Get ready to fall in love with Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!)—a lightning-fast, flavor-packed stir fry that brings all the comfort of takeout to your own kitchen in half an hour. Tender, seared beef, vibrant broccoli, and that glossy, garlicky sauce? It’s everything you crave, and you don’t even have to wait for delivery!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Better-Than-Takeout Flavor: The savory, glossy sauce clings to every bite of beef and broccoli, delivering pure homemade comfort.
- Super Fast—30 Minutes Flat: This is the ultimate weeknight dinner—minimal prep, quick cook time, and zero fuss.
- Wholesome and Fresh: Crisp broccoli and lean flank steak make this both satisfying and nutritious, with no mystery ingredients.
- Customizable for Every Taste: Dial up the heat, swap in your favorite veggies, or serve it over rice or noodles—the possibilities are endless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) are simple pantry staples, yet each one plays a big part in creating those classic flavors and textures you expect from a perfect stir fry. Gather these up, and you’re halfway to sensational homemade takeout!
- Flank Steak: Slice it thinly across the grain for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness—this cut soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Olive Oil: For that sizzle in the pan and a hint of richness in every bite; divided between the veggies and the beef for perfect searing.
- Broccoli Florets: Use fresh, bite-sized pieces for vibrant color and crunch; smaller florets cook evenly and quickly.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: The backbone of your savory-salty sauce; using low-sodium keeps things balanced, not overwhelmingly salty.
- Water: Just enough to create a silky texture in the sauce, ensuring every morsel gets coated.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (or Rice Vinegar): Adds a sunny pop of acidity to brighten up all the flavors—don’t skip this!
- Toasted Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way; this deep, nutty oil gives authentic umami flair.
- Packed Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness smooths the savory and ties everything together.
- Cornstarch: The secret to that signature glossy, thickened sauce—no need for lengthy simmering.
- Fresh Ginger (grated): Adds fresh, zippy warmth—use frozen for easier grating if you like.
- Garlic (minced): Four cloves sound like a lot, but trust me, they mellow into aromatic magic.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For a gentle spark of heat; add more or less to suit your preference.
Variations
One of the joys of Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re working around dietary needs or simply craving a new twist, this stir fry is a blank canvas for creativity.
- Swap the Protein: Use chicken, tofu, or shrimp in place of beef for a totally different flavor profile and to suit all eaters.
- Boost the Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots for added color and texture.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check your cornstarch for a certified gluten-free version.
- Go Extra-Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the sauce for heat lovers.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!)
Step 1: Prep All Your Ingredients
Prepping is the secret to a seamless Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!)—everything cooks lightning fast, so slice your steak thinly across the grain, cut broccoli into small, even florets, mince your garlic, and grate that fresh ginger before you heat your pan. Mix up the sauce ingredients in a bowl so they’re ready to go when things get sizzling.
Step 2: Sear the Broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until it’s almost shimmering. Toss in the broccoli, stirring and tossing often for about 4-5 minutes. The goal: vibrant green florets that are tender-crisp—not mushy! Scoop them out onto a plate to rest.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to your skillet. Spread the sliced beef into a single layer (a little overlap is fine). Let it sear undisturbed for a minute—this builds that crave-worthy browning—then give it a quick toss and cook for just another minute. Don’t overcook; it’s best slightly rare as it’ll finish in the sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Sauce It Up
Return the broccoli to the skillet, pour in your whisked sauce, and toss everything together. Keep the heat high, stirring gently as the sauce thickens and coats every bite—this only takes 1–3 minutes. The finish line: glossy, saucy, bold-flavored Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!). Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!)
- Slice Against the Grain: Cutting your steak this way ensures ultra-tender bites that soak up the sauce like a dream.
- Hot Pan, Quick Sear: Make sure your skillet is fully heated to get that magical caramelization on both broccoli and beef—don’t overcrowd the pan!
- Mix That Sauce Well: Whisk the sauce ingredients thoroughly to dissolve the cornstarch—this gives your dish a glossy, lump-free finish every time.
- Use Small Broccoli Florets: Cutting the broccoli into smaller pieces encourages even, quick cooking so you never bite into a raw chunk.
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!)
Garnishes
Finish your Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) with a shower of sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a light sprinkle of extra crushed red pepper for color and zing. If you have fresh cilantro or a drizzle of extra sesame oil on hand, those are fabulous final touches too!
Side Dishes
There’s nothing like serving this stir fry with steaming hot jasmine rice to soak up that delicious sauce, but feel free to try brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even saucy noodles. Add a side of simple egg drop soup or crisp spring rolls for a complete, takeout-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) into lettuce cups for an appetizer twist, or pile it atop a bed of soba noodles for noodle-bowl night. For a family-style meal, serve it straight from the skillet at the table and let everyone dig in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pack any leftover Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) in an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making for a fantastic lunch the next afternoon.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, though for best texture, freeze only after the stir fry has cooled completely. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce as needed, or use the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each—you’ll revive that sauciness in no time.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cut of beef if I can’t find flank steak?
Absolutely! Skirt steak or sirloin work well, just make sure to slice against the grain and keep the pieces thin for the most tender results with your Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!).
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How do I keep the broccoli vibrant and not overcooked?
Cut your broccoli into small florets and stir fry on high heat for just a few minutes. They should be bright green and crisp-tender—remove them from the pan promptly to prevent overcooking.
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Can I make Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) ahead of time?
You can prep all the ingredients and the sauce in advance for an easy weeknight dinner, but for best texture, cook it fresh right before eating. Leftovers, though, do make perfect lunches!
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What should I do if the sauce becomes too thick?
No worries—just add a splash of water and stir until the sauce loosens up to your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistible about making Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) from scratch—so much faster and fresher than takeout, every bite bursting with saucy, savory goodness. I genuinely hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share the joy with your favorite people around the table, no matter how busy your night is. Happy cooking!
Print
Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that can be made in just 30 minutes. Tender slices of flank steak are stir-fried with fresh broccoli in a savory sauce that is sure to please your taste buds. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Broccoli:
- 1 pound flank steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3–4 cups broccoli florets
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Slice the flank steak thinly, and mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- Cook the Broccoli: Sauté the broccoli in olive oil until tender-crisp, then set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Sear the beef quickly in olive oil until rare, then combine with broccoli.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli, cook until thickened.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Trim the steak and slice it thinly for best results.
- Cut broccoli into small florets for even cooking.
- Thin out the sauce with water if needed.
- Use toasted sesame oil for a unique flavor.
- Grate frozen ginger for easier prep.
- Serve with rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
