Name: Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 3 Tablespoons cornstarch, divided; 3 Tablespoons water; 1 pound flank steak, cut into thin 1-inch pieces; 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce; 3 Tablespoons packed light brown sugar; 1 Tablespoon minced garlic; 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger; 1 Tablespoon cornstarch (remaining from the 3 tablespoons); 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil, divided; 4 cups small broccoli florets; 1/2 cup sliced white onions

I absolutely love making this Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe whenever I want a quick and satisfying dinner that still feels special. The flavors come together so beautifully with tender, flavorful beef and crisp-tender broccoli all coated in a luscious, slightly sweet soy-ginger sauce. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but comes together in just about 20 minutes, making it my go-to for busy weeknights or when I’m craving something comforting without a ton of fuss.

Why You'll Love This Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe

I think what makes this recipe truly stand out is the balance of flavors and textures. The beef is tender with a slightly crispy edge from the cornstarch coating, while the broccoli stays bright green and perfectly crunchy. The sauce is a fantastic mix of savory soy, aromatic ginger, sweet brown sugar, and garlicky goodness. Every bite feels like a little flavor explosion that keeps you coming back for more.

One of the best parts for me is how straightforward it is to prepare. The marinade and sauce come together in one bowl, and the whole dish takes just about 20 minutes from start to finish. That means no complicated chopping or sauces from scratch that take ages. I love having a recipe that’s reliable, quick, and doesn’t require hunting down hard-to-find ingredients.

This Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe is perfect for so many occasions. Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal, a family dinner, or a simple party dish to impress friends, it fits right in. For me, it feels special enough to offer guests but practical enough for a regular dinner rotation. Plus, it pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles, which makes it super versatile.

Ingredients You'll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with thin, uneven strips of raw red meat. The meat has visible fibrous texture and some white fat streaks mixed throughout, creating a contrast of deep red and pale tones. The bowl's transparency shows the meat from the sides and below, with natural light highlighting the wet texture of the meat strands. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are refreshingly simple yet exactly right to create that classic taste and texture I adore. Each one brings something essential: beef for protein and flavor, broccoli for freshness and crunch, and the sauce ingredients to create that crave-worthy glaze. The balance of sweet and savory depends entirely on these few basics coming together.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Cornstarch: This gives the beef a wonderfully light coating that crisps up just right and helps thicken the sauce.
Flank steak: Thinly sliced, this cut is full of flavor and very tender when cooked quickly like in this recipe.
Low sodium soy sauce: It adds salty umami without overpowering the other flavors.
Light brown sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the salty soy and punchy ginger.
Minced garlic: Essential for that aromatic, savory kick.
Fresh ginger: Adds a zesty warmth that makes this dish feel fresh and bright.
Vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat cooking to get a nice sear without burning.
Broccoli florets: Crisp and colorful, they add nutritional punch and texture contrast.
Sliced white onions: Bring sweetness and extra flavor to the veggie mix.

Directions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water until smooth. Add the thinly sliced flank steak pieces and toss well to coat them evenly. This helps the beef get that perfect lightly crispy texture when cooked.

Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set this sauce aside while you get the pan ready.

Step 3: Heat a large nonstick sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the pan. Once hot, add the beef and cook, stirring constantly, until the pieces are just about cooked through but still tender. This should take 3 to 4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside to rest.

Step 4: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same pan and let it heat. Add the broccoli florets and sliced white onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is vibrant green and tender but still crunchy, about 4 minutes. This step keeps the vegetables fresh and bright – don’t overcook!

Step 5: Return the beef to the pan with the veggies, then pour in the prepared sauce. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir constantly as the sauce thickens slightly, about 1 minute. Once thickened, turn off the heat and serve immediately with your favorite steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

This Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe makes approximately 4 servings, perfect for a small family or meal prep. The prep time is around 5 minutes since the beef just needs slicing and the sauce ingredients whisked together. Cooking time totals about 15 minutes, with 20 minutes for the entire process from start to finish. There’s no extra resting time needed, which makes it ideal for quick meals that don’t sacrifice flavor.

How to Serve This Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe

A white bowl filled with a base layer of white steamed rice topped with several pieces of dark brown glazed beef and bright green broccoli florets, evenly spread. The beef has a shiny and textured surface with hints of sauce. The bowl is placed on a rustic wooden table, with a pair of wooden chopsticks resting on the edge. Around the bowl, there are small white bowls containing green leafy herbs, red sauce, and white sesame seeds. The background features a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this dish piping hot right from the pan, paired with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or simple egg noodles. The rice soaks up the delicious soy-ginger sauce perfectly, and the noodles add a comforting, chewy texture that’s just right. For a fun twist, sometimes I like to serve it over cauliflower rice for a lighter option that still tastes great.

For garnishing, I often sprinkle chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top to add both color and a little crunch. A wedge of lime on the side also brightens everything up beautifully. If you want to boost the heat, a drizzle of chili oil or a few red pepper flakes do wonders to elevate the flavor.

When it comes to drinks, this dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp, cold beer or a light white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic choice, I enjoy an iced jasmine tea or sparkling water with a fresh lime wedge. This recipe is perfect for casual dinners but also works beautifully when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Just serve it warm or hot for the best experience.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe to keep it interesting. If you want to switch things up, you can easily substitute the flank steak for skirt steak, sirloin, or even thinly sliced chicken breast. All of these work well with the quick cooking method and flavor profile.

If you have dietary needs, it’s quite easy to make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. For anyone following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, replacing the beef with firm tofu or tempeh works wonderfully, just adjust the cooking time to get a nice sear and crispness.

Flavor-wise, I sometimes add a bit of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce into the mix for a deeper, more complex taste. For a smoky twist, you can stir-fry everything in a wok with a little toasted sesame oil right at the end. There’s no one way to enjoy this dish, and tweaking it to your liking makes it even more special in my book.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe store beautifully in airtight containers once cooled to room temperature. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. You can keep them safely in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Storing the beef and broccoli together allows flavors to meld even further, which can be quite delicious the next day.

Freezing

I’ve also frozen this dish successfully. To freeze, spread the cooled beef and broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps prevent clumping. It will keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer warming the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce and keep the broccoli from drying out. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but don’t overheat or the beef can become tough and the broccoli mushy. Stirring while warming helps maintain an even temperature and the fresh flavors.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can substitute skirt steak, sirloin, or even ribeye thinly sliced. Just make sure to cook the beef quickly over high heat to keep it tender and juicy.

How do I keep the broccoli crisp and vibrant green?

The key is not to overcook it. Stir-fry the broccoli for about 4 minutes so it’s tender but still has a bite. Cooking it quickly over medium-high heat helps it retain its color and crunchiness perfectly.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the regular soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or a soy sauce alternative labeled gluten-free. Everything else stays the same, and you get the same delicious flavors without gluten.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can slice and marinate the beef a few hours ahead or even the night before to deepen the flavor. However, I recommend cooking the broccoli fresh just before serving to keep its texture and color.

What sides go best with this Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe?

I love serving it with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or simple stir-fried noodles. You could also add a light Asian cucumber salad or steamed dumplings to round out the meal nicely.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe enough if you’re craving a flavorful, quick, and comforting meal. It hits all the right notes with minimal effort and ingredients that come together beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, I hope you enjoy making and savoring this dish as much as I do!