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+ servings

Easy Beef and Broccoli

Skip the takeout and whip up a fast and fresh recipe for Easy Beef and Broccoli in 20 minutes or less.
4.87 from 949 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings

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. 

Notes

  • DON’T use regular soy sauce. Regular soy sauce will make this dish way too salty.
  • Stir-frying is a fast-paced cooking method, so make your life easier by prepping all your ingredients before you start.
  • 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. 
  • Stir-frying is all about quick cooking over high heat. Ensure your pan is properly preheated before adding ingredients to maintain the crispiness of the broccoli and achieve a perfect sear on the beef.
  • The sauce must come to a boil in order for the cornstarch to work as a thickening agent. 
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