Beef and Broccoli

We love Chinese takeout. It’s our go-to for those nights I just don’t feel like cooking. I love to recreate my favorites at home, like Panda Express Hot Orange Chicken and PF Changs Honey Chicken. Beef and broccoli is another of our favorites and I swear this beef and broccoli recipe is better than our local takeout. The sauce is to die for!

My favorite part? It’s made with easy-to-find ingredients (mostly pantry staples) and it’s ready in 20 minutes. We can’t even order delivery that quickly!

Why This Is The Best Beef and Broccoli Recipe

• Tender steak, crisp broccoli. The flank steak is sliced super thin to ensure optimal tenderness, and the broccoli is cooked just enough to retain a satisfying crunch and vibrant green color. The broccoli florets are perfect for mopping up every bit of the sauce.
• The sauce! The sauce is loaded with yummy umami flavor. It’s savory with just a hint of sweetness, while ginger and garlic add a bit of earthy freshness. Sometimes I’ll make a little extra just so there’s some to drizzle over the rice, too!
• One-pan dinner. I love cooking. I don’t love doing dishes. But when I make this beef and broccoli recipe, I don’t have to worry because everything is cooked in one pan. It’s so easy!
• Meal-prep friendly. This is one of our favorite recipes to meal prep. It’s so easy to divide into containers with brown rice for a flavorful and filling lunch on the go. It definitely stops the urge to grab takeout on busy days!

Ingredients You’ll Need & Why

In this easy beef and broccoli recipe, we just use whole ingredients and an easy homemade sauce that only takes a few ingredients. It couldn’t be easier to make! Be sure to review the recipe card down below for measurements and full details.

• Beef – We use flank steak for this recipe. This is the same cut that’s used at your favorite Asian restaurant. You could also use ribeye or sirloin, but the grain in flank steak makes it perfect for slicing thin and cooking quickly.
• Broccoli – You can cut the florets down from a head of broccoli or just grab a bag of pre-washed broccoli florets ready-made for stir fry.
• Soy Sauce – I always opt for low sodium so it doesn’t oversalt the dish.
• Sesame Oil – This adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that is very distinct and makes this taste even more like takeout.
• Brown Sugar – Helps to balance out the savory and salty flavors. Honey also works.
• Aromatics – Lots of fresh garlic and ginger! Don’t use any premade squeeze tubes or jars. The real stuff makes all the difference in this recipe.
• Chicken Stock – Rather than just using water for the sauce, I prefer chicken stock because it adds umami flavor.
• Cornstarch – I use just enough to assist in thickening the sauce without making it goopy.

How to Make Beef and Broccoli

This recipe comes together faster than takeout can be delivered! Here’s an overview of the steps. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the printable instructions.

• Slice the beef. Freeze the flank steak for 30-60 minutes before starting the recipe. Slice against the grain as thinly as possible. Let the strips rest on the counter while preparing the next steps.
• Make the sauce. Whisk together all of the sauce ingredients. Microwave for 30 seconds to help the brown sugar dissolve.
• Saute the broccoli. Heat oil over medium-low heat. Saute the broccoli for 2 minutes, flip, and add a few tablespoons of water. Partially cover and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes. Set aside under tented foil.

• Sear the beef. Add more oil to the pan. Heat over medium-high heat. Sear the steak strips for 2 minutes per side in a single layer.
• Combine the ingredients. Reduce the heat. Add the sauce and simmer for about 2 minutes, until it begins to thicken. Add the broccoli and toss to coat.
• Enjoy. Top with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Serve over rice or noodles.

How to Get Tender Beef

The most important part of this beef and broccoli recipe is cooking the beef, so it has that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here are a few tips to help you achieve just that:

• Freeze first. Make sure to freeze the beef for an hour before slicing. This will ensure you can get super thin slices. The thicker the slice, the tougher the meat.
• Use a sharp knife. This will also ensure thin and even slices, resulting in tender steak.
• Don’t overcook the beef. Since the beef is sliced so thin, it cooks quickly. Just 2 minutes per side is plenty of time for the steak to sear. It will continue to cook as it braises in the pan sauce for 3-5 minutes. Overcooked steak is chewy and not very appetizing.

Serving Suggestions

I love to keep the takeout theme when I serve this beef and broccoli. My go-to is to serve it over Mango Chicken Fried Rice or plain white or brown rice. Whole-grain spaghetti (or soba noodles if you can find them) is also great.

And don’t forget the Chicken Egg Rolls with Sweet and Sour Sauce for a side dish!

Meal Prep & Storage

As I mentioned above, beef and broccoli is one of our favorite dishes for meal prepping. The leftovers taste great for days and it makes a filling, protein-packed lunch on busy days.

• Meal prep: Allow the beef and broccoli to cool fully before packing them into food storage containers with your preferred side. I use BPA-free plastic containers, my Caraway reusable containers, or these glass meal prep containers. Divide any extra pan sauce over the rice or noodles for maximum flavor.
• Fridge: Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Reheat: The easiest way to reheat leftovers, including meal prep containers, is by popping them in the microwave. Heat just until hot, taking care not to overheat the steak, which can give it a chewy texture.

Looking for More Takeout Recipes?

• Hot Orange Chicken Panda Express Recipe
• General Tso’s Chicken
• Honey Garlic Chicken
• Cheesecake Factory Orange Chicken Copycat Recipe
• Crispy Honey Chicken PF Changs Copycat
• Food Court Bourbon Chicken

Have you tried this Beef and Broccoli recipe? If so, please comment below with any questions or feedback. Your opinions and reviews really help other readers in my community.

Please be sure to tag me @BadBatchBaking using the hashtag #badbatchbaking if you made this recipe, and I will feature you in my story! Plus, I LOVE to see your baking and cooking accomplishments!