Easy Beef and Broccoli is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of the classic Chinese takeout meal right into your kitchen. This simple recipe combines tender beef with fresh broccoli in a savory sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or a meal prep option. Plus, it is often healthier than takeout!
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this recipe because it’s not only easy to prepare but also quick to cook. With just a few ingredients, you can create a wholesome and flavorful dish that everyone will love. It’s a great way to enjoy lean protein and healthy vegetables, all in one meal. Plus, you can customize it to your taste by adding different vegetables or adjusting the sauce.
How to Make Easy Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch, divided
- 1 pound flank steak, cut into thin 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 3 Tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 4 cups small broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup sliced white onions
Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water. Add the beef to the bowl and toss to combine.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Set the sauce aside.
- Heat a large nonstick sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the beef and cook, stirring constantly until the beef is almost cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Once hot, add the broccoli florets and sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender, about 4 minutes.
- Return the beef to the pan and add the prepared sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until the sauce thickens slightly. Serve with rice or noodles.
How to Serve Easy Beef and Broccoli
Serve Easy Beef and Broccoli hot over cooked rice or noodles. You can also add some sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and crunch. Pair it with a side of steamed rice or fried rice to make it a complete meal.
How to Store Easy Beef and Broccoli
If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat.
Tips to Make Easy Beef and Broccoli
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain for the best tenderness.
- For extra flavor, marinate the beef for 30 minutes in soy sauce and cornstarch before cooking.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli; you want it to remain vibrant and slightly crisp.
Variation
You can easily customize Easy Beef and Broccoli by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for more color and nutrition. Swap out flank steak for chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw it and drain excess water before cooking.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) instead of regular soy sauce.
3. How can I make the sauce spicier?
To make the sauce spicier, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce mixture.
Easy Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
For the beef and sauce
- 1 pound flank steak, cut into thin 1-inch pieces Slice the beef thinly against the grain for the best tenderness.
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce Use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) for a gluten-free option.
- 3 Tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch, divided Two tablespoons for beef marinade, one tablespoon for the sauce.
For the vegetables
- 4 cups small broccoli florets Don’t overcook the broccoli; keep it vibrant and slightly crisp.
- 1/2 cup sliced white onions
For cooking
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil, divided Use for sautéing the beef and vegetables.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water. Add the beef to the bowl and toss to combine.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Set the sauce aside.
Cooking
- Heat a large nonstick sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the beef and cook, stirring constantly until almost cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Once hot, add the broccoli florets and sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender, about 4 minutes.
- Return the beef to the pan and add the prepared sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serving
- Serve Easy Beef and Broccoli hot over cooked rice or noodles. Optionally, add sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and crunch.
