What is the easiest beef and broccoli recipe for beginners?

If you're just starting out in the kitchen, the easiest beef and broccoli recipe is one that skips any complicated steps but still delivers big on flavor. Use pre-cut broccoli florets and have your butcher slice the flank steak for you. Stick with the basic sauce (soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, cornstarch) and follow a simple sequence: cook rice, sauté broccoli, sear beef, stir in sauce, combine and serve. It’s fast, easy, and done in under 30 minutes.

How do I make a Chinese beef and broccoli recipe that tastes like takeout?

To capture authentic flavor, focus on three things: marinate the beef in a bit of soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch; sear it quickly on high heat in a hot wok or pan; and make sure the sauce has depth—add oyster sauce, garlic, and fresh ginger. A dash of Shaoxing wine or a pinch of sugar can help replicate that restaurant-level magic. Also, don’t overcook the broccoli—it should stay crisp like in a traditional Chinese beef and broccoli recipe.

What’s in the beef and broccoli sauce?

The classic sauce includes low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and cornstarch mixed with hot water. Some versions also use hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, or even beef broth for added depth. This sauce is what gives the dish its signature glaze, coating every bite of beef and broccoli with that rich, savory-sweet balance.

Is this beef and broccoli recipe healthy?

Yes, absolutely. This beef and broccoli recipe is healthy because it’s made with lean beef, fresh vegetables, and a homemade sauce that you control. There are no preservatives, and you can easily make it even healthier by reducing sugar or using tamari for a gluten-free version. Serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb, high-fiber meal that still tastes indulgent.

Beef and Broccoli Recipe – Best 5-Star Easy Stir Fry Ever

Description

Beef and Broccoli is a popular Chinese-American stir-fry dish made with juicy beef slices, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich garlic soy sauce. It’s quick, healthy, and better than takeout — ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (for coating beef)
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds and green onions, for garnish (optional)
For the sauce:
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup beef broth or water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame oil

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Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients and set aside.
In a medium bowl, toss sliced beef with 2 tablespoons cornstarch, salt, and pepper to lightly coat.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes. Add a splash of water, cover, and steam for another 2 minutes until bright green and just tender. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add remaining oil. Stir-fry beef in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) for 2–3 minutes until browned. Return all beef to the pan.
Add garlic (and ginger if using), and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the sauce. Stir well and bring to a simmer until thickened, about 1–2 minutes.
Add broccoli back in and toss to coat in the sauce.
Serve hot over steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Notes

Slice the beef very thin against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Use pre-cut stir-fry beef to save time.
Make it spicier by adding red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce.
Great with jasmine rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 390
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 840mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 70mg