Dinner

Easy Beef and Broccoli

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This recipe is basically a cheat code for making restaurant-quality Chinese takeout in your own kitchen without the 45-minute delivery wait or the mysterious sauce ingredients.

You’ll have tender strips of flank steak coated in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce that clings perfectly to every piece, paired with vibrant green broccoli that still has that satisfying crunch.

The best part is watching that cornstarch work its magic, transforming a simple mixture of soy sauce and brown sugar into a silky, restaurant-style glaze that would make your favorite takeout joint jealous.

This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a culinary genius when it takes less time to make than it does to scroll through a delivery app and choose what you want.

The aroma of garlic and ginger hitting that hot oil will have everyone in your house suddenly appearing in the kitchen asking “what smells so good?” with hopeful expressions.

Prepare yourself for the ultimate compliment: “Wait, you actually MADE this?” followed by requests for you to make it again next week, and possibly the week after that too.

Ingredients

For the beef coating

3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
1 pound flank steak, cut into thin 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons water

For the sauce

1 /2 cup low sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch (from the divided amount above)

For cooking

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
4 cups small broccoli florets
1 /2 cup sliced white onions

Instructions

Prepare the beef and sauce

1 In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 3 tablespoons water until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. Add the sliced flank steak to the bowl and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the cornstarch slurry. This coating will help create that signature velvety texture and allow the sauce to cling beautifully to the meat.
2 In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch with the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Set this sauce aside – it will thicken beautifully once it hits the hot pan and comes to a boil.

Cook the beef

3 Heat a large non-stick sauté pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes until the surface is evenly heated. Add 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot and shimmering (but not smoking), add the cornstarch-coated beef in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
4 Cook the beef, stirring constantly with tongs or a wooden spoon, until the pieces are almost cooked through and have developed a light golden color, about 3-4 minutes. The beef should still have a slight pink center at this stage. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef to a clean plate and set aside – it will finish cooking when you return it to the pan later.

Cook the vegetables and finish

5 Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same pan and let it heat until shimmering. Add the broccoli florets and sliced onions to the pan, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Cook until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp, about 4 minutes. The broccoli should still have a slight bite to it and the onions should be translucent but not browned.
6 Return the partially cooked beef to the pan and immediately add the prepared sauce mixture. Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil, stirring continuously to prevent sticking. Cook for exactly 1 minute while stirring – you’ll see the sauce transform from thin and watery to glossy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles while hot.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results)

Large non-stick sauté pan or cast iron skillet – A quality pan with good heat distribution prevents sticking and ensures even cooking of the beef and vegetables
Sharp chef’s knife – Essential for cutting the flank steak into uniform thin strips that cook evenly
Cutting board – A sturdy board provides a safe surface for slicing meat and vegetables
Mixing bowls (various sizes) – You’ll need separate bowls for coating the beef and preparing the sauce

Helpful Upgrades

Kitchen scale – For precise measurements, especially when scaling the recipe up or down
Microplane grater – Creates perfectly fine fresh ginger that distributes evenly throughout the sauce
Tongs – Makes it much easier to move and flip the beef pieces without piercing them
Whisk – Ensures the cornstarch mixture is completely smooth without lumps

Nice-to-Have Options

Instant-read thermometer – While not necessary for this quick-cooking recipe, it can help ensure your pan reaches the optimal temperature
Silicone spatula – Perfect for scraping every bit of that delicious sauce from the bowl

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos using the same measurements
Ensure your brown sugar is certified gluten-free (some brands may contain traces)
The cornstarch coating makes this naturally gluten-free friendly once the soy sauce is swapped

Low-Sodium Version

Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and decrease the amount to 1/3 cup
Add extra garlic and ginger to compensate for reduced saltiness
Include a splash of rice vinegar for additional flavor complexity

Vegetable Variations

Swap broccoli for snap peas, bell peppers, or baby corn using the same cooking time
Add mushrooms or carrots for extra texture and nutrition
Try asparagus cut into 2-inch pieces for a spring variation

Protein Alternatives

Substitute chicken thighs or pork tenderloin cut into strips
Use firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version
Shrimp works beautifully but reduce cooking time to 2 minutes

Spice Level Adjustments

Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for heat
Include fresh chilies with the garlic and ginger
Finish with sesame oil for additional depth

