Beef and Broccoli

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Beef and Broccoli
4. How To Serve Homemade Beef and Broccoli
5. Why You'll Love This Easy Recipe for Beef and Broccoli
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. Chinese Dinner Recipes
10. JUMP TO RECIPE

This beef and broccoli recipe brings bold flavor with juicy steak, tender broccoli, and a rich homemade sauce. Everything cooks in one pan, so clean-up stays simple and fast. It’s quicker than takeout and tastes way better too. Serve it over fluffy rice and dinner’s done!

This recipe is easy to make at home—just follow the step-by-step guide below. We’ve included clear photos, smart tips, and expert tricks. Scroll down to see the most frequently asked questions and all the answers you need.

You can make this recipe for beef and broccoli in just thirty minutes using simple ingredients and one skillet. It’s packed with juicy beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a thick, savory sauce that coats every bite.

Serve it for dinner, meal prep, or a potluck—it always disappears fast. It beats takeout every time and costs way less.

What you'll need to make this easy beef and broccoli recipe:

• ¾ to 1 pound of top sirloin steak, cut across the grain into thin strips
• 3 tablespoons of dark soy sauce, plus 1 tablespoon for the marinade
• 2 tablespoons of mirin or rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon of ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon of roasted garlic paste
• ¼ cup of light brown sugar
• 1 cup of beef broth
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil
• 2 broccoli crowns, cut into small florets
• 2 to 3 green onions
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds

• Substitute Sirloin Steak: Use skirt steak, or even thinly sliced chuck roast, for the same tender beef texture.
• Add Bell Peppers: Toss in red or yellow bell peppers for extra crunch, color, and a sweet contrast to the sauce.
• Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added texture and nutty flavor.
• Substitute Cornstarch: Swap with arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce while keeping it smooth and glossy.

Follow along with our step-by-step photos, easy instructions, and helpful tips and tricks to make the best beef and broccoli recipe. You’ll get perfect results every time using our quick guide below. Let’s get started!

FIRST STEP: Combine the thin slices of steak with one tablespoon of dark soy sauce and two tablespoons of mirin. 

Set aside to marinate while working on the sauce.

SECOND STEP: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining three tablespoons of soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger paste, garlic paste, and brown sugar.

THIRD STEP: Spoon a couple of tablespoons of the beef broth into the cornstarch and stir to dissolve.

FOURTH STEP: Mix both the cornstarch mixture and the remaining beef broth into the rest of the stir-fry sauce.

FIFTH STEP: Drain the marinated steak and discard the juices.

SIXTH STEP: Heat the oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat until the oil is nearly smoking and a drop of water in the pan sizzles immediately.

SEVENTH STEP: Drop the drained meat into the pan and stir fry for two to three minutes until the meat is browned on both sides.  

EIGHTH STEP:  Remove the meat from the pan and set it aside.

NINTH STEP: Add a thin layer of water to the bottom of the pan, just a few tablespoons, to steam/simmer the broccoli.

You can use a clean pan or the pan you’ve just used to cook the meat.

TENTH STEP: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and bring to a simmer. 

Simmer over medium-high heat, tossing the broccoli a few times until it begins to soften and turns vibrant green, about three to four minutes. 

ELEVENTH STEP: When the broccoli turns a vibrant green, add about half of the prepared sauce to the broccoli and bring it to a simmer. 

Stir and simmer for one to two minutes longer until the sauce thickens.

TWELVE STEP: Add the cooked meat back into the pan and add as much of the remaining sauce as you’d like. This recipe makes a very saucy dish.

THIRTEENTH STEP:  Heat the meat through and simmer long enough to thicken any additional sauce you have added.

FOURTEENTH STEP:  Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.

This broccoli beef recipe works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even dinner parties. It’s quick, hearty, and always a hit.

