Beef and Broccoli

This Beef and Broccoli is fresh, hearty, and bursting with flavor. It’s a quick, affordable, and healthy approach to a classic take-out style Chinese dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Includes gluten-free, low carb and Whole30 options.

Updated August 2023

Beef and Broccoli: A Flavorful and Quick Meal that’s Better Than Takeout

Looking for a delicious and wholesome meal that’s ready in a flash? Beef and broccoli is a popular Chinese takeout order, and for good reason. The freshness of the vegetables, mixed with the richness of the beef, soaked in a mouth-watering sauce, makes for a pretty perfect meal. 

This beef stir fry can be even better when you make it at home. Homemade beef and broccoli tastes even fresher, is quite a bit healthier, and saves you money over the takeout version.

Better than takeout beef and broccoli combines tender slices of beef with vibrant broccoli florets, all coated in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. It’s a breeze to make and comes together in around 30 minutes in just one pan!

Not only is it a feast for your taste buds but also perfect for when you’re craving a satisfying takeout-style meal without the fuss! Definitely a busy weeknight staple in our family because it’s a nutritious restaurant-quality dish that takes less than a half an hour to make.

What You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry serves a purpose, from marinating the beef to creating a well-balanced sauce and incorporating fresh broccoli. The careful selection and combination of these elements result in a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing and satisfyingly wholesome. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page to see the exact quantities. Includes gluten-free, refined sugar-free, paleo, low carb, Whole30 and keto options.

For the Stir-Fry:

• Flank Steak or Sirloin: These lean cuts of beef are thinly sliced against the grain to ensure tenderness. The beef absorbs the flavors of the marinade and cooks quickly for a succulent result.
• Avocado Oil (or Neutral Oil): Avocado oil has a high smoke point, making it suitable for high-heat cooking. It helps achieve a perfect sear on the beef without burning.
• Water (for Blanching, Optional): Blanching the broccoli briefly in hot water before stir-frying preserves its vibrant green color and crisp texture.
• Garlic: Garlic adds aromatic depth and savory notes to the dish, enhancing its overall taste.
• Grated Fresh Ginger: Ginger lends a subtle zing and freshness to the stir-fry, complementing the other flavors.
• Broccoli Florets: Broccoli not only adds a pop of color but also provides a satisfying crunch and a wealth of nutrients, including vitamins and fiber.

The Perfect Sauce

The sauce is where the magic happens! It brings together the flavors of the dish and adds a delectable coating to the beef and broccoli. It’s a harmonious blend of oyster sauce, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and other seasonings. The result is a balance of umami, sweetness, and depth that’s simply irresistible.

• Oyster Sauce: Oyster sauce brings a unique umami flavor to the dish, enriching the sauce and enhancing the overall taste. You can also sub with vegetarian flavored oyster sauce use this brand for a Vegan, Keto, Whole30 and Paleo Oyster Sauce.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (or Tamari/Coconut Aminos): The sauce gets an additional layer of savory depth from soy sauce, contributing to the balance of flavors. You can substitute with coconut aminos or gluten-free tamari.
• Dark Soy Sauce (Optional): Dark soy sauce not only deepens the color of the sauce but also imparts a richer taste. You can leave out or substitute with coconut aminos or gluten-free tamari.
• Granulated Sugar (or Sugar-Free Sweetener/Date Paste): Sugar adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the salty and savory elements in the sauce. Use coconut sugar, monk fruit sweetener or Swerve to suit any dietary restrictions. Omit entirely for Whole30 or use orange juice or homemade date paste.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Similar to the marinade, toasted sesame oil enhances the aroma and flavor of the sauce.
• Mirin (Optional): Mirin, a sweet rice wine, adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce. You can also sub with a Chinese cooking wine. Omit for Whole30 / paleo.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy and velvety consistency. You can use arrowroot or tapioca starch for a corn-free, low carb, Whole30, paleo-version. Use 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum for keto.
• Salt and Black Pepper: These seasonings are essential for enhancing and balancing the overall flavor of the sauce.
• Sodium-Free Chicken Broth: Chicken broth contributes depth and umami to the sauce, making it more flavorful.

