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Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe (Better Than Takeout!)

Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe (Better Than Takeout!)

Tender flank steak and crisp-tender broccoli are tossed in a glossy ginger-garlic sauce made with soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Serve this quick stir-fry over steamed white rice for an easy dinner that tastes like your favorite restaurant version.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 4 cups Broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon Neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola oil
Aromatics
  • 1 teaspoon Minced fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon Minced garlic
Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Beef broth
  • 1/4 cup Low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup Packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
Seasoning and Serving
  • as needed Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish Sliced green onions and sesame seeds
  • for serving Cooked white rice

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Slice the flank steak very thinly across the grain. Pat it dry and season lightly with pepper, using little or no salt because the soy sauce already contributes saltiness.
  2. Whisk the beef broth, low-sodium soy sauce, packed light brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch together in a bowl until smooth. Set the cold sauce aside.
  3. Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high to high heat. Add the beef in a single layer, working in batches if necessary, and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned but not overcooked.
  4. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate. Add the broccoli to the same pan and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes.
  5. Add 1–2 tablespoons of water to the pan, cover briefly, and steam the broccoli until bright green and crisp-tender.
  6. Add the minced garlic and fresh ginger to the broccoli and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  7. Return the beef to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce boils, thickens, and coats the beef and broccoli.
  8. Serve immediately over cooked white rice. Finish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

For easier slicing, partially freeze the flank steak for 15–20 minutes first. Cook the beef in batches so it browns instead of steams, and always whisk the cornstarch into the cold sauce ingredients before adding the mixture to the hot pan.