Skip the greasy takeout and whip up a fast and fresh recipe for Easy Beef and Broccoli in 20 minutes or less.
Yes, you read that correctly … 20 minutes! As in, you are less than half an episode of Fixer Upper away from digging your chopsticks into a big ol’ bowl of the most flavorful, tender, saucy Easy Beef and Broccoli.
The classic takeout dishes (think Orange Chicken, Pad Thai and Chicken Egg Rolls) were one of my many cravings during my second pregnancy. But rather than feel the greasy guilt often associated with the heavily salted and oil-drenched restaurant versions of those dishes, I decided a fast and fresh version of beef and broccoli was a must!
There are just two tablespoons of oil in this entire dish, and you better believe it’s still packed with all that sweet, tangy, garlicky soy sauce flavor. After all, isn’t the best part of beef and broccoli the gravy-like sauce?
It has to be thick enough to coat the tender slices of beef and the broccoli florets, without weighing down the entire dish. And most importantly, there has to be just enough sauce so that the accompanying rice also gets a chance to soak up all that glorious garlicky gravy. Want to see for yourself? Tune in below!
Mouth watering yet? Grab your knife and get ready to slice and dice your way to Easy Beef and Broccoli that’s guaranteed to kick those takeout menus to the curb.
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Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch, divided
- 1 pound flank steak, cut into thin 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 3 Tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 4 cups small broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup sliced white onions
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water. Add the beef to the bowl and toss to combine.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch with the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and ginger. Set the sauce aside.
- Heat a large nonstick sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil and once it is hot, add the beef and cook, stirring constantly until the beef is almost cooked through. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan and once it is hot, add the broccoli florets and sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender, about 4 minutes. (See Kelly’s Notes.)
- Return the beef to the pan then add the prepared sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until the sauce thickens slightly. Serve with rice or noodles.
Kelly's Notes:
- To guarantee bright green broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water then drain and dry it very well before adding it to the pan. If you opt for this additional blanching step, reduce the cooking time of the broccoli to 2 minutes.
- The sauce must come to a boil in order for the cornstarch to work as a thickening agent.
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!
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Such a great recipe, my family loves it.
I’m so thrilled to read this, Leah!
Absolutely amazing ! The family loved it and it was not overly sweet.
I’m so happy to read that your family enjoyed the recipe, Roxanna!
Made this tonight for dinner! This was really good! My only problem (which was something I probably did) was that it was a tad salty. Next time I’m going to try and add a touch of honey to counteract the salt, and maybe lay off the soy sauce! Otherwise this was delicious! Thank you for the recipe!
You are so welcome, Kayla! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
So I have been craving Chinese food and thought I would give it a try at home. I was impressed with my efforts, thank you, saving this recipe as a go to for our household. Absolute yum!
Awesome! I’m so happy to read that you enjoyed the recipe, Michelle!
I have searched and searched for beef and broccoli recipes that are not sickeningly sweet and this was a winner. I used leftover tenderloin and frozen broccoli florets and it was a HUGE hit with me and my family! Thanks for such a great recipe!
You are so welcome, Cynthia! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
This is really good, I’ve made it twice, but my beef sticks to the pan really bad. How do you get around that?
Hi Rachel! Are you using a nonstick pan and are you allowing the oil to become hot before adding the beef? You might also want to try adding more vegetable oil to your pan next time. :)
Great recipe & love how quick & easy it was. Thanks for sharing!
You are so welcome, Jacquie! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I tried this recipe turned out pretty good I will certainly make it again.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Cathy!
Absolutely delicious and even better the next day :) looking forward to trying your other recipes. Thank you!
You are so welcome, Karen! Welcome to Just a Taste :)
Soooo yummy & easy to throw together! I use plant-based “beef” tips & it’s so perfect for this recipe
Awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Lindsay!
Sooo yummy & easy to throw together
Super easy to make. Much better than take out!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Veronica!
Delicious and easy to follow recipe!
Surprised even myself on how it tasted like authentic takeout!!
Thank you
You are so welcome, Anna! I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Sooo good! I substituted chicken for the beef (cause it’s what I had on hand) and added some sliced red bell pepper just because. Served over rice, and ate two full plates! 10/10, would make again!!! Can’t wait for my leftovers tomorrow. Thank you!
Woohoo! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Jen!
Thanks for this easy, delicious recipe!
You are so welcome, Ruby! I’m thrilled you enjoyed it!
Delicious! My husband loved it as much as I did. Thank you for sharing it!
You are so welcome, Nancy! I’m thrilled you and your husband enjoyed the recipe!
This is my go-to beef and broccoli recipe. Super easy and quick and such a crowd pleaser!
I’m so thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Jessica!
Great to make this at home, so it’s healthier and so delicious. I added more ginger. I really like ginger!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Sarah!
This recipe is fantastic and as easy to make as promised! I was looking for some new meals to make for my family of 4 and this was the perfect addition. I tried it a week ago for the first time and my husband has already requested I make it again! It is now his new favorite for sure and mine as well! Thank you!
You are so welcome, Taylor! I’m thrilled your family enjoyed the recipe!