What Does Blanching the Broccoli Do?

Blanching is the act of briefly cooking an ingredient in boiling water before adding it to a pan. In this dish, blanching helps cook the broccoli without withering it or drying it out. You can then finish cooking the broccoli in the pan, but won’t have to cook it for as long before it’s ready. Blanching also helps bring out color in green vegetables, so your beef and broccoli will look prettier if the broccoli is blanched.

How to Make Beef and Broccoli

Now for the fun part! Let’s get to cooking this mouth-watering dish.

• Marinate the beef. Mix together low-sodium soy sauce, dark soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, cornstarch, and pepper. Cut the beef into thin slices and add it to the mixture. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes. 
• Blanch the broccoli. Bring the water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for 30 seconds, then drain and rinse with cold water. 

• Make the sauce. Combine oyster sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, dark soy sauce, chicken broth, mirin, toasted sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper, and mix.
• Cook the beef. Heat a non-stick pan or a wok on high heat, and add the oil. When the oil is smoking, add the beef in a single layer. Add the garlic + ginger and cook until the meat is no longer pink.
• Finish the stir-fry. Add the sauce, and stir until it thickens, about 30 seconds. Stir in the broccoli, and toss until the vegetables and beef are all covered in sauce. Add salt and pepper as needed.
• Serve and Enjoy: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve the Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry hot over cooked rice, quinoa, or noodles.

Tips for Success

Here are some tricks and tips to make sure your homemade beef and broccoli comes out perfectly. 

• Get the pan really, really hot. You’ll want to turn on your fan for this one. Heat the pan on high heat until it’s very hot, then add the oil and the beef. This ensures that you get a good crust on the beef, which will add both texture and flavor to the dish.
• Thinly slice the beef. It’s very important to cut the beef into thin slices. Thinly-sliced steak will be much more tender, especially with this stir-fry method.
• Cut the beef across the grain. You always want to cut your beef across the grain, but that’s especially true with lean cuts like flank steak or sirloin. Cutting beef across the grain keeps it from being chewy. 

• Quick Blanching: Blanching the broccoli briefly before stir-frying helps retain its vibrant color and crunchiness. Shocking it in cold water stops the cooking process, preserving its texture.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving, the options are endless. You can serve this takeout favorite over a bed of fluffy rice, nutritious quinoa, or your favorite noodles. The choice is yours!. But if you want some more dishes, here are some recipes that go great with beef and broccoli.

• Chicken lo mein
• Fried rice
• Summer rolls
• Crispy tofu
• Asian cucumber salad 

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Twist: Swap the beef for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious and protein-packed.

• Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice or noodles and serve the stir-fry over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb delight.

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Opt for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Refrigeration: If you find yourself with leftovers, You can keep this dish in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Meal prep: This dish is also excellent for meal prepping. Divide it into containers along with your choice of rice, quinoa, or noodles. 

Freezer: You can also store this recipe in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. 

Reheating: You can use a microwave or heat the stir-fry in a pan or wok over medium heat. Adding a splash of water or broth can help prevent the dish from drying out during reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q: Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe? A: Yes, while flank steak and sirloin are recommended for their tenderness, you can experiment with other cuts like skirt steak or even chicken for a variation in flavor and texture.

Q: Is the dish spicy? A: No, this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is not inherently spicy. However, if you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a touch of sriracha to the sauce for some spiciness.

Q: Can I omit the cornstarch from the recipe? A: Absolutely, you can omit the cornstarch if you prefer or if you’re looking for a lower-carb option. Alternatively, you can use arrowroot or tapioca starch as a substitute.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan? A: Yes, you can certainly make a vegetarian or vegan version of this stir-fry. Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh for a protein-packed vegetarian option, and opt for vegetarian oyster sauce to maintain the umami flavor.

Q: Can I use gluten-free ingredients in this recipe? A: Absolutely! To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce. This substitution will ensure the dish remains gluten-free without compromising on flavor.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the stir-fry? A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables you enjoy. Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms are great additions that can add color, flavor, and nutrition to the dish.

Q: What are some good sides to serve with this stir-fry? A: Alongside this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry, you can serve steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, or your favorite noodles. A side of sautéed bok choy or a simple cucumber salad would also complement the flavors well.