• Serve for busy weeknights: Kids and adults love this saucy beef and broccoli over rice or noodles. Pair it with fried rice or crab Rangoon egg rolls for a full meal. Everything comes together fast, so dinner hits the table in thirty minutes.
• Serve at a potluck or party: This recipe feeds a crowd without much work and stays warm in a slow cooker. Add crock pot orange chicken or crispy honey chicken to round it out. Everyone will head back for seconds.
• Serve during cooler seasons: This dish warms you up with every bite, especially on chilly nights. Try it with Chinese chicken salad or Asian cucumber salad for a complete meal. It tastes even better the next day!

Beef and broccoli stir fry has stayed a top favorite with our readers for good reason. It’s fast, packed with bold flavor, and super simple to throw together any night of the week. Plus, it works for picky eaters and dinner guests alike.

• Better Than Takeout: It brings the same bold flavor, but you control the ingredients and skip the delivery fees.
• Great for Busy Schedules: You can prep it ahead, toss it together fast, and still get a hot, hearty dinner on time.
• Always Family-Friendly: Even the picky kids will happily eat every bite, especially with extra sauce poured over rice.
• Works Year-Round: It fits any season, from cozy winter dinners to quick summer weeknight meals.
• Reader Approved: We’ve heard from tons of readers who now keep it in their regular meal rotation.

This beef with broccoli recipe brings real comfort and real flavor, and we think you’ll love making it again and again!

What kind of beef works best for beef and broccoli?
Sirloin steak works best, but you can also use flank or thin-cut chuck roast.

How do I keep the broccoli from getting mushy?
To keep broccoli from getting mushy, add it last and cook it just until it turns bright green and tender.

Can I use frozen broccoli in this beef and broccoli recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw it first and pat it dry to avoid extra moisture.

What helps the beef stay tender while cooking?
Cut beef thinly across the grain and don’t overcook it. Quick cooking on high heat keeps the texture just right.

How thick should the sauce be for beef and broccoli?
The sauce for beef and broccoli should be thick enough to coat everything. Let it simmer a few minutes to thicken.

What’s the best way to slice the beef for this recipe?
For beef and broccoli, slice the beef thinly against the grain. This helps keep it tender and easy to chew.

Do I need to cook the beef and broccoli in separate steps?
Yes, cook the beef and broccoli separately, then combine them with the sauce. This helps both cook just right.

What kind of pan should I use for beef and broccoli?
Use a large skillet or wok for beef and broccoli. A wide pan gives better heat and cooks everything evenly.

Can I serve beef and broccoli at a party?
Yes, serve beef and broccoli in a slow cooker on warm. Guests can scoop it over rice whenever they’re ready to eat.

Is beef and broccoli a kid-friendly recipe?
Absolutely, kids usually love this recipe thanks to the tender beef, sweet sauce, and familiar veggies.

How should I serve beef and broccoli for meal prep?
Portion beef, broccoli, and rice into containers. Keep the sauce on the side if you want to reheat everything separately.

Does beef and broccoli work well for a potluck?
Yes, beef and broccoli works great for potlucks. Bring it in a large covered dish to keep it warm and saucy.

Can I serve beef and broccoli without rice?
Yes, you can serve alone or over noodles, quinoa, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Whether you’re saving leftovers or prepping in advance, follow these steps to store beef and broccoli the right way.

Can I make this beef and broccoli ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep parts of the recipe early. Cook the beef, broccoli, and sauce separately, then let everything cool. Store the meat and veggies in one container and the sauce in another. Keep both in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to eat, reheat them separately, combine, and serve hot.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Place leftover beef and broccoli in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge and eat within three days for best results.

Can I freeze beef and broccoli?
Yes, freeze beef and broccoli in a sealed container or freezer bag. It keeps well in the freezer for up to four months.

What’s the best way to reheat beef and broccoli?
Reheat beef and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth and stir until warmed through.

Can I microwave beef and broccoli?
Yes, microwave in thirty-second bursts, stirring between each. Heat until warmed through, but don’t let it dry out.