute or add a variety of veggies such as snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, and even mushrooms.
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
More Beef Recipes that Reheat Well
Any recipe that reheats well is a great option for meal prep, school, and work lunch. This is a great list to help you get through a busy season.
- Lasagna – beefy, cheesy, and saucy
- Beef Chili – hearty and satisfying
- Easy Taco Soup – fun for Taco Tuesday
- Spaghetti Meat Sauce – also freezes well
- Beef Stir Fry – with 3 ingredient sauce
- Meatloaf – so many uses for leftovers
- Mongolian Beef – saucy and delicious
Made This tonight. I double the sauce because I like a more juicy for my rice better than take out
So nice to know that you enjoyed this recipe. Thanks for sharing, Lauri.
I have been making beef and broccoli since I was a kid, but I will say this sauce tastes the best!
That makes me so happy. Thank you, Michelle!
Can I use normal soy sauce instead of low sodium?
It will be saltier so definitely add it to taste.
Great recipe. So easy to prepare and tastes like authentic Chinese from my fav restaurant which closed in recent months. Thank you!
You are most welcome, Donna. I’m glad you loved this recipe!
I’m just making it for tonight’s dinner. So far, so good:)
I hope you love this recipe!
The recipe was easy and the dish was delicious.
I’m not a great cook, but this recipe wasn’t difficult and tasted delicious. My husband is from China, and he loved it.
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing that with me!
Very delicious. Simple and my family devoured it. I added 2 tablespoons of honey and doubled the whole batch to feed my family of 6. I used a london broil( sliced thin )since that was what was on sale at the grocery store. I also used garlic powder and ginger powder instead of fresh ingredients. It is what I had in the pantry. Everything was delicious and turned out perfect. I would say next time, I will add some crushed red pepper for a little kick.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me! I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Great recipe. Added button mushroom and it came out very delicious. Will be making it again.
I’m so happy you enjoyed that Janet! Thank you for sharing this wonderful review with me!
I was worried it’d be too salty, as most beef and broccoli recipes are. But it was perfect! I used thinly sliced sirloin and frozen broccoli florets. The broc took longer to cook than explained in the recipe, obviously because it was frozen but tasted perfect. I cooked the meat in two stages for the most even heating. I also used 1/8 tsp ground ginger instead of fresh. It was the best beef and broccoli I’ve made and the hubby agreed!
I’m so happy you all enjoyed this Jenn! Thank you for sharing that great review!
I made broccoli beef recipe and it was perfect everyone loved it. The sauces were the secret.
Glad you loved this recipe! Yes, totally agree – the sauce makes it so special.
I used to buy Oyster Sauce when I made Beef & Broccoli, but I decided to make Natasha’s recipe sauce instead last night. It was so much better than any restaurant or Oyster Sauce that I’ve bought. My husband said it was the best he had EVER had. The only thing I did differently was, I used Sesame Chili Oil which gave it a bit of heat which we both like. This is a keeper & a 5 star recipe for sure!
Thanks Natasha
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!
Made this for dinner and followed the recipe exactly. It was delicious. The sauce was perfect and it was a hit with my family! Will definitely make this dish again.
THat’s os awesome, Erica! I’m so happy to hear that!
I made this for the first time last night. Even my wife, who doesn’t care for broccoli, loved it. This is a great recipe. It is definitely going into the dinner rotation
That’s just awesome JAck! Thank you for this great feedback!
Very good recipe. The first time there wasn’t enough sauce so doubled it the second time and it was too much. Will try 1 1/2 the sauce next time. Easy to make and never any leftovers.
Made this tonight as I had the steak and wanted to try something different. It was so nice. My sauce was a tad too thick but still enjoyable, I’ll know for next time to thin more. Thank you we enjoyed hubby kept coming back for more.
That’s nice to know, Jessie. You may add more water next time to make it thinner, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Just tried this tonight, and my three boys really liked it, there are no leftovers! We added carrots and onions and enjoyed the extra veggies. We did think it was a little too sweet, so we will cut back on the brown sugar next time. Overall a great recipe we will be adding to our regular menu!
Hey Kristie, so nice to read your good comments. Thanks for your great review, we appreciate it!
Hi, I just made the beef and brocoli and it was amazing. Very tasty and sauce super yummy. I will definitely make it again. I also want to say I love your videos!
You’re so nice! Thank you for that wonderful compliment, Julie! I’m so happy you’re enjoying our recipes!
Just made this for dinner and it was a hit! I added red onion slices and red bell pepper. Served it with Chicken Fried Rice.
That sounds delicious! Thank you for this wonderful review, Susan!
I’ve made this twice now and it is excellent!!! The first time I made it as the recipe described. It was great! The second time, I added some sautéed onions and red pepper flakes to change it up slightly. It was excellent both ways! Natasha’s recipes never fail to please!!!
Sounds awesome! So great to know that you loved it both ways, thank you for sharing that with us!