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!
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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
Does the nutrition Info include rice or just beef and broccoli?
Hi Barb, that does not include the rice.
Hi Natasha,
Made this for the first time last night. Very easy to prepare and it will last for a few more meals to come.
I did balls up the Sesame oil qty though. I slid the quantity slider to feed 6 people and then wanted to double the sauce amount.
Added 6 Tbls of Sesame oil which has overpowered the rest of the flavours somewhat. I enjoyed it but the daughter made a comment haha.
I need to make another batch of sauce to top up the leftovers. Do I go back to the original slide for 4 and then just double the recipe from that?
Also, I need to convert everything to metric which does my head in sometimes, as there are the US cup and Tbls/Tsp measurements plus the Imperial equivalents. It could be handy for many other metric users if there were US and Metric tabs which converted recipes automatically for us?
Anyway, for a bloke who is venturing into the kitchen for the very first time and so very late in life, you Natasha are my go-to as you present professional but fun and easy to follow videos.
Cheers,
John
Hi John, thank you so much for stopping & sharing your changes with us! I’m so glad you loved this recipe.
The recipe calls for too much sesame oil (especially if you double the recipe for leftovers). Most recipes suggest tsp of oil not tbsp.
Mine came too greasy, next time less oil. Otherwise good receipe.
Thank you for that feedback, Maria.
Love this recipe. Made this for my family and they loved it. Going to make this again
That’s so great, Samantha! Thank you for that amazing review.
I love this, very easy to make and delicious. Thank you
You’re welcome and I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Just made this and cannot wait to dig in for dinner. It looks and tastes better than takeout and it’s actually faster too. And cheaper!
I bet your house smells amazing right now! Thank you for that awesome review.
Excellent and quick to make. Thank you!
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
Made this tonight and it is officially is my favorite Beef and Broccoli recipe. Delicious!
YAY! That’s so great, Eva! I’m so glad you found a favorite on our blog!
This was incredibly delicious. We loved the sauce! I prepped everything as you recommended. I added more veggies.
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
I will make a keto version for the sauce . Have you ever made this with monk fruit or swerve? It can be a keto friendly recipe served with cauli rice.
Hi Mary! I have not tested that. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.
My daughter loves beef and broccoli. I will make this tomorrow. Thank you so much for sharing your intelligence.
You’re welcome! I hope she loves this recipe!
I made this today for my husband because it is one of his favorite dishes….it was beyond delicious!!! Very easy to put together, I cut back on the garlic to only 1 garlic clove, still tasty. I plan on doubling the sauce next time and my husband would like carrots to be added. I normally do not eat this dish in restaurants or take out, but I found this recipe to be delicious and tasty and I will be making again.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the wonderful review!
Absolutely delicious. The sauce is perfect like a high-end restaurant quality. This recipe will be in our regular rotation.
You won’t be disappointed.
That’s just awesome, Paula!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!
can I chicken instead of beef for this, it looks great and want to try it.
Hi Lucy, I haven’t tested that but I think it would work well. If you experiment, please let me know how you enjoyed it.
Wish I could give 10 stars! This is by far the best beef broccoli I have ever tasted and the sauce is incredible!! Will be making this again soon!! We didn’t have any leftovers and it’s just two of us!!
Wow! Thank you so much for that amazing review, Jeannie!! Sounds like you found a new favorite!
Am I able to make this without the ginger? I’m allergic to it but want to try the recipe so bad! Any ideas on what I can substitute?
Hi, the ginger adds authentic Asian flavor and it is really difficult to replace. You could also use dried ginger (in lesser quantities) if you have that on hand. I would probably add more garlic if I didn’t have any ginger and maybe a little extra sesame oil.
Made this yesterday and everyone in my family loved it! Will make again; great recipe!
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!
thanks for your simple but delicious recipes,congratulations too for having a wonderful family.
You’re welcome, Jake! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe!
I love all her recipes! She makes cooking fun!
Thank you for the wonderful compliment!
Such a quick and easy delicious recipe. The flavours are just right. Will definitely be adding this to my mid week meals.
Hi Julia, I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
Amazing taste! Didn’t take long! Will keep forever! Thanks so much Natasha!
You’re welcome, Kristen! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe.
Absolutely the best beef and broccoli recipe out there; better than what you’d get at a restaurant. It’s fresh, clean, delicious, and authentic. We cook and serve at a homeless shelter for 70 people and decided to do an oriental theme for New Years’. This was the main dish (along with some variations of chicken) and it was a huge success. Thanks Natasha; it was phenominal.
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite, Tom!
Your comment made my day. I love that you made this delicious meal for your homeless friends on New Year’s. I’m excited to try it.