Beef and Broccoli is one of those quick dinners that never gets old. Tender slices of beef are cooked with crisp broccoli and coated in a rich, savory stir-fry sauce that’s slightly sweet, packed with garlic and ginger, and perfect for spooning over a bowl of fluffy rice. It’s ready in about 30 minutes and tastes even better than takeout.

This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and one skillet, making it a great option for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This meal comes together in just 30 minutes.

The homemade stir-fry sauce is rich, glossy, and full of flavor.

It’s a one-pan dinner that’s easy enough for weeknights.

You can easily add extra vegetables to make it your own.

What You Will Need

You’ll need a large skillet or wok for cooking everything evenly over high heat.

A sharp knife makes it much easier to slice the beef into thin strips.

Have a few mixing bowls ready for the sauce and prepared ingredients since stir-fries cook very quickly.

Ingredients

For the Beef and Broccoli

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 pound fresh broccoli florets (about 6 cups)
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, optional

For the Stir-Fry Sauce

• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 2 teaspoons grated garlic (about 3 cloves)
• ½ cup hot water
• 6 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

How to Make Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Place the flank steak in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This firms it up slightly and makes it much easier to slice into thin strips.

Slice the beef against the grain into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the ginger, garlic, hot water, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, black pepper, and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves.

Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the broccoli and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until bright green and crisp-tender.

If you prefer softer broccoli, add a couple of tablespoons of water and cover the pan for a minute or two to steam it.

Transfer the broccoli to a plate.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

Increase the heat to high.

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil.

Arrange the beef in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through.

Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.

Step 5: Finish the Stir Fry

Reduce the heat to medium-low.

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the beef and stir until it begins to thicken, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Return the broccoli to the pan and toss until everything is evenly coated.

If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in 1 or 2 tablespoons of water.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired and serve immediately over cooked rice.

Tips

Freeze the steak for about 30 minutes before slicing for thinner, cleaner cuts.

Always slice the beef against the grain to keep it tender.

Fresh broccoli gives the best texture and won’t water down the sauce like frozen broccoli can.

Have all your ingredients measured and ready before cooking since stir-fries come together very quickly.

Cook the beef over high heat to get a good sear without overcooking it.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Freezing is possible, but the broccoli may become softer after thawing.

More Dinner Recipes

• Baked Pork Chops
• Taco Pasta
• Stuffed Bell Peppers
• Miso Grilled Chicken
• Oven Baked Ribs