Name: Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain; 3 cups broccoli florets, washed and chopped; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated; ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup water or beef broth; 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; Steamed white or brown rice (for serving, optional); Sesame seeds and green onions (for garnish, optional)

The Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe has become a cornerstone in home kitchens around the world, offering a wonderful blend of tender beef slices, crisp broccoli florets, and a savory sauce that brings this stir fry to life.

This dish draws inspiration from classical Chinese-American cuisine, where beef and broccoli first appeared on restaurant menus in the early 20th century, providing diners with a wholesome, satisfying, yet quick-to-make option.

As the recipe journeyed from restaurant kitchens into home cooking, modifications adapted it for busy schedules without sacrificing taste or nutrition. The magic of this easy beef and broccoli recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability.

With just a few straightforward steps and commonly found ingredients, even novice cooks can create a meal that rivals restaurant quality. The high-temperature stir fry method locks in the juices of the beef while maintaining the vibrant crunch of the broccoli.

What's more, the balanced sauce—featuring soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness—ensures every bite packs a punch of flavor.

Whether you're seeking to impress your family, whip up a quick weeknight meal, or dive into a healthier take on takeout, this easy beef and broccoli recipe stands out as a dependable favorite.

Packed with protein and nutrients, yet light and fresh, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and brighten your dinner table.

Ingredients

1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
3 cups broccoli florets, washed and chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup water or beef broth
2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey

1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon sesame oil

Steamed white or brown rice (for serving, optional)
Sesame seeds and green onions (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Prepare the sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, water or beef broth, brown sugar or honey, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, and black pepper in a bowl until fully combined and smooth. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and just tender. Remove broccoli from the pan and set aside.
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add the thinly sliced beef in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 1 minute so it sears nicely, then stir fry for another 1-2 minutes until just browned. Do not overcook the beef.
Reduce the heat to medium, and add the garlic and ginger. Stir quickly to release their flavors, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Return the broccoli to the pan and give everything a good toss.
Stir the prepared sauce once more, then pour it into the pan, coating the beef and broccoli, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well-coated.
Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir fry, toss again, and remove from heat.
Serve the easy beef and broccoli immediately over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.

Nutritional Information

When you prepare this easy beef and broccoli recipe at home, you control the quality and nutritional value of your ingredients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.

A typical serving (excluding rice) provides roughly 300-350 calories, with approximately 25-30 grams of protein from the lean beef, making it an excellent source of muscle-building nutrients. The broccoli adds dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and numerous antioxidants vital for supporting immune health.

The use of lean cuts of beef like flank or sirloin helps keep saturated fat levels moderate, while the homemade sauce, when managed with low-sodium soy sauce, is lower in sodium than many restaurant options.

Additionally, this dish provides healthy fats from sesame oil and essential micronutrients like iron, potassium, and magnesium. For those tracking macronutrients or making dietary adjustments, serving the stir fry with brown rice increases fiber and complex carbs, supporting stable energy levels.

Compared to deep-fried or heavily sauced takeout alternatives, this homemade easy beef and broccoli recipe gives you balanced nutrition without unnecessary additives or excess calories.

Wine and Beverage Pairings

This easy beef and broccoli recipe pairs well with a variety of beverages. For wine lovers, a light red such as a Pinot Noir or a fruit-forward Zinfandel can complement the savory sauce without overpowering it.

Fans of white wine might enjoy a slightly off-dry Riesling, which brings a refreshing contrast to the umami flavors. For a non-alcoholic pairing, green tea or jasmine tea offers a gentle, palate-cleansing finish.

If you prefer something sparkling, a lightly sweetened ginger ale or sparkling water with a hint of lime also makes a refreshing choice alongside your easy beef and broccoli stir fry.

Cooking Tips and Variations

To ensure the most tender beef in your easy beef and broccoli recipe, always slice the beef thinly against the grain. This breaks up muscle fibers and creates a more tender bite.

Marinating the beef in a small amount of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a teaspoon of oil for 15-30 minutes before cooking can further enhance tenderness and flavor. For a healthier variation, use extra virgin olive oil instead of vegetable oil, or swap honey for brown sugar as a natural sweetener.

If you prefer a gluten-free meal, choose tamari in place of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten free. Broccoli can also be substituted or augmented with other crisp-tender vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or baby corn for added variety and color.

If you want to amp up the spice, a sprinkle of crushed red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha in the sauce can give your easy beef and broccoli an extra kick.

For meal prep, this recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it great for advance planning and quick lunches.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your easy beef and broccoli recipe piping hot over a bed of fluffy steamed rice, which soaks up the savory sauce perfectly. While traditional white jasmine rice remains a classic choice, brown rice or quinoa are excellent alternatives for an extra boost of fiber and nutrients.

For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or alongside a crisp Asian slaw. The dish can be garnished with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

To create a complete meal, consider offering sides such as steamed edamame, wonton soup, or spring rolls to round out the dining experience. When hosting a group, serve the stir fry family-style in a large bowl so everyone can help themselves.

This easy beef and broccoli recipe is also ideal for meal prep; portion leftovers into containers with rice for quick, nourishing lunches throughout the week.

No matter how you serve it, the vivid contrast of tender beef, vibrant green broccoli, and glossy sauce will make this dish the star of your dinner table.

Health Benefits

The easy beef and broccoli recipe is a nutritious choice for anyone seeking a balanced meal rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and maintaining healthy skin and hair.

In addition to protein, beef provides heme iron—a highly absorbable form that helps prevent anemia—along with significant amounts of zinc and vitamin B12. Broccoli, a cruciferous vegetable, offers a wealth of antioxidants, including vitamin C, sulforaphane, and dietary fiber, supporting digestion and bolstering your body's natural defenses.

Using a moderate amount of healthy oils like sesame or olive oil adds beneficial unsaturated fats, which can help manage cholesterol levels. By making this stir fry at home, you have full control over sodium and sugar content, allowing you to cater the dish to your dietary needs.

Overall, this easy beef and broccoli recipe provides a filling, satisfying meal with numerous health benefits, fitting into a wide range of balanced diets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli in this easy beef and broccoli recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if fresh is unavailable. Thaw and drain before adding it to the stir fry to prevent excess moisture.

What cut of beef works best for beef and broccoli?

Flank steak or sirloin are ideal choices due to their tenderness when sliced thinly against the grain. Skirt steak and ribeye are also suitable options.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make an easy beef and broccoli recipe gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce and ensure all other sauces are certified gluten-free.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce in advance. Store separately in the fridge and stir fry together just before serving for best results.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely. You can substitute the beef with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.

The easy beef and broccoli recipe is truly a timeless classic, celebrated for its winning combination of bold flavors, tender textures, and straightforward preparation. Bringing together simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients, this stir fry delivers restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own kitchen. Versatile and adaptable, it lends itself to numerous variations to suit dietary preferences and available ingredients. Whether cooking for your family, meal prepping for a busy week, or seeking a wholesome alternative to takeout, this easy beef and broccoli recipe is sure to earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation. Enjoy the nourishing goodness, delightful flavors, and ease of preparation every time you make it.