Beef and Broccoli is an easy, 1-pan, 30-minute meal that is loaded with fresh broccoli, tender nutrition-packed beef, and the best stir fry sauce. Thank you to Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. on behalf of the Beef Checkoff for sponsoring this recipe which is perfect for the busy back to school season.
Stir fry recipes like our Beef Stir Fry and Fried Rice have become reader favorites because they are fast and healthier than going out. 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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Beef and Broccoli Recipe:
Beef is delicious and protein-packed to give you the sustained strength you need to get through the back to school season. We also made sure to add plenty of broccoli for a balanced meal. Beef is so versatile for stir fry. You can add your favorite vegetables to this recipe like snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, and even mushrooms.
What is the Best Cut of BEEF for Stir Fry?
The best beef cuts for stir fry are tender and lean. We love Flank Steak which is lean and easy to chew when thinly sliced against the grain. More great beef cuts for stir fry include:
How to Make Beef and Broccoli:
This recipe moves fast and comes together in 1 skillet, 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 pan.
- Cook beef
- Add stir fry sauce
- Return broccoli to the pan
The Best Beef and Broccoli Sauce:
Many stir fry recipes have gone wrong with a poorly made sauce. We tested this recipe over and over until we arrived at the perfect balance of sweet and savory. For the best stir fry sauce:
- Use low sodium soy sauce (or 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 Ensure Tender Beef?
The right cut (see list above) can make all the difference in a stir fry. Here are our best tips to achieve tender beef:
- Freeze steak 30 minutes for easier slicing
- Use a sharp knife to cut super thin slices against the grain
- Add steak to a HOT skillet to sear and seal in juices
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or it cools quickly and will steam cook
Can I Make Beef and Broccoli Ahead?
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. The protein and nutrients found in beef give you and your family the strength and energy you need to get through the busy school season.
For meal prep: add cooled rice to a heat-safe container and top with the Beef Broccoli Stir Fry, then cover and refrigerate until ready to heat and serve (Beef and Broccoli can be refrigerated up to 4 days).
How to Pack a Hot Thermos:
Pack a hot thermos in the morning and it will be warm at lunchtime. A hot thermos can keep food hot for 5 hours before it’s eaten, and this Broccoli Beef is the Best. School. Lunch. Ever!
- Heat the thermos first by filling 3/4 full with boiling water (do not overfill), cover with lid and let sit 5 min and drain just before adding food.
- Meanwhile, heat food to 165˚F. Place into the heated thermos and close with lid.
More Beef Recipes that Reheat Well:
Any recipe that reheats well can be used for meal prep, school and work lunch. This is a great list to help you get through the back to school season.
- Lasagna – beefy, cheesy and leftovers are just as good
- Beef Chili – hearty and satisfying
- Buckwheat Beef Pilaf – with tender morsels of beef
- Easy Taco Soup – a fun alternative for Taco Tuesday
- Spaghetti Meat Sauce – also freezes well!
Watch Natasha Make Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry:
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. For more great beef lunch ideas, visit Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner.
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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 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.
- Combine all stir fry sauce ingredients in a bowl, stir well to dissolve the sugar, and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
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Delicious, LOVED IT
Definitely a keeper.
So happy to hear that, Jennifer.
I am making this for a Chinese New Year dinner tomorrow and I don’t want to stand in my friend’s kitchen, stir-frying, so I plan on making it ahead. If anyone has done this and has any tips on how-to, I’d appreciate hearing from you!
Hi! This recipe reheats well. We’ve even used it for meal prep.
So good ! You be amazed how fast it is to make
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
This was the best beef & broccoli I have ever made. I used frozen broccoli (because that’s what I had on hand), so cooked it in the microwave and just stirred it in after the sauce started to thicken. It was delicious!!
That’s so great to hear. Thank you for the feedback.
I adore beef and broccoli and this is far and above the BEST sauce ever! I do add in a few slices of onion with the broccoli but otherwise follow the recipe exactly! ❤️
Hi Linda! I’m so glad you love this recipe. We agree, the sauce is so good!
I added tea pods water chestnut and some diced mushrooms which I think elevated the dish and gave it some texture with the water chestnuts I am not a professional cook but the dish turned out awesome
Those additions sound great!
Was a lot easier than I’d expected, as a new cook! Was super delicious as well! Thank you!
our lunch yesterday. so tasty 😋😋 will be repeating
Our new favorite meal! I followed the recipe exactly and it was delicious. Was even a hit with my toddler who ate seconds.
Definitely going in the rotation.
Thank you for a winner
I’m so happy to hear it was a hit, Stacy! Thank you for sharing.
This was the best beef & broccoli I have ever made. I used frozen broccoli (because that’s what I had on hand), so cooked it in the microwave and just stirred it in after the sauce started to thicken. It was delicious!!
Tonight was my second time making this and the flavors are spot on! I love being able to make and enjoy this at home. In my opinion (along with my husband), it’s superior to any restaurant style. Thank you Natasha for another winner!
My family & I loved this recipe! Although I did not have fresh Ginger I added powdered ginger the recipe came out wonderfully the toddlers also loved it! I will make this again 😉
So happy it was enjoyed by the family, Vee!
Absolutely delicious. Love your recipes 💚
So happy you’re loving them.
Great recipe! I added onions and shredded carrots too!
Great flavor and easy to make. My family loved it. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Tastes as good as restaurant style, next time I will double tge recipe
So happy to hear you loved the recipe!
This was amazing and my toddler had seconds ! Easy enough for a weeknight without sacrificing taste.
Wondering if I could make the sauce and freeze it to make this even faster for next time.
Thank you !
I’m so happy it was a hit, Stacy!
This is INCREDIBLE! MY entire family loves it! THANK YOU Natasha for making me better cook.
You missed the most important part – velveting the beef before cooking
Hi Tom, velveteen or tenderizing beef is a great idea if it’s a less expensive cut that tends to be a little tougher. With the cut I am using above, it is an extra step and not required.
Great recipe. Needed salt and pepper to taste, as well as some red pepper flakes, but both my wife and I loved it.
Thank you for sharing, Bob! I’m glad that you and your wife enjoyed the recipe.
For the best tasting sauce I’ve ever had with Asian food. I always add a little bit of. Zhong sauce.. it just makes all the Asian food so much better. It is on the heated side, so make sure you test how much you put. Unbelievable sauce.
I am longing to make this, Natasha, but am on Keto. I can substitute Swerve brown sugar for regular, but could you please tell me if your nutritional count includes the rice, which I would skip? Thank you. Can’t wait to try.
Hi Suzanne! I think that would be fine. The nutrition facts listed are just for the ingredients in the recipe card. The rice is not included.
This was absolutely scrumptious! I followed the recipe exactly except for adding some mushrooms with the broccoli. I took the added step of toasting the sesame seeds to garnish and it was worth it. I’ll definitely make this again. Who needs takeout when this is so much tastier?! Thank you, Natasha!
You’re very welcome, Melisa! So glad you enjoyed it.