Name: Beef & Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb. flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain; 1 1/2 tsp. cornstarch; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup beef broth; 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce; 1 tsp. sesame oil; 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper; 1/2 tsp. ground ginger; 1 tsp. sugar; 1 tbsp. minced garlic; 1 tsp. onion powder; 1 1/2 tsp. cornstarch; 3 cups broccoli florets; 2 tbsp. grapeseed oil; 2 tbsp. unsalted butter; Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 15 reviews

If you’re longing for a savory, saucy, and utterly comforting meal after a long day, nothing beats a plate of Beef & Broccoli. This classic Chinese takeout favorite delivers tender strips of beef and vibrant green broccoli in a deeply flavorful, glossy sauce—all ready in under thirty minutes! It’s the kind of dish that never fails to impress, whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or sharing with friends who love bold flavors and wholesome home cooking. Let’s dig in and make this beloved Beef & Broccoli recipe a staple in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of pantry staples and fresh veggies come together so seamlessly for Beef & Broccoli. Each ingredient here has a starring role, whether it’s building layers of deep umami flavor or adding just the right hint of crunch and color.

Flank steak (1 1/2 lb.): Sliced thinly against the grain, this ensures melt-in-your-mouth, tender beef every time.
Cornstarch (1 1/2 tsp. + 1 1/2 tsp. for slurry): A must for keeping the beef juicy and for thickening the luscious sauce.
Kosher salt (1 tsp.): Gives the beef its savory base, seasoning it right from the start.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp.): Adds a deep, umami note that’s essential for that signature takeout flavor.
Beef broth (1 cup): Creates a rich, savory backbone for the sauce.
Low sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Keeps sodium in check while bringing all the essential salt and color.
Sesame oil (1 tsp.): Gives the sauce lovely nutty undertones and aroma.
Crushed red pepper (1/2 tsp.): For a little kick—adjust to your spice level preference.
Ground ginger (1/2 tsp.): Adds warmth and a gentle zing that’s classic to Beef & Broccoli.
Sugar (1 tsp.): Balances the salty, savory elements with a hint of sweetness.
Minced garlic (1 tbsp.): Infuses the sauce with robust, aromatic flavor.
Onion powder (1 tsp.): Rounds out the sauce with gentle, savory depth.
Broccoli florets (3 cups): Fresh and bright, they soak up the sauce while keeping their crunch.
Grapeseed oil (2 tbsp.): Perfect for high-heat stir-frying thanks to its neutral flavor.
Unsalted butter (2 tbsp.): Adds a touch of richness and helps the beef caramelize beautifully.
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): For that classic finishing touch and nutty crunch.

How to Make Beef & Broccoli

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by tossing your thinly sliced flank steak in a big bowl with kosher salt, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch. Massage the beef until it’s evenly coated. This quick marinade not only infuses your Beef & Broccoli with flavor, but also helps lock in moisture, keeping every bite tender and delicious.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, low sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, crushed red pepper, ground ginger, sugar, minced garlic, and onion powder. This blend becomes the magic elixir, marrying savory, sweet, and aromatic notes that define classic Beef & Broccoli sauce.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of grapeseed oil along with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once hot, add half of the beef, spreading it out for even cooking. Stir constantly until the beef is almost cooked through, then transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining oil, butter, and beef to avoid crowding the pan, which helps develop the perfect sear.

Step 4: Make Cornstarch Slurry

In a small cup, mix 1 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of water. This simple step will help thicken the sauce so it slickly coats every piece of beef and broccoli, giving your Beef & Broccoli that signature takeout sheen.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce and Broccoli

Pour the prepared sauce into your hot skillet and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry, then add the broccoli florets. Let everything bubble away for about 3 minutes, or until the broccoli is cooked to your liking but still vibrant and slightly crisp.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Return the seared beef (along with any juices) to the skillet and toss everything together until glossy and well coated with that irresistible sauce. Let simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld into perfect, savory harmony. Your Beef & Broccoli is ready to serve hot and fresh!

How to Serve Beef & Broccoli

Garnishes

Sprinkle your finished Beef & Broccoli with a shower of toasted sesame seeds for nutty crunch, or add a few sliced scallions for a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor. If you love heat, a sprinkle of extra crushed red pepper works wonders!

Side Dishes

This dish practically begs to be paired with a steaming bowl of jasmine or basmati rice, soaking up every last drop of that savory sauce. You could also serve Beef & Broccoli with fluffy steamed buns, sesame noodles, or even cauli-rice for a lighter twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling Beef & Broccoli into lettuce wraps for a crunchy, hand-held meal, or serve atop roasted sweet potatoes for a sweet-and-savory combo. For a party, present it family-style in a large platter garnished generously for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Beef & Broccoli to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It keeps wonderfully for up to three days, making next-day lunches or dinners a total breeze.

Freezing

If you want to freeze Beef & Broccoli, let it cool first, then store in a sturdy freezer-safe container for up to two months. The broccoli may soften a bit after freezing, but the flavors stay robust and satisfying.

Reheating

To reheat Beef & Broccoli, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too; just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring to ensure even heating without drying out the beef.

FAQs

Can I use another cut of beef for Beef & Broccoli?

Absolutely! While flank steak is popular for its tenderness and flavor, sirloin or skirt steak are also great options. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free tamari or soy sauce, and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free to make a worry-free Beef & Broccoli.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

You can! Frozen broccoli works perfectly in Beef & Broccoli—just add it straight to the skillet and simmer a minute or two longer, keeping an eye so it doesn’t turn mushy.

What’s the best way to slice the beef for this recipe?

For super tender Beef & Broccoli, always slice the beef thinly against the grain. If the meat is slightly frozen, it’s even easier to get uniform, thin slices.

Can I make Beef & Broccoli ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the marinade and sauce up to a day in advance, and even slice the beef ahead of time. Store each component separately until you’re ready to cook for the ultimate convenience.

Final Thoughts

I can’t think of a better way to satisfy your takeout cravings than whipping up Beef & Broccoli right at home. It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and tastes just like your favorite Chinese restaurant—you’ll be amazed at how much flavor comes from such simple steps. Give it a try tonight, and watch this dish become a repeat standout in your own kitchen!