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!
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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?
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:
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!
- 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:
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 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
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!
- 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.
- Meanwhile, heat food to 165˚F. Place into the heated thermos and close with lid.
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.
- Lasagna – beefy, cheesy and leftovers are just as good
- Beef Chili – hearty and satisfying
- Buckwheat Beef Pilaf – with tender morsels of beef
- Easy Taco Soup – a fun alternative for Taco Tuesday
- Spaghetti Meat Sauce – also freezes well!
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

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 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
Filed Under
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The only change I made was to add sliced carrots and I squeeze some fresh lemon in with the water when making my rice. Made the rest exactly as the recipe states and it was FABULOUS! Definitely going into the rotation.
So happy you found a new one for your rotation!
I made this recipe to a T and it was fabulous! The sauce was yummy. I was hesitant of the sesame oil and brown sugar but it came together perfectly. I added mushrooms since I had them on hand.
So happy to heat that, Miranda!
Was looking for a great recipe to make Beef & Broccoli & this was it. The recipe was extremely easy to make, only a few steps & it came out delicious! My family loved it & was impressed with how tender the beef was, as it literally melted in our mouths. It had great flavors with minimal ingredients for the sauce, which tasted fabulous! Will definitely be making this again. Thank you for sharing with us!
I would never known how to make the sauce. It was some busy work but definitely well worth it.
I make this recipe a lot, my family absolutely lives it!! Sometimes I add baby corn, water chestnuts & chopped up cashews!!! Both ways are delicious!!!
Sounds delicious, Diane!
Incredible recipe. Easy to make and my family loves it. Tastes just like the restaurant.
That’s so great! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Thomas!
While the overall ‘bones’ of this recipe was good, it lacked a certain umami flavor. I was left with just a salty flavor. It was not unpleasant, but really lacked the punch that a little oyster sauce or other seasonings that many other recipes have. I won’t make this again, or if I do will take the recommendations of the many other reviewers who added additional ingredients to this dish.
Made this beef and broccoli for my husband and son who are both very picky eaters. They are not huge fans of sauces, but truly enjoyed the one in this dish. I did not have any sesame oil, but the dish tasted wonderful despite that. This was a very easy dish to come together and we all enjoyed it. I added some bell peppers to it and some fresh green beans and served it with whole grain brown rice. Delicious!
That’s wonderful to heat, Cindy! It makes me very happy. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for another amazing recipe!! I’ve learned so much from you/ your recipes, thank you ♥
You’re so welcome, Sara! I hope you try and love more of them soon.
I made this for dinner tonight and it was really good. I added in some bamboo shoots and baby corns. The sauce was easy and delicious. My husband likes spicy so I added in siracha.
Love ❤️ 💕 love ❤️ your recipes
Almost always using your recipe and love it all!
Thank you Natasha you are the best cook I know
My kids (young – twin boys age 7 and daughter age 9) and I LOVED THIS!
That is the best when kids love what we moms make. That’s so great!
This is one of the BEST recipes I’ve ever made!! We have country-themed Christmas dinners, and the year we did Chinese food, I made this and people accused me of buying it from a restaurant!! My family always gets excited when I make this, and I have raved about this recipe to co-workers! It’s so easy and delicious!! Thank you, Natasha!! 🩷
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Tanysha!
Simple and delicious. Easy to make and flavorful. Used ramen noodles instead of rice and it was a hit.
Thank you for sharing, Lena!
This is a delicious recipe! But in the future, how much rice should I be make for this dish? Thanks again!
Hi Crystal! This recipe serves 4. Please follow my How to cook rice recipe because it also makes 4 servings. But you can always adjust the servings to the recipe by changing the number of servings at that top.
So effortless ad tasty!! I never write reviews on recipes I use online but this one was such an easy success I couldn’t help myself. I am not an experienced cook but I made this for myself and two very picky friends and it turned out fantastic. I added onions. I also substituted ground ginger instead of fresh and I didn’t have sesame oil and it was still delicious. Will be making again next week with the sesame oil.. Highly recommend.
Thank you for guiding me through cooking a delicious roast beef! I used to be scared to try as it seemed so intimidating but you made it possible! Now I can make a yummy roast with confidence! You always make things doable and fun, plus so tasty!
Aww, that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Priscilla! I’m so glad this was a hit!
My go to recipe now! Simply delicious, I serve mine with jasmine rice and I think I’ll add mushrooms next time because we all love them. Thanks for all your great recipes.
Hi Jackie! I’m so happy you loved it. Mushrooms are a great addition.
Delicious! And not hard to make. Next time, I will double the ginger, but that’s a personal preference.
We don’t often eat beef. I wonder how this recipe would work with chicken thigh meat?
Hi Laurie! Thanks for the review. I think you’d enjoy Chicken broccoli and mushroom stir fry. Yes you can use thigh meat.
Loved this recipe. Taste so good and I can’t believe how easy it was…a keeper!