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Beef and Broccoli Recipe

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4.3 from 14 reviews

This classic Beef and Broccoli recipe features tender flank steak and crisp-tender broccoli florets stir-fried in a savory, slightly sweet soy-ginger sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it makes a perfect weeknight dinner served over steamed white rice with optional toasted sesame seed garnish for added texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Beef and Vegetables

  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced into bite-sized strips
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil, divided
  • 1 lb fresh broccoli, cut into about 6 cups of florets
  • 2 tsp sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Sauce

  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (loosely packed)
  • 2 tsp garlic, grated (from 3 cloves)
  • 1/2 cup hot low sodium beef broth or hot water
  • 6 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce or gluten-free Tamari
  • 3 Tbsp packed light brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp corn starch
  • 2 Tbsp sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Steak: Start cooking white rice so it will be ready by the time the stir fry is done. For easier slicing, cover the flank steak and freeze it for 30 minutes, then thinly slice it against the grain into bite-sized strips.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine grated ginger, grated garlic, hot beef broth (or water), soy sauce, brown sugar, corn starch, and sesame oil. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved and set the sauce aside.
  3. Cook Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli florets and sauté, partially covered, for 4-5 minutes, stirring or tossing occasionally, until the broccoli turns bright green and is crisp-tender. If you prefer softer broccoli, add 2 tablespoons of water before covering to steam it. Remove broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Cook Beef: Increase the skillet heat to high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Season the sliced beef with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add the beef in a single layer to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Test doneness by quickly pulling out a piece.
  5. Combine and Thicken Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the beef. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Add the cooked broccoli back to the skillet and stir to combine everything. If the sauce is too thick, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of water to thin it to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve: Spoon the beef and broccoli stir fry over cooked white rice. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Freezing the flank steak before slicing helps achieve thin, even strips for quick cooking.
  • Using low sodium soy sauce and beef broth helps control saltiness, but adjust seasoning as needed.
  • For gluten-free options, substitute soy sauce with gluten-free Tamari.
  • Adding a small amount of water during broccoli cooking softens it if preferred.
  • Sautéing beef in a single layer ensures even cooking and better searing.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed white or brown rice.