A few nights ago, I whipped up this Fast and Saucy Beef and Broccoli recipe, and I have to say, it’s a game-changer. The vibrant, tender broccoli and juicy, flavorful beef come together in an irresistibly savory sauce that’s perfect over rice or noodles.
Not only does it taste incredible, but it’s also so quick to prepare. If you’re anything like me, always looking for a recipe that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for speed, this will fast become a favorite!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
For the Beef:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound flank steak, cut into thin 1-inch pieces
For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Vegetables:
- 6 cups bite-sized broccoli florets
Note: This recipe serves 4 generous portions.
Variations
Make this dish your own with a few simple swaps or add-ins:
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Low-Sugar: Replace brown sugar with a low-carb sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
- Protein Twist: Substitute chicken or tofu for the beef.
- Spice It Up: Add chili flakes, Sriracha, or sliced fresh chilies for some heat.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, snap peas, or sliced carrots to bulk up the stir-fry.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Wok or large skillet: For frying and stir-frying everything to perfection.
- Mixing bowl: To prepare the stir-fry sauce.
- Ziploc bag: Coats the beef evenly with cornstarch and pepper.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For easy stirring and flipping.
- Knife and cutting board: To prep the beef and vegetables.
How to Make Fast and Saucy Beef and Broccoli?
This recipe is all about quick prep and even quicker cooking. Once you’ve got all your ingredients and tools ready, the rest is a breeze!
Prep the Beef
Start by combining the cornstarch and black pepper in a large Ziploc bag. Toss the thinly sliced beef inside the bag and shake until all pieces are evenly coated. This simple coat-and-shake step helps the beef get that lovely crispness when cooked.
Make the Sauce
To prepare the sauce, mix the soy sauce, cold water, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a medium-sized bowl. Stir well until it’s smooth and set it aside. This sauce is the magic that ties the dish together.
Stir-Fry the Broccoli
Heat your wok or skillet on medium heat until it’s lightly smoking. Add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Toss in the broccoli florets and stir frequently for about 4 minutes, until they turn tender-crisp. Remove from the wok and transfer to a large bowl while keeping the pan warm.
Cook the Beef
Add another tablespoon of oil to your heated wok. Shake off any excess cornstarch from the beef before adding it to the pan. Stir constantly, letting the beef sear evenly until it’s almost fully cooked, which will take around 4-5 minutes.
Bring it All Together
Return the cooked broccoli to the pan with the seared beef. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture, and stir to combine everything evenly. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, stirring consistently until it starts to thicken and coat the ingredients beautifully. Once done, remove the wok from heat.
Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the beef and broccoli over steamed white rice or cooked noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for that extra touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish is loved for many reasons, and here are just a few:
- Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Packed with flavor: The sauce adds a savory and slightly sweet punch.
- Healthy option: Packed with protein and fibrous broccoli.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this delicious combo.
How to Serve Fast and Saucy Beef and Broccoli?
For a delightful presentation, serve this dish over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or springy noodles. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil for added depth. To brighten it up, sprinkle fresh cilantro or thinly sliced scallions on top. Pair it with a refreshing side salad or even some crispy spring rolls to complete the meal.
Nutritional Information
This dish is balanced and nourishing. Here are the approximate details per serving:
- Calories: 335
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fat: 10g
Make Ahead and Storage
If you’re short on time during the week, this recipe can easily be prepared ahead of time. The stir-fry sauce can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days. If you’re prepping the whole dish in advance, allow it to cool completely before storing.
To refrigerate, pack leftovers in an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. For freezing, portion the cooked beef and broccoli (without rice or noodles) into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Tips for Making the Recipe
Having made this myself, I’ve picked up a few tips to ensure your beef and broccoli turns out perfect every time:
- Prep everything beforehand: Stir-fry moves fast, so have all your ingredients ready to go before heating the wok.
- Cook broccoli first: This step prevents the vegetable from overcooking and keeps it tender with a bit of crunch.
- Use fresh ginger: It adds a fragrant, zesty kick you can’t get from the powdered version.
- Thinly slice the beef: Thinner cuts cook faster and soak up the sauce better.
- Adjust the sauce: If you prefer it thicker, add a little extra cornstarch slurry. For a looser sauce, drizzle in a bit more water.
Fast, saucy, and utterly delicious, this beef and broccoli recipe strikes the perfect balance of convenience and taste. It’s earned a permanent spot in my weeknight menu rotation, and I can’t wait for you to try it too!