4.03 from 36 votes

Print

Beef and Broccoli

Prep Time

14 mins

Cook Time

12 mins

Resting Time

10 mins

Total Time

26 mins

 

Beef and broccoli is a Chinese takeout staple that's easy to make at home. It's fresh, hearty, jam-packed with flavor, and takes less than 30 minutes to make.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese

Keyword: beef and broccoli recipe, beef and broccoli stir fry, chinese beef and broccoli, chinese broccoli

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 191 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

• 3/4 pound flank steak , or sirloin, trimmed of fat, very thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 Tablespoon cooking oil
• water for blanching broccoli (omit if not blanching)
• 2 cloves garlic finely minced
• 1/4 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 3-1/2 cups broccoli florets about 1 head

For the Beef Marinade:

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch , you can use arrowroot or tapioca starch for a corn-free, low carb, Whole30, paleo-version. Omit for keto.
• 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce , can substitute with gluten free tamari or coconut aminos for a Whole30 / paleo-friendly version
• 1/4 teaspoon dark soy sauce optional for color & extra flavor (leave out for gluten free, Whole30, keto or paleo version)
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1-1/2 Tablespoons oyster sauce , you can also sub with vegetarian flavored oyster sauce use this brand for a Vegan, Keto, Whole30 and Paleo Oyster Sauce.
• 1-1/2 Teaspoons low sodium soy sauce , you can substitute with gluten free tamari or coconut aminos for a Whole30 / paleo-friendly version.
• 1/4 teaspoon dark soy sauce , optional for color & extra flavor (leave out for gluten free, Whole30, keto or paleo version).
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar , you can also sub with coconut sugar for paleo or granulated sugar-free sweetener (such as monk fruit sweetener or Swerve for keto). Leave out or swap with homemade date paste (adjusting the amount to taste)or orange juice (adjusting the amount to taste) for Whole30.
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Mirin , can also sub with Chinese cooking wine or dry sherry (omit for paleo and Whole30 version)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch , you can use arrowroot or tapioca starch for a corn-free, low carb, Whole30, paleo-version. Use 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum for keto.
• salt and black pepper , to taste
• 1/3 cup cold water or sodium free chicken broth – the chicken broth will add extra flavor, use more as needed to thin out the sauce if needd.

Serving Suggestions:

• cooked rice of choice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or noodles of choice

Instructions

1. Marinate the beef: In a medium bowl, mix together all of the ingredients for the marinade. Add the beef slices and stir until coated. Set aside for at least 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile blanch the broccoli: (skip if not blanching) In a large non-stick saute pan or wok on high heat, bring the water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 30 seconds. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3. Make the sauce: Combine all the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside.
4. Heat cooking oil over high heat, for about 2 minutes – using the same non-stick pan or wok you used for your broccoli. The pan needs to be hot enough that you start seeing a little bit of smoke rising.

5. Quickly add the beef to the smoking pan and spread the pieces out to a single layer allowing them to sear and brown. Add the garlic + ginger and continue cooking until the meat is no longer pink (about 1-2 minutes making sure not to overcook). Pour in the sauce, stirring constantly, until the sauce boils and thickens – about 30 seconds. Add more water if needed to thin out the sauce. Quickly stir in the broccoli and toss everything together to coat well. Salt and pepper to taste.

6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
7. For meal prep: Divide evenly into lunch containers with your favorite carb – rice, quinoa or noodles.

Recipe Notes

Refrigeration: If you find yourself with leftovers, You can keep this dish in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Meal prep: This dish is also excellent for meal prepping. Divide it into containers along with your choice of rice, quinoa, or noodles. 

Freezer: You can also store this recipe in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. 

Reheating: You can use a microwave or heat the stir-fry in a pan or wok over medium heat. Adding a splash of water or broth can help prevent the dish from drying out during reheating.

Nutrition Facts

Beef and Broccoli

Amount Per Serving (1 serving (1/4 recipe))

Calories 191 Calories from Fat 81

% Daily Value*

Fat 9g14%

Carbohydrates 6g2%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 19g38%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.