Flavor-Packed Beef and Broccoli Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners

When you’re craving takeout but want something fresher, healthier, and faster, this Beef and Broccoli Recipe is the answer. Tender slices of beef, crisp broccoli florets, and a savory stir-fry sauce come together in just 30 minutes. It’s a restaurant-quality dish made right at home, perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or anyone searching for delicious cooking ideas for dinner.

This simple dish is a staple in Asian meat recipes, and it offers a balance of flavor and nutrition that fits right into your healthy recipes collection. Whether you’re looking for budget food, prepping for a birthday recipes dinner, or just want an easy win for tonight’s meal, this dish delivers.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe

There’s a reason this dish is beloved in so many households:

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Wholesome: Made with lean meat and fresh broccoli, it’s a naturally balanced meal.
• Customizable: Works with different proteins, veggies, and dietary needs.
• Better than takeout: Healthier, less oily, and more flavorful.
• Kid-friendly: Even picky eaters love it!

Want to keep the meal simple yet satisfying? Pair it with easy sides like garlic butter corn with melty cheese or cheesy mashed potato puffs for a comfort food combo.

What Is Beef and Broccoli?

Beef and broccoli is a classic stir-fry dish found in nearly every Chinese-American restaurant menu. Traditionally made with flank steak and crisp-tender broccoli, it’s stir-fried in a soy-based sauce thickened with cornstarch and flavored with garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness.

Its popularity lies in its simplicity and flavor—it’s one of the most accessible introductions to how to make Chinese food at home. The dish balances savory, sweet, and umami with a pleasant crunch from the vegetables.

It’s similar in appeal to dishes like sticky honey gochujang chicken or creamy mushroom and spinach stuffed chicken, both of which deliver strong flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients for the Best Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Here’s everything you need to make this dish, along with a few notes for budget swaps or dietary needs:

For the Beef & Marinade:

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (optional, for tenderness)

For the Sauce:

• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ⅓ cup beef broth or water

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or avocado oil)
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger

Optional add-ins:

• Red chili flakes for spice
• Bell peppers or snow peas for extra crunch
• A sprinkle of sesame seeds for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli at Home

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

In a bowl, combine thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and baking soda. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes while you prep the sauce and vegetables.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and beef broth. Set aside.

Step 3: Blanch the Broccoli (Optional but recommended)

Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the broccoli and cook for 1 minute. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. This step helps keep it bright green and tender-crisp.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add half the beef (don’t overcrowd) and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove and repeat with the remaining beef.

Step 5: Stir-Fry Aromatics & Broccoli

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add broccoli and cook for 1–2 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the beef to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well coated.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or garlicky kale with white beans for a healthier twist.

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Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make this simple dish, you’ll only need basic kitchen tools:

• Wok or large nonstick skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Tongs or spatula
• Garlic press (optional)

If you’re into weeknight dinners healthy and fast, this minimal equipment list makes cleanup just as easy.

Tips for Perfectly Tender Beef Every Time

• Slice against the grain: Always cut the beef against the grain into thin strips.
• Marinate with baking soda: This helps break down tough fibers for a more tender bite.
• Don’t overcook: Quick stir-frying keeps the beef juicy.
• Use a hot pan: A hot skillet helps sear the meat quickly and lock in flavor.

These tips also work for other dishes like high-protein steak and shrimp stir fry.

Healthy Swaps & Recipe Variations

Want to make your beef and broccoli even healthier or more budget-friendly?

• Use ground beef for a more affordable and quicker version.
• Add more veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas.
• Make it low-sodium by using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Go gluten-free with tamari and gluten-free oyster sauce.
• Vegetarian version: Substitute beef with tofu or mushrooms and follow the same sauce method.

This recipe fits beautifully into meat healthy recipes, especially when paired with nutritious sides like vegetable casserole or stuffed acorn squash.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Pairings

Serve beef and broccoli over:

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
• Brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthy option
• Lo mein or udon noodles
• With sides like pumpkin chicken chili or tater tot breakfast bowl for fun fusion dinners

If you’re prepping for a birthday recipes dinner, serve this with mini pumpkin bread or apple crisp with oatmeal for a sweet ending.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze beef and broccoli in individual portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.

Use leftovers for a lunch bowl with quinoa or stuff into lettuce wraps for a low-carb meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Beef and Broccoli

• Slicing beef incorrectly: Always cut against the grain for tenderness.
• Using the wrong cut: Flank steak or sirloin work best.
• Overcooking the broccoli: Keep it vibrant and crisp-tender.
• Adding sauce too early: Let your beef and veggies sear first before adding the sauce.
• Skipping cornstarch: This thickens your sauce to that classic glossy consistency.

Avoid these and your dish will rival your favorite takeout spot.

Make It a Meal: Other Asian Meat Recipes to Try

If you love bold Asian flavors, try these:

• Sweet chili meatballs
• Garlic parmesan chicken skewers
• One-pot shrimp and sausage jambalaya
• Creamy sun-dried tomato vegan pasta for a meatless night

Explore more Asian-inspired meals in the dinner category.

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FAQs About Beef and Broccoli

What cut of beef should I use?
Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak are ideal. Just slice them thin against the grain.

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry first to avoid sogginess.

Is this gluten-free?
Not by default, but can be made gluten-free with tamari and certified GF sauces.

Can I prep this ahead?
Yes! Marinate the beef and prep the sauce a day in advance.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Final Thoughts + Subscribe and Share

This Beef and Broccoli Recipe is the definition of a go-to weeknight meal: quick, nourishing, and full of flavor. It’s a simple dish that works for busy families, healthy meal preppers, or anyone looking to master a classic Chinese favorite at home.

If you enjoyed this recipe, explore more easy recipes, and don’t forget to check out the cottage cheese egg salad or grilled chicken broccoli bowls for more weekday lunch inspiration.

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