One dish that comes to mind at the mention of comfort food is a delicious plate of beef with broccoli. From the crunchy broccoli to the tender beef and the savory sauce, this beef and broccoli recipe can be made in just 20 minutes.
So, if you were on the hunt for a delicious meal that can be made in only 20 minutes, then you came to the right place.
Whether you are looking to learn a new recipe or simply perfect your own beef and broccoli recipe, this recipe is for you. Try making this deliciously simple dish once, and you will want to make it again and again.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
You will love this beef and broccoli recipe for a variety of reasons.
To begin with, the simplicity of this beef and broccoli recipe makes it a breeze to whip up. It's perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward instructions, it's accessible to cooks of all levels.
Additionally, this quick beef and broccoli recipe is a versatile dish that can be served alongside a multitude of different sides. It pairs equally well atop a bed of fluffy rice or alongside a crisp, fresh salad.
Furthermore, this recipe is highly customizable to your personal tastes and dietary requirements. Whether you're swapping beef for chicken, or even opting for a vegetarian version, the recipe adapts effortlessly to your preferences and dietary needs. Plus, with the option to add in an array of colorful vegetables, you can easily elevate the dish, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal every time.
Ingredients
Sauce:
The sauce for this beef and broccoli recipe is a rich blend of flavors, starting with a base of savory beef broth and soy sauce, which provides a depth of umami. The Chinese rice wine adds a subtle sweetness and complexity, while sesame oil imparts a toasty aroma. For additional variations, you can include oyster sauce for extra richness, or hoisin sauce for a hint of sweetness and spice.
Beef:
The best cuts of beef for this recipe are flank steak, sirloin, or tenderloin, as they are tender and flavorful. Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure it remains tender during cooking. If you prefer an alternative to beef, chicken breast, or thighs, tofu, mushrooms, or tempeh can be used.
Broccoli:
If you are using fresh broccoli to make your beef and broccoli stir fry, trim, and cut it into uniform florets for even cooking. Blanching in boiling water for a minute before adding to the stir fry can help maintain its vibrant color and crisp texture. Frozen broccoli can be used, but ensure it's thawed and drained before cooking. You can also incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli
Step One:
To make the beef and broccoli sauce, add beef broth, soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, black pepper, paprika, and brown sugar to a bowl and stir to incorporate. Set aside.
Step Two:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
Step Three:
Add your steak to the wok and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the wok and set aside.
Step Four:
Add 1 tablespoon of the oil into the wok with the steak juices.
Step Five:
Toss the broccoli into the wok and cook until softened. Remove from the wok and set aside.
Step Six:
Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok and add ginger and garlic. Sautee until aromatic.
Step Seven:
Add the soy sauce mixture you prepared earlier and stir in the cornstarch.
Step Eight:
Add the cooked beef and broccoli back into the wok and toss to coat in the sauce.
Step Nine:
Continue to saute until the sauce comes to a gentle boil.
Step Ten:
Serve topped with sesame seeds, and enjoy!
Tips
- Marinate the beef to enhance its flavor and tenderness. A simple marinade of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil works wonders. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.
- Blanching the broccoli before stir-frying can help retain its vibrant green color and ensure it cooks quickly.
What to Serve With Beef and Broccoli
When considering what to serve with beef and broccoli, steamed jasmine rice or brown rice is a classic choice, as the rice perfectly absorbs the flavorful sauce. For a low-carb option, consider serving it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Noodles, such as lo mein noodles, are also great accompaniments, providing a satisfying texture.
Additionally, a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a simple green salad with an Asian-inspired dressing can balance the richness of the beef and broccoli stir fry.
FAQs
Can I still make this easy beef and broccoli without a wok?
Absolutely, you can make an easy beef and broccoli recipe without a wok. Use a large skillet or frying pan instead.
Can I make it in the Instant Pot?
Sure! Check out this tasty Instant Pot beef and broccoli instead. In fact, this is the most popular recipe in the blog!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can absolutely create a vegetarian or vegan beef and broccoli. Simply substitute the beef with tofu, portabello mushrooms, tempeh, or a meat alternative. Ensure you use vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce to create the sauce.
For how long can leftover beef and broccoli be kept fresh?
Leftover beef and broccoli can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. If you want to keep it for longer than that, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
More Beef Recipes
Beef is a versatile protein that can be used to create a variety of tasty dishes. If you are looking for some beefy inspiration, then check out this collection of more beef recipes to inspire your next meal.
Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
- 1 pound steak sliced
- 1 pound broccoli chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds optional
Instructions
- Add beef broth, sou sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, black pepper, paprika, and brown sugar to a bowl and stir to incorporate. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
- Add your steak to the wok and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the wok and set aside.
- Add 1 tablespoon of the oil into the wok with the steak juices.
- Toss the broccoli into the wok and cook until softened. Remove from the wok and set aside.
- Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok and add ginger and garlic. Sautee until aromatic.
- Add the soy sauce mixture you prepared earlier and stir in the cornstarch.
- Add the cooked beef and broccoli back into the wok and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Continue to saute until the sauce comes to a gentle boil.
- Serve topped with sesame seeds, and enjoy 🙂
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Marinate the beef to enhance its flavor and tenderness. A simple marinade of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil works wonders. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.
- Blanching the broccoli before stir-frying can help retain its vibrant green color and ensure it cooks quickly.