Are you craving a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal that you can whip up at home in no time? This quick and simple beef and broccoli recipe is the perfect solution! With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce, this dish is both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, you’ll love how effortlessly this meal comes together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, everyday ingredients.
- Healthier Than Takeout: Less oil and preservatives.
- Family-Friendly: A delicious meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients for Quick and Simple Beef and Broccoli
To make this dish, you’ll need fresh ingredients and a few pantry staples.
For the Beef
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| New York steak, sirloin, or chuck | 8 oz (½ lb), thinly sliced against the grain |
| Soy sauce | 1 tsp |
| Shaoxing wine, rice wine, or dry sherry | 1 tsp |
| Cornstarch | 1 tsp |
| Baking soda | ¼ tsp |
| Black or white pepper | ⅛ tsp |
For the Stir-Fry
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Broccoli florets | 2 cups, blanched |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Fresh ginger, minced | 1 tbsp |
| Soy sauce | ¼ cup |
| Oyster sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Hoisin sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Beef broth or water | ½ cup |
| Cornstarch mixed with water (slurry) | 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water |
| Cooked rice | For serving |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious homemade beef and broccoli stir-fry.
1. Marinate the Beef
In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, baking soda, and pepper. Stir well until the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to ensure tenderness and flavor absorption.
2. Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a separate small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and beef broth (or water). Stir until the sugar dissolves. Set aside for later.
3. Blanch the Broccoli
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
- Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and slightly tender.
- Drain immediately and set aside.
4. Cook the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
5. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Combine and Simmer
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet.
- Add the blanched broccoli.
- Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over everything and stir to coat.
- Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
7. Thicken the Sauce
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) and mix well.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli beautifully.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the beef and broccoli over a bed of steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for extra flavor.
Tips for the Best Beef and Broccoli
1. Choose the Right Cut of Beef
For the most tender results, use New York steak, sirloin, or chuck. Slice the beef against the grain to ensure it stays soft and juicy.
2. Don’t Skip the Marinade
The baking soda and cornstarch in the marinade help tenderize the beef, making it incredibly soft—just like in a restaurant!
3. Use Fresh Broccoli
For the best texture, use fresh broccoli instead of frozen. Blanching ensures it stays vibrant and slightly crisp.
4. Adjust the Sauce to Taste
If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a bit more sugar. Want it saltier? Increase the soy sauce.
5. Work Quickly Over High Heat
Stir-frying works best when you cook quickly over high heat. This prevents the beef from overcooking and keeps the broccoli crisp.
Variations and Substitutions
1. Use a Different Protein
- Chicken or Pork: Substitute thinly sliced chicken breast or pork loin.
- Tofu: For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu and skip the beef marinade.
2. Make It Spicy
Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
3. Try a Low-Sodium Version
Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the oyster sauce to make a healthier version.
4. Add More Vegetables
Enhance your stir-fry by adding:
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Snow peas
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fats | 10g |
| Sodium | 720mg |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the beef up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. The stir-fry is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Can I freeze beef and broccoli?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the sauce. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
4. What can I use instead of Shaoxing wine?
You can use rice vinegar, mirin, or dry sherry as substitutes.
5. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
6. What type of pan is best for stir-frying?
A wok is ideal for high-heat cooking, but a large skillet works just as well.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Now that you know how to make quick and simple beef and broccoli, it’s time to try it yourself! This delicious, easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknights and sure to impress your family.
Print
Quick and Simple Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Description
This quick and simple beef and broccoli is a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender beef slices and crisp broccoli are tossed in a rich, savory sauce and served over rice. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent alternative to takeout!
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 8 oz (½ lb) New York steak, sirloin, or chuck, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine, rice wine, or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon black or white pepper
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 cups broccoli florets, blanched
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
For Serving:
- Cooked rice
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions or sesame seeds
Instructions
-
Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, mix the sliced beef with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, baking soda, and black or white pepper. Stir well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
-
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and beef broth (or water). Stir until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
-
Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
-
Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
-
Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Combine Everything: Return the beef to the skillet, add the blanched broccoli, and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
-
Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli.
-
Serve: Spoon the beef and broccoli over steamed rice. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra tender beef, slice it thinly against the grain and marinate it for at least 15 minutes.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch slurry in small amounts until you reach the desired consistency.
- Customize your stir-fry by adding other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the oyster and hoisin sauces are gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese