Name: Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 pound flank steak; 3-4 cups broccoli florets; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more to taste); 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

If you’re craving a quick, delicious dinner that bursts with flavor, you’re going to love this Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) Recipe. It’s a perfect weeknight meal offering tender, juicy strips of flank steak paired with crisp-tender bright green broccoli florets all coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that’s bursting with umami. What makes this dish truly special is how effortlessly you can whip it up without sacrificing any of that incredible restaurant-quality taste. If you want a fast, satisfying stir-fry that brings the best of beef and broccoli straight to your plate, this recipe will become your new go-to in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several ingredients arranged neatly. There is a dark gray plate holding a large piece of raw red meat with visible texture. Next to it, on another dark gray plate, are many small green broccoli florets spread out evenly. Around these plates are small white bowls and colorful small round bowls holding various ingredients: one bowl contains white powder, a stainless steel measuring cup with brown powder, a bowl with a light yellow liquid, a bowl with red chili flakes, a bowl with minced white garlic, a bowl with a dark liquid, and a bowl with orange liquid. Everything is clean and arranged carefully. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to create a harmony of flavors and textures: tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a luscious sauce that ties it all together in every bite.

1 pound flank steak: Lean and flavorful, flank steak is perfect for thin slicing and quick cooking to keep it tender.
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Adds a subtle richness and ensures your beef and broccoli cook beautifully without sticking.
3-4 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds vibrant color and a satisfying crunch to balance the tender meat.
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The salty base of your sauce, offering deep savory notes without overwhelming the dish.
1/2 cup water: Helps balance the soy sauce and creates the perfect consistency for your sauce.
1/2 teaspoon apple rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that brightens up the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: Just a touch gives the dish that unmistakable nutty aroma and richness.
1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce naturally and helps create that glossy finish.
3 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the sauce quickly, giving it a luscious coating on every piece.
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Brings a fragrant zing that wakes up your palate.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic’s pungent warmth rounds out the savory profile perfectly.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds just a hint of heat to keep things exciting—feel free to adjust to your taste.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) Recipe

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Before you turn on the heat, take five minutes to prep all your ingredients. Trim any fat from the flank steak and slice it thinly across the grain; this ensures every bite is tender and easy to chew. Whisk together the soy sauce, water, apple rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes to create a sauce that’s rich and balanced. Having everything ready sets you up for success once you start cooking.

Step 2: Make the Broccoli Shine

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering—that means it’s ready! Add the broccoli florets and toss frequently for about 4-5 minutes, cooking them until they reach the perfect tender-crisp texture. That popping green color and just-crisp bite make all the difference in this dish. Then, transfer the broccoli to a plate to rest while you move on to the star ingredient.

Step 3: Sear the Steak with Care

Add the second tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and spread the thinly sliced beef pieces evenly in a single layer. Let them sizzle undisturbed for about a minute to develop a nice sear, then carefully stir and flip the beef for another minute or so. The key here is to avoid overcooking; leaving the beef slightly rare at this stage keeps it juicy and tender—no tough bites allowed!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the broccoli to the skillet, then pour the prepared sauce over both the beef and broccoli. Toss everything gently as the sauce bubbles and thickens, turning glossy and coating each piece beautifully in just a couple of minutes. Once the sauce has reached that perfect consistency, take the skillet off the heat and get ready to serve immediately—this dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh!

How to Serve Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) Recipe

The image shows two black pans on a white marbled surface. The left pan contains many small pieces of pink raw meat spread evenly across the pan. The right pan has the same small pieces of cooked brown meat mixed with bright green broccoli florets, filling the pan fully. The textures show the transformation from raw meat to cooked, with broccoli adding contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this dish, sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving for extra texture and a nutty crunch. A scattering of thinly sliced green onions adds a fresh pop of color and a mild sharpness that complements the savory sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

This Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up all that delightful sauce. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice or even simple garlic noodles make satisfying companions. Whatever you choose, the sides will round out your meal with comforting and complementary flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or shake up your usual routine? Serve this dish over a bed of cooked quinoa for added protein and texture. You can also turn it into a fresh stir-fry salad by serving it atop crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter but equally tasty twist. For fun, wrap spoonfuls in lettuce cups garnished with a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a handheld treat everyone will love!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and you might, if you resist diving in immediately), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The broccoli might lose a little crispness, but the flavors will stay vibrant and delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover beef and broccoli, but keep in mind that broccoli tends to become softer after freezing and thawing. If you prioritize texture, it’s better to store fresh and enjoy within a few days. When freezing, place the dish in a freezer-safe container or bag and use within 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave at medium power to avoid overcooking the beef. Adding a splash of water to the pan before warming can help refresh the sauce and keep everything nice and moist. Avoid reheating too long, as the beef may become tough.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak works wonderfully because it cooks quickly and remains tender when sliced thinly, you could also use skirt steak, sirloin, or even ribeye if you prefer a juicier cut. Just be sure to slice the meat thinly against the grain for the best texture.

What if I want to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

No problem! Swap the beef for firm tofu or shiitake mushrooms to keep that hearty feel. Use tamari instead of soy sauce if you need gluten-free, and add more garlic and ginger to build up the flavor. The sauce remains a star in these variations.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, prepping the sauce ahead of time saves valuable minutes when cooking. Store the mixed sauce in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before using to keep your prep smooth and seamless.

How do I ensure the beef stays tender and not chewy?

Thin slicing across the grain and quick cooking in a hot pan are your best friends here. Avoid crowding the pan — cook in batches if necessary — and remove the beef from heat as soon as it’s lightly pink for maximum tenderness.

Is this recipe spicy?

There’s a gentle hint of heat from the crushed red pepper flakes, but it’s very mild and easy to adjust. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more flakes or a dash of chili garlic sauce. If you want it milder, simply leave them out altogether.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried this Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) Recipe, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved quick homemade classic. The balance of tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and that glossy, flavorful sauce hits every note for a comforting meal that’s fast and satisfying. Treat yourself to this delicious stir-fry tonight—you might find it becoming one of your favorite dinner staples!

Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need