Quick Beef and Broccoli Recipe Juiciest Ever Made

Whipping up a delectable beef and broccoli dish can happen faster than you might expect.

Savory proteins and vibrant green florets come together in minutes.

Cooking this classic Asian-inspired meal requires minimal ingredients and surprisingly little skill.

Busy weeknight warriors will appreciate how swiftly this recipe comes together in a single pan.

Restaurants can’t compete with the fresh flavors you’ll create right in your own kitchen.

This meal promises to become a new favorite that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

Questions About Beef and Broccoli? Let’s Answer Them

• How does cornstarch help tenderize the beef?

Cornstarch creates a protective coating on the meat that locks in moisture and prevents proteins from becoming tough during cooking, resulting in a more tender and juicy beef.

• Why slice beef against the grain?

Cutting against the grain breaks up muscle fibers, making the meat easier to chew and more tender. This technique ensures a softer texture and more enjoyable eating experience.

• Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye work best. Choose lean cuts that are relatively tender and can be sliced thinly for quick cooking and optimal texture.

• Is it necessary to freeze the beef before slicing?

Freezing the beef for 15 minutes firms up the meat, making it easier to slice thin and evenly. This step is optional but helps achieve more consistent and precise cuts.

Quick Beef and Broccoli: Why It’s Always a Hit

• Whips up deliciously in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is short.
• Uses affordable ingredients like basic beef cuts and accessible vegetables, delivering restaurant-quality flavor without breaking the bank.
• Allows flexible adjustments to spice levels, protein choices, and vegetable quantities, making it adaptable for different family preferences and dietary needs.
• Requires only a handful of pantry staples like soy sauce, cornstarch, and basic seasonings, eliminating complicated shopping trips and reducing kitchen stress.

Ingredients List for Quick Beef and Broccoli

• Beef Sirloin: A tender, lean cut that becomes succulent when sliced thinly and marinated, with a rich meaty flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Helps tenderize the beef and adds deep umami flavor to the meat.

Cornstarch: Creates a protective coating for the beef, ensuring a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

• Garlic: Provides a sharp, aromatic base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy note that complements the beef's richness.

• Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that adds crunch and vibrant color to the stir-fry.

• Oyster Sauce: Brings a sweet and savory depth to the dish, creating a glossy coating.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tangy brightness to balance the rich flavors.
• Sesame Oil: Provides a nutty, aromatic finish that is characteristic of Asian cuisine.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
• Green Onions: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor as a garnish.

How to Cook This Beef and Broccoli Fast

Step 1: Prep the Beef

Grab your beef and place it in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This trick makes slicing super easy! Take it out and slice against the grain into thin, mouth-watering strips.

• Beef strips
• Cornstarch
• Soy sauce

Toss the beef with cornstarch and soy sauce, then let it chill and get tender for 5-10 minutes.

Step 2: Chop and Prepare Vegetables

Wash the broccoli and cut into bite-sized florets. Mince some garlic and ginger to add explosive flavor.

Step 3: Heat Up the Wok

Grab a wok or large skillet and crank up the heat. Add a splash of oil and let it get scorching hot.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

Toss the marinated beef into the hot pan. Let it sear and caramelize, creating those amazing crispy edges. Cook until it’s perfectly browned.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Broccoli

Slide the beef to the side and drop in the broccoli. Stir-fry quickly to keep it crisp and vibrant green.

Step 6: Combine and Sauce It Up

• Beef broth
• Oyster sauce
• Brown sugar
• Sesame oil
• Cornstarch

Whisk the sauce ingredients together and pour over the beef and broccoli. Stir everything until it’s glossy and well-coated.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate over steamed rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Devour immediately while it’s hot and delicious!

Simple Tips for Tender Beef and Crisp Broccoli

• Slice Like a Pro: Freeze beef for 15 minutes before cutting to achieve ultra-thin, uniform slices that cook quickly and evenly.
• Tenderize with Cornstarch: Coating beef in cornstarch helps create a silky texture and locks in juices, preventing tough or dry meat.
• Sauce Balance Trick: Adjust soy sauce and sugar ratio to control saltiness and sweetness, matching your personal taste preference.
• Broccoli Crunch Technique: Blanch broccoli briefly in boiling water, then immediately transfer to ice water to maintain bright green color and crisp texture.
• Quick Cooking Hack: Use high heat and a large wok or skillet to ensure meat browns rapidly without becoming rubbery, creating restaurant-style stir-fry in minutes.

Storage Ideas for Beef and Broccoli

• Store leftover beef and broccoli in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of soy sauce or broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• This dish doesn't freeze well due to broccoli's texture change and potential mushiness when thawed, so enjoy it fresh for best results.

What to Pair with Beef and Broccoli

• Pair this savory beef and broccoli with a crisp Riesling that cuts through the rich soy sauce and balances the dish's umami profile.
• Serve over jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a perfect texture contrast with the tender beef and crisp broccoli.
• Add a refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil to provide a light, tangy counterpoint to the warm, hearty main dish.
• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top to add a nutty, fresh dimension that elevates the overall eating experience.

Different Ways to Enjoy This Beef Dish

• Vegetarian Stir-Fry Swap: Replace beef with extra-firm tofu, pressing and cutting into thin strips for a plant-based protein alternative that absorbs the savory marinade perfectly.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute broccoli with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that maintains the same delicious Asian-inspired flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade for those who love a fiery boost of heat in their stir-fry.

Quick And Easy Beef And Broccoli Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Quick beef and broccoli stir-fry brings Chinese-inspired comfort straight to your kitchen. Savory meat, crisp vegetables, and rich sauce combine in a delightful meal that serves hungry families with restaurant-quality flavor you can create in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)

Sauce and Seasoning:

• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• ¼ cup beef broth (or water for a lighter version)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (adds depth, optional but recommended)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for authentic flavor)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Chill beef in freezer for approximately 15 minutes to firm its texture, enabling precise, uniform slicing against the muscle grain.
2. Coat beef slices with cornstarch and soy sauce, allowing the marinade to penetrate and tenderize the meat for optimal flavor and texture.
3. Prepare broccoli by separating florets into uniform bite-sized pieces, ensuring even cooking and attractive presentation.
4. Heat wok or large skillet over high temperature, creating a searing environment that will quickly caramelize meat surfaces.
5. Quickly sauté beef in hot pan, stirring rapidly to achieve golden-brown exterior while maintaining tender interior.
6. Remove beef momentarily and set aside, preserving its perfectly cooked state.
7. In same pan, flash-cook broccoli florets until vibrant green and crisp-tender, retaining nutritional integrity and appealing crunch.
8. Combine prepared sauce ingredients, whisking to create smooth, glossy consistency that will coat ingredients evenly.
9. Return beef to pan, pour sauce over protein and vegetables, gently tossing to ensure complete, harmonious coating.
10. Serve immediately over steamed rice, garnishing with optional sesame seeds or green onion for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Freeze beef briefly to achieve paper-thin slices that cook quickly and absorb flavors more effectively.
• Marinate meat in cornstarch and soy sauce to create a protective coating that locks in moisture and prevents toughness.
• Opt for flank steak or sirloin for the most tender and flavorful result, as these cuts are lean and absorb marinades well.
• Adjust sauce consistency by adding more cornstarch for a thicker coating or reducing liquid for an intense, concentrated flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg