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Beef and Broccoli with the Best Sauce (VIDEO)

Beef and Broccoli is an easy, 1-pan, 30-minute meal that is loaded with fresh broccoli, tender nutrition-packed beef, and the best stir fry sauce. Thank you to Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. on behalf of the Beef Checkoff for sponsoring this recipe which is perfect for the busy back to school season.

Stir fry recipes like our Beef Stir Fry and Fried Rice have become reader favorites because they are fast and healthier than going out. This Beef and Broccoli Recipe definitely satisfies the craving for takeout. Watch the video recipe below and see how easy it is!

Beef and broccoli recipe in fry pan garnished with sesame seeds

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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.

Close up of beef and broccoli recipe with the best stir fry sauce

What is the Best Cut of BEEF for Stir Fry?

The best beef cuts for stir fry are tender and lean. We love Flank Steak which is lean and easy to chew when thinly sliced against the grain. More great beef cuts for stir fry include:

Ingredients for broccoli beef with the best cut of beef for stir fry

How to Make Beef and Broccoli:

This recipe moves fast and comes together in 1 skillet, 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!

  1. Slice beef strips
  2. Make stir fry sauce
  3. Cook broccoli and remove from pan.
  4. Cook beef
  5. Add stir fry sauce
  6. Return broccoli to the pan

Step by step photos how to make broccoli beef

The Best Beef and Broccoli Sauce:

Many stir fry recipes have gone wrong with a poorly made sauce. We tested this recipe over and over until we arrived at the perfect balance of sweet and savory. For the best stir fry sauce:

  • Use low sodium soy sauce (or 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 sauce for beef and broccoli

How to Ensure Tender Beef?

The right cut (see list above) can make all the difference in a stir fry. Here are our best tips to achieve tender beef:

  • Freeze steak 30 minutes for easier slicing
  • Use a sharp knife to cut super thin slices against the grain
  • Add steak to a HOT skillet to sear and seal in juices
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan or it cools quickly and will steam cook

Tender beef with broccoli in homemade stir fry sauce.

Can I Make Beef and Broccoli Ahead?

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. The protein and nutrients found in beef give you and your family the strength and energy you need to get through the busy school season.

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!

  1. Heat the thermos first by filling 3/4 full with boiling water (do not overfill), cover with lid and let sit 5 min and drain just before adding food.
  2. Meanwhile, heat food to 165˚F. Place into the heated thermos and close with lid.

Meal prepped broccoli beef served over white rice in to-go box or thermos

More Beef Recipes that Reheat Well:

Any recipe that reheats well can be used for meal prep, school and work lunch. This is a great list to help you get through the back to school season.

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.

If you enjoyed this video tutorial, join the hundreds of thousands of . Click the bell icon so you’ll be the first to know when we post a new video. THANK YOU for subscribing!

Beef and Broccoli Recipe

4.98 from 1743 votes
Beef and broccoli stir fry in a pan
Beef and Broccoli is an easy, 1-pan, 30-minute meal that is loaded with fresh broccoli, tender nutrition-packed beef, and the best stir fry sauce. We love this over steamy white rice.
Prep Time: 17 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 4 people

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

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.
  • Combine all stir fry sauce ingredients in a bowl, stir well to dissolve the sugar, and set aside.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Nutrition Per Serving

385kcal Calories22g Carbs29g Protein21g Fat4g Saturated Fat68mg Cholesterol902mg Sodium800mg Potassium3g Fiber11g Sugar706IU Vitamin A102mg Vitamin C101mg Calcium3mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
385
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
21
g
32
%
Saturated Fat
 
4
g
25
%
Cholesterol
 
68
mg
23
%
Sodium
 
902
mg
39
%
Potassium
 
800
mg
23
%
Carbohydrates
 
22
g
7
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
11
g
12
%
Protein
 
29
g
58
%
Vitamin A
 
706
IU
14
%
Vitamin C
 
102
mg
124
%
Calcium
 
101
mg
10
%
Iron
 
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: beef and broccoli
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 385
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

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Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the creator behind Natasha's Kitchen (established in 2009), and I share family-friendly, authentic recipes. I am a New York Times Best-Selling cookbook author and a trusted video personality in the culinary world. My husband, Vadim, and I run this blog together, ensuring every recipe we share is thoroughly tested and approved. Our mission is to provide you with delicious, reliable recipes you can count on. Thanks for stopping by! I am so happy you are here.

Read more posts by Natasha

4.98 from 1743 votes (1,181 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  • Susan
    October 12, 2024

    The sauce is amazing, actually the entire meal was wonderful…I’ve Never liked products that come from a bottle..
    Only chage I added onion wedges..
    Thanks again a an additional meal in rotation

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 12, 2024

      I’m so glad you found one for the meal rotation! Thank you for the feedback!

