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
Not one to write reviews but our family (especially my son) LOVES this recipe, so much so I have to double the recipes and it’s a requirement that I make it every two weeks , which he never fails to remind me when it’s time he’s only 11 a somewhat of a picky eater. Soon I’m sure I’ll have to triple the recipe . Thanks for sharing your recipe have tried your other recipes and all have been 5 stars . Thanks again
Wow! That’s just awesome Brian! Thank you for that amazing feedback! I’m so glad you enjoyed this & it sounds like you found a new family favorite!
I made this last night exactly following the recipe. I used top round “cubed steak” cut thin by the butcher, run through the “cubing machine” then I pounded the meat with a mallet and cut into “meat worms” and coated with about 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and set aside for about 10 minutes while I Sauted the broccoli florets with a 4oz. can of sliced water chestnuts (drained) I found in the pantry. Your sauce was excellent as published. The only change being I dissolved the starch in a couple of tablespoons of cold water before adding to the sauce. Served with Basmati rice using Low Sodium beef broth instead of water. Brother in law who ONLY eats beef and broccoli at restaurants and Asian take out says best ever!
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
Hi I’m looking for the recipe you made it a dessert has cranberries nd walnuts in it
Thank you for that suggestion Anna!
THIS WAS THE BEST RECIPE EVER!
I did modify and added 1/2 cup chopped green onion at the very end.
Homemade food never tastes like it does at a restaurant. This is the FIRST TIME EVER that It did, and tasted even better. This was AMAZING!!!! Highly recommend. HIGHLY recommend to everybody. So much excitement because IT REALLY WAS THAT GOOD! THANKYOU!
Wow! That’s just awesome! Thank you for that amazing review Anna! It sounds like you have a new favorite!
I just made this dish and I’m NOT a cook. It turned out so good and I really appreciate your easy to follow videos. You’re the BEST and I’m telling everyone about you!
Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me! I’m all smiles
Another fantastic recipe!!!! My family loves that I have found your website.
Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me! I’m all smiles!
I just made this tonight. I may never get Beef Broccoli from takeout again! For some reason it’s not letting me leave a rating but if you’re asking it’s a +++++++
Thank you!
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!
Hi, can I substitute skirt steak? Thanks for this great recipe!
Hello Val, if there are no other options, that should work too.
We’re looking at making your broccoli and beef and the chicken fried rice in the same dinner. Would you recommend doing them at the same time or choose which one to do first and sit while the other is being made? Both seem to move quickly.
Hi Libby, if you have enough burners and hands to help you can make it at once. Like you said it moves fast so I recommend prepping all ingredients ahead of time.
Thankyou for this delicious recipe.
Natasha you are my go to girl when it comes to dinner time and it doesn’t fail one bit. My cooking that is, not your recipe haha
You are welcome, Jessica. Thank you for always trying out my recipes and hope you love each recipe that you try!
Made this tonight and it was amazing!! Next time I’m going to use Chinese noodles.
Yum! I bet that sounds like an amazing dinner!!
I love this, very easy to make and delicious. Thank you
You’re welcome and thanks for your great feedback!
Super easy to make. Tried this recipe several times already and it’s always delish!
So glad to hear that and thanks for sharing your experience with us!
Tastes just like our favorite Chinese restaurant!
This is the best stir fry sauce I’ve ever made. My kids love it. I sometimes add crushed red pepper to add a kick.
That is the best when kids love what we parents make. That’s so great!
I made this today for my family and it was delicious! My daughter, who has eaten beef and broccoli in every restaurant where we live, said, “It was as good as any restaurant if not better.” And my wife couldn’t stop saying, “Oh my god, this is so good,” after every bite! This is definitely a 5-star recipe thanks Natasha I love your videos and I love your recipes even more.
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review! It sounds like you have a new favorite!
That is a great compliment from your daughter! Thank you so much for sharing that with us, it helps inspire me to do more content. I appreciate the wonderful review!
Wow this is amazing!!! My family loves it!!
Hi Carmen, I am so happy to hear that your family loved it!
Hello, I am just wondering what type of sesame oil you use?
Hello Rindy, I use this sesame oil
I had broccoli I needed to use so I came here for inspiration. Found this easy recipe w most ingredients already on hand..
This blew my honey’s mind…he’s still talking about it..it really is the best sauce and we will be making this regularly.
Thank you, Natasha!
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite, Elizabeth!
It was delicious. The whole family loved it. I didn’t have any ginger so next time I will add that to make it taste even better. Really fast and easy recipe.
That is great to know, Becky. Thank you for your wonderful review, I appreciate it!