Skip the 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 so 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.
Craving more? Subscribe to Just a Taste to get new recipes, meal plans and a newsletter delivered straight to your inbox! And stay in touch on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Find more takeout-fakeout inspiration with additional quick and easy recipes.
Easy Chicken Lo Mein: Get the Recipe
Easy Chicken Potstickers with Soy Dipping Sauce: Get the Recipe
Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with Noodles: Get the Recipe
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!
Shoutout
Did you try this recipe?
Share it with the world! Mention @justataste or tag #justatasterecipes!
Recipe by Kelly Senyei of Just a Taste. Please do not reprint this recipe without my permission. If you'd like to feature this recipe on your site, please rewrite the method of preparation and link to this post as the original source.
Great meal and easy to prepare. Taste AMAZING.
Super easy and my family loved it. I’ve added this as a go-to for a quick and easy (and impressive!) dinner on busy work days. I know I’m cooking a great meal for my family instead of just ‘dialing it in’ and cooking just to have something to eat.
Yay! I’m so thrilled your family has been enjoying the recipe, Laura!
I made a double batch
Does it freeze well?
this recipe works, but didnt taste like take out. I dont know if you skipped seasoning with salt and pepper before frying meat or if it was intentionally not seasoned, but it came out too mild for me. So I added eel sauce after to boost the flavors and salt and pepper. But as far as components, and presentation, and preparation, this is a winner. Very easy, but make sure to season meat.
Thanks for your comment, Eli!
Made it for the first time tonight , it was easy to prepare and quick especially after working all day. Very tasty it is a keeper will make it again . The only problem is there are no leftovers may have to double the recipe next time . Thanks alot for good healthy meal.
Woohoo! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Stephanie!
Perfect in every way! THANK YOU
You are so welcome, Kat! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Very easy and delicious !
I made this for dinner last night and it was delicious!! The best homemade beef and broccoli I’ve ever tasted!! The recipe was so easy to follow too!!
Very good thanks!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
A little too thick for us. I’d use less cornstarch next time and add red pepper flakes for some heat. Also I might add more broccoli a little less meat. For my first time making beef n broccoli good recipe to follow.
I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe, Pam!
Pretty good! A must try!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Brittany!
My daughter is allergic to soy, so I omitted the Soy Sauce and used beef broth. Individuals can add soy sauce if they want it. I also put the cooked rice under the beef & broccoli to avoid self-servers skipping the rice. It was GREAT!
Great swap, Linda! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
you should try coconut amminos in place of soy!
Thanks for the rec, Jess!
This was delicious! And even better the next day for lunch! I served it over Jasmine rice. Definitely going into our regular rotation.
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Rachel!