      Reply

  • Sam
    October 11, 2024

    I’m about to make this again today as we love it! It’s a very simple recipe to follow and fast too. By the time the rice is cooked the beef & broccoli is ready to be served. I always feel quite impressed with myself when I serve it! One time I doubled up on the sauce but there was way too much so today I’m making it exactly as written. Thanks for a delicious meal!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 11, 2024

      You’re so very welcome, Sam! I’m so happy to hear you loved this recipe!

      Reply

  • Sasha
    October 10, 2024

    Is there anyway to make it without sesame oil?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 11, 2024

      I don’t recommend skipping the sesame oil as it adds so much flavor to the recipe.

      Reply

  • Mike Bonne
    October 10, 2024

    Great recipe Natasha. It has been a weekly staple in our household for years.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 10, 2024

      So glad to hear that!

      Reply

  • Cindy
    October 8, 2024

    I only have regular sodium soy sauce, will it be too salty with that?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 8, 2024

      Hi Cindy, I think that will be fine but just try to add a little less and tast first just to be sure.

      Reply

  • Denise
    October 6, 2024

    I would like to make a comment. I try to read to recipe and screen jumps all around I think it is adding ads. It is a little irritating. Is there a way to stop that? Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 6, 2024

      Hi Denise! Thank you for your feedback. Thank you for sharing your concerns and feedback. The only way we can continue providing free recipes is by having ads on our site so we are not able to remove those at this time. We find that most people would rather see the ads than pay to see the recipes. But you should be able to close the ads after a while.

      Reply

  • MaryAnne
    October 5, 2024

    My current fav recipe for beef and broccoli. Just tried it tonight and it was amazing. Even my husband loved it!

    Reply

  • Debra
    October 4, 2024

    I made this as instructed and it turned out perfect. The best Asian dish I ever made. My husband gave it a 10.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 4, 2024

      That’s great, Debra! Thank you for the feedback.

      Reply

  • MO
    October 4, 2024

    Yummy. Followed recipe as written but garnished with 1 tsp red pepper flakes for some spice. I might add a bit of Shaoxing wine next time for more depth of flavor

    Reply

  • Theresa
    October 2, 2024

    I made a few changes : frozen broccoli flowerets and sugar snap peas, thawed, a package of stir fry beef from my grocery store and I did use the baking soda on it as another suggested. To the sauce recipe, I doubled it and added a small amount of hoisin and oyster sauces. The family really enjoyed it. Another wonderful recipe, Natasha and easy if you have everything ready to go!

    Reply

  • Donna
    October 1, 2024

    I added some fresh grated tumeric and Thai chili. Didn’t feel like cooking rice so I cooked some melon seed pasta and it came out fabulous! Also steamed broccoli without oil first and for beef used very thinly sliced Ribeye. Yummmmmm! Thanks!! Donna

    Reply

  • Andrea
    September 30, 2024

    Hi. Can this be cooked and put in the freezer? If yes how best to defrost.thanks !

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 30, 2024

      Hi Andrea! I haven’t tested freezing this so I can’t say for sure but one of my readers said it does freeze well.

      Reply

  • Clara
    September 29, 2024

    This is much better than anything I’ve ordered at a restaurant, likely due to the simple, fresh ingredients. I stopped eating out because the prices are so high now so it is nice to be able to make this at home. Thank you for this wonderful recipe.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 29, 2024

      You are so very welcome. I’m so glad you loved it.

      Reply

  • Kim
    September 27, 2024

    This stir fry sauce is better than I’ve had a several take out restaurants! I used this sauce (exactly as written) with thinly sliced chicken and the vegetables I had on hand and it was delicious. The family scraped their plates clean to get every delicious bite. Easy to prepare with ingredients I had on hand. Another winner from Natasha’s Kitchen. Thank you!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      September 27, 2024

      I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe, Kim!

      Reply

  • Mignonne
    September 24, 2024

    I really like your recipes for the stir fry sauce. It’s simple and adding the fresh ginger really adds to the authentic taste.

    Reply

  • Debbie Buelna-Stopani
    September 24, 2024

    Easy to follow. Added 2tsp of chilli garlic sauce for an added lil spice! My family loved it 🥰

    Reply

  • Matt
    September 23, 2024

    Not good. Simple yes, sauce sucked…has to be more ingredients for better flavor. Certainly not the beef broccoli you would expect wull be more carefulnlooking at your recipes from now on. Happy cooking!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      September 24, 2024

      Hi Matt, I’m sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy it – this is one of our most popular recipes, so much so that we included it in our cookbook. Did you change anything in the recipe?

      Reply

  • Elizabeth Dickson
    September 19, 2024

    This is amazing-easy, fairly quick, and delicious! I wanted to lick out the pan, the sauce is that good!

    Reply

  • Kris
    September 17, 2024

    I tried this recipe last night! It was delicious and very quick and easy to make. This will go into my meal rotation for sure! Thanks for such a simple flavorful recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 17, 2024

      You’re very welcome, Kris! I’m so happy it was a hit!

      Reply

  • Lisa G
    September 10, 2024

    Absolutely amazing!!! I will never order it as take out again! Thank you!!!

    Reply

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