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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My whole family loved this (kids included)!
So happy to hear that, Claire!
Great recipe! I’ve made this 3 times so far and each time it’s delicious! I was feeling lazy the one time making it and got shredded beef for phillys instead of doing the flank steak and it came out excellent.
Would it work to allow the sliced meat to marinade in the stir fry sauce (or enough to cover the meat) for an hour or so, then drain and continue as recipe directs?
Hello! Yes, marinating the sliced meat in the stir fry sauce for an hour before cooking can work really well! It will absorb the flavor but don’t exceed 1 hour and drain the excess sauce before proceeding with the recipe. Hope you enjoy it!
HI Natasha,
Would you have any recommendations for a soy sauce substitute with this recipe. I am allergic to soy, but I power through for this delicious meal:) Just curious what you would suggest. Also, do you have any baked oatmeal recipes coming? Maybe and apple cinnamon baked oatmeal? Thank you for all your wonderful recipes!
Hi Jennifer! Thanks for the recipe suggestion. I’ll make note of it.
Regarding the soy sauce, have you tried coconut aminos? Those are likely going to be the closest alternative. You can also look up other alternatives online, some people use mushroom
Or vegetable with added salt, although it’s likely a more mild flavor profile than soy sauce. I hope that helps.
Absolutely Delicious–thank you!! So simple, great on a cold winter’s night, and goes great with simple Jasmine Rice!
You’re very welcome, Peter! So happy you loved it.
What if i don’t have fresh ginger, can I use ginger powder instead?
Hi Julia, I haven’t tried using powdered ginger, but you can try to estimate it according to your preference. One of our readers mentioned they were going to try using 1/8 teaspoon (or maybe a little less) of ground ginger, but I don’t have an update on that outcome.
It Tastes delicious! I didn’t have fresh ginger (better) It came out fine!
Modifications made for two people, one vegetarian: Started baking tofu cubes soaked in soy sauce @350. Sautéed 1/2 # beef, kept it warm in the oven while sautéeing carrots, brocccoli, zucchini and water chestnuts. Put that in a bowl, sautéed the sauce (right amount for 2 people), added the vegetables. Layered over rice the eyes vegetable: the tofu and vegetables for the vegetarian, then added the beef to the vegetables and layered the mixture and tofu over rice. Wonderful!
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Debra!
I wanted to love this but waaaay too salty for me.
Hi, did you use the low sodium soy sauce recommended in the recipe? That can make all the difference.
This is fast becoming a family favorite! I’ve made it twice in the last 2 weeks! 😀
That’s wonderful to hear, Sarah!
Delicious recipe. First time making this dish. Hubby enjoyed as well! Thank you
I made this recently for my family and they loved it so I’m making it again. This recipe is PERFECT. The flavors are so vibrant . I will make one caveat and that is unless you are the fastest chef on the planet… 17 minutes of prep time will not be what it takes the average home cook. It takes me about an hour and a half to chop and slice and collect and measure out all the ingredients (I do triple the batch since I have a large hungry family) but I still think most people will take over 30 minutes to set it up. Once it’s prepped it goes very quickly. I don’t think I can ever eat regular carry out beef and broccoli ever again. So glad I found this site. The Stroganoff recipe is amazing as well.
Hi Aileen! This is great to hear. Thank you so much for sharing. I’m happy it was a hit.
I just made this for dinner. It was delicious and the recipe and video made it easy to make. Thank you for this recipe. I have also purchased your cookbook and can’t wait to make more of your recipes. I like your personality when cooking, you make it look enjoyable.
WOW! WOW! WOW! Amazing. Tried this last night. My only problem? I didn’t make enough!
Thank you Natasha. Also, thank you for your videos! I love your smiles, laughs and sweet, sweet goofy nature. Please don’t stop making them.l
Darla
Hi Darla! That’s so wonderful to hear. You’re so sweet, thank you.
Would this go well served over egg noodles?
Hi LP, we love it over rice, but I have seem some like it over noodles, that comes down to your personal preference.
Delicious recipe! I subbed carrots for 2 cups of the broccoli and it looked and tasted great. Love the flavor of this sauce!
Sure looks delicious Natasha and easy printing off this one and hope to make it. Thank you.🥰
Hi Claudia! You’re very welcome. I hope you love it! Come back and let us know how it turns out.
I have made this recipe at least 50 times. My family absolutely loves it. It is always requested for a family gathering so I have to double the amount of beef and broccoli and quadruple the sauce per request. It is very easy and yet everyone says it’s better than at a restaurant. Thank you so much for this awesome recipe!!!
I made this before and about to make it again tonite for dinner. But the important thing is tenderizing your beef first. Or, velvetizing as they do in Chinese restaurants:
There are a few methods, but this is the easiest way:
Sprinkle 3/4 tsp baking soda (bi-carbonate soda) on 250g / 8oz sliced economical beef cuts
Toss with fingers, leave for 30 minutes
Rinse, pat off excess water
Proceed with stir fry recipe. It can be marinated with wet or dry seasonings, or cooked plain. The beef will be really tender and soft, “velvet’ like.
Nice
So easy and yummy! Simple ingredients but tastes delicious without all the added stuff. This will be my regular menu. Thank you.