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
I did love looks of this dish it’s a must try dish. Thanks
This recipe I have made many times this is my go to recipe quick easy and delicious.
So happy I subscribed to your recipe newsletter. This was by far the most successful beef and broccoli I’ve ever made!
Hi! Natasha just wanted to let you know I’m teaching my 24 year old grandson how to cook with your fabulous recipes. He loves when I cook from your recipes. He’s learning quickly! Loves your beef and broccoli the most. Today we’re try another recipe today! Love you!
Loved this recipe! Easy quick dinner for weeknights. The only thing I wasn’t happy about was NO LEFTOVERS! I doubled the recipe for a family of 6 and they ate every last drop. This dish will be on my dinner table more. Thank you for a great meal.
You’re very welcome, Michelle! I’m so happy you loved it!
I was hoping for leftovers. That didn’t happen! Everyone had 2nd’s & 3rd’s. Served with rice. Only addition was that I marinated the beef and added 1 tbs of Frank’s hot sauce.
I did not care for this recipe. The sauce was too sweet and by not marinating the meat, you lose the ability to tenderize it and permeate with flavor. Also, adding the broccoli back at the end with not much time to sit in the sauce left it perfectly tasteless. It does come together quickly, but I don’t recommend this recipe.
HI Esther, I’m sorry to hear it didn’t work out as expected. If you slice the meat very thinly, there is no reason to marinate it ahead of time. If it’s in the marinade before cooking, it will also steam cook when it hits the pan which isn’t ideal for a stir fry.
Hi can I make it in a slow cooker and if yes how long do I cook for.
Hi Claudia! I haven’t tested this in a slow cooker.
Hi Natasha, love your food! Instead of beef, do you think it will work with chicken breast? Many thanks, Ana
Hello, I have a Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry (VIDEO) here.
What a great recipe! I substituted frozen broccoli…worked out great! I ended up with only 4 tbsp of low sodium soy sauce and so I substituted the remaining 2 tbsp’s with adding coconut aminos…very good! Very simple and quick….keep this recipe handy for sure!
Better than take out, simple and easy directions, tastes as good, if not better as any restaurant take out that we have had. Can chicken be substitured?
Hi Sherry! Yes, I have a Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry (VIDEO) here.
I used frozen broccoli comes out the same as fresh and i added a tsp Worchester sauce to mine
Solid, easy recipe. I added some chili flakes to the sauce for a little heat, but otherwise stuck to it as written. I did velvet the beef with baking soda before I started to tenderize.
Do you have to use fresh broccoli can you use frozen instead?
Hi Patti! Several of my viewers have made this with frozen broccoli. I would rinse them under warm water and strain them so they don’t water down the sauce, and then add them towards the very end and cook until warmed through.
If you prefer it more saucy can you double sauce recipe?
Hi Dawn! Yes, doubling the sauce works great if you want more. Some of my other readers prefer this too.
This recipe is easy and delicious. The sauce is so tasty. We loved this meal and I will definitely be making it again.
So happy you loved it!
Delicious. This is going to be a regular meal for us! Thank you
Perfect! Can’t believe how good it tasted! Follow all her instructions – they are perfect. My steak was done once the oil was soaked up. Can’t speak enough about it. Sauce – I thought I needed more soy sauce after tasting, but ended up being too much. Again – follow this recipe as is and you won’t be disappointed!
This recipe is amazing!!!!! Goes together quick and is delicious.
I saw you posted this video as a short yesterday on your youtube channel and we all said how easy this recipe looked! So I grabbed my copy of your cookbook and decided to make it last night for dinner! We didn’t have the Sesame Oil or the Ginger, but we did have Avocado Oil and Ginger Powder and it still turned out fantastic! Thanks for giving us a great idea for dinner and I appreciate all your hard work! I also just love your cookbook!
I’m so happy to hear you love the cookbook & this recipe, Rachel! Thank you for your wonderful review!
I was so disgusted after one bite I had to throw the entire meal away. I’m so disappointed. All I tasted was smoky soy sauce.
HI Kenzi, that is definitely not a normal result and soy sauce should not taste smoky. Do you think it got burnt? Maybe the heat was too high?