Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Have you ever craved that delicious Chinese takeout flavor but didn't want to wait for delivery? This easy beef and broccoli recipe has been my go-to dinner solution for years!

I first made this when Emily was going through her "I only eat brown foods" phase (kids, am I right?), and I was desperate to sneak some greens into her diet.

The first time I made this, I was honestly surprised at how simple it was. The whole meal comes together in just 20 minutes, which is faster than delivery would take anyway!

The sauce is rich and savory with that perfect balance of sweet and salty that makes restaurant versions so addictive.

What makes this beef and broccoli special is how tender the meat turns out, thanks to a simple cornstarch coating before cooking. The broccoli stays crisp-tender with a beautiful bright green color, and the sauce coats everything perfectly. This is definitely not one of those sad, watery stir-fries that disappoint!

Why You Will Like This Beef and Broccoli Recipe

• Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish - perfect for busy weeknights!
• Uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
• The sauce is perfectly balanced - not too salty, not too sweet
• Healthier and more affordable than takeout
• Versatile - serve with rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
• The beef turns out incredibly tender every time (no more chewy, tough meat!)

Ingredients for This Easy Beef and Broccoli

• 3 Tablespoons cornstarch, divided
• 1 pound flank steak, cut into thin 1-inch pieces
• ½ 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
• ½ cup sliced white onions

How to Make the Best Beef and Broccoli Recipe

1. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water. Add the beef to the bowl and toss to combine.
2. 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.
3. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.

The first time I made this, I was frantically stirring while Emily was tugging at my leg asking "is dinner ready yet?" about fifty times. Even with the distraction, it turned out amazing! That's how foolproof this recipe is.

Have you ever noticed how the sauce at restaurants always perfectly coats the meat and veggies? The secret is bringing it to a boil to activate the cornstarch.

Trust me, don't skip this step or you'll end up with a thin, runny sauce (I learned this the hard way).

Storage Tips for Your Beef and Broccoli

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• The flavors actually develop overnight, making this even more delicious the next day!
• To reheat, microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
• I don't recommend freezing this dish as the broccoli texture changes dramatically.

Expert Tips for Perfect Beef and Broccoli

• Slice the beef against the grain - This makes a huge difference in tenderness! I place my flank steak in the freezer for about 15 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut thinly.
• Don't use regular soy sauce - I made this mistake once and couldn't stop drinking water all night! Regular soy sauce makes this dish way too salty.
• Prep all ingredients before starting - Stir-frying moves quickly, and there's nothing worse than frantically mincing garlic while your beef overcooks. Been there, done that!
• For vibrant green broccoli - Blanch the florets in boiling water for 1 minute, then immediately plunge into ice water before adding to the stir-fry. This locks in that gorgeous color! Then you'll only need to cook it for about 2 minutes in the stir-fry.
• Make sure your pan is hot enough - A proper stir-fry needs high heat to get that perfect sear on the beef and keep the broccoli crisp.
• Don't overcrowd the pan - If you're doubling the recipe, cook the beef in batches. Too much in the pan at once creates steam and prevents browning.

Have you ever had your sauce refuse to thicken? Remember that the sauce MUST come to a boil to activate the cornstarch. I once rushed this step and ended up with beef and broccoli soup instead of stir-fry!

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef and Broccoli

Recipes You May Also Enjoy

• Quick Easy Smothered Chicken Recipe - Another quick dinner option that's perfect for busy weeknights!
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken - If you love this beef recipe, you'll adore this creamy chicken dish too.
• Healthy Beef Stroganoff - Another delicious way to enjoy beef in a comfort food classic.

Make This Easy Beef and Broccoli Tonight

This easy beef and broccoli recipe has saved dinner at my house more times than I can count! It's so much better than takeout - fresher, healthier, and you can control exactly what goes into it.

Plus, it's ready in just 20 minutes, which is pretty much a miracle on busy weeknights.

The combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and that rich, savory sauce is absolutely irresistible. Emily now requests this regularly (broccoli phase long forgotten!), and it's become one of our family favorites.

Next time you're tempted to order takeout, give this homemade version a try instead. I promise it will become a regular in your dinner rotation too!