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

This recipe provides approximately 320 calories per serving when served over rice, with a excellent balance of 28 grams protein, 15 grams carbohydrates, and 14 grams healthy fats. The lean flank steak delivers high-quality complete protein essential for muscle maintenance and satiety, while the broccoli contributes significant fiber content at about 4 grams per serving.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

Broccoli stands out as a nutritional powerhouse, providing over 100% of your daily vitamin C needs and substantial amounts of vitamin K, folate, and potent antioxidants like sulforaphane that support cellular health. Fresh ginger offers natural anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols, which may help reduce muscle soreness and support digestive health. Garlic contributes allicin, a sulfur compound with antimicrobial properties and potential cardiovascular benefits. The lean flank steak provides bioavailable iron and B-vitamins, particularly B12, which supports energy metabolism and nervous system function.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe is naturally dairy-free and can easily be made gluten-free with tamari substitution. It fits well into low-carb eating patterns when served without rice, containing only about 8 grams net carbs from the vegetables and sauce. The high protein content makes it suitable for muscle-building and weight management goals, providing sustained energy and satiety.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Protein Substitutions:

Flank steak → Sirloin tip or skirt steak (same cooking method and time)
Beef → Boneless chicken thighs (slightly longer cooking time, about 5-6 minutes)
Animal protein → Extra-firm tofu pressed and cubed (reduce cooking time to 2-3 minutes)

Vegetable Alternatives:

Broccoli florets → Cauliflower florets or broccolini (same cooking time)
White onions → Yellow onions or shallots for different flavor profiles
Fresh ginger → Ground ginger using 1/2 teaspoon (though fresh is strongly preferred)

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Brown sugar → White sugar plus 1 teaspoon molasses, or maple syrup (reduce by half)
Fresh garlic → Garlic powder using 1 teaspoon (add with other dry ingredients)
Vegetable oil → Peanut oil or avocado oil for higher heat tolerance

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Flank steak → Chuck roast sliced thin and marinated for 30 minutes for tenderness
Fresh ginger → Ginger paste from a tube (more economical and longer-lasting)

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Sugar Reduction Strategies:

Replace brown sugar with sugar-free brown sugar substitute or monk fruit sweetener using half the amount
Add extra garlic and ginger to enhance flavor without added sugars
Include a splash of rice vinegar for tangy complexity that masks reduced sweetness

Carbohydrate Modifications:

Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to reduce carbs by approximately 35 grams per serving
Increase the broccoli to 6 cups and reduce beef slightly for better vegetable-to-protein ratio
Add bell peppers and snap peas to increase volume without significant carb increase

Portion Control Tips:

Stick to 4-ounce beef portions (about the size of your palm)
Fill half your plate with the vegetable mixture
Total estimated carbs: About 12 grams per serving without rice, 45 grams with 1/2 cup brown rice

Blood Sugar Management:

Pair with healthy fats like avocado slices or nuts to slow glucose absorption
Eat protein first to help moderate blood sugar response
Consider this as part of a balanced meal with fiber-rich sides

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

A crisp Riesling or Pinot Grigio complements the savory-sweet sauce without overwhelming the delicate beef flavors, while green tea or oolong tea provides traditional Asian pairing that cleanses the palate between bites. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lime cuts through the richness, and jasmine tea adds aromatic complexity that enhances the ginger and garlic notes.

Side Dish Recommendations

Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice provides the perfect neutral base to soak up that glossy sauce, while sesame noodles or lo mein creates a more indulgent meal. Steamed dumplings make an excellent appetizer, and cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing offers a cooling contrast to the warm, savory main dish. Stir-fried bok choy with garlic adds another vegetable element without competing flavors.

Complete Meal Ideas

Start with hot and sour soup or wonton soup, serve the beef and broccoli over rice with pan-fried dumplings on the side, and finish with fresh fruit like sliced oranges or mango sorbet. For casual entertaining, set up a DIY rice bowl station with this beef and broccoli, teriyaki salmon, and various Asian-inspired sides.

Occasion Suggestions

Perfect for weeknight family dinners, casual entertaining, or meal prep Sundays. The quick cooking time makes it ideal for busy evenings, while the restaurant-quality results impress dinner guests.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques

Cut your flank steak against the grain for maximum tenderness – look for the direction of the muscle fibers and slice perpendicular to them. Velvet the beef by letting it sit in the cornstarch mixture for 10-15 minutes before cooking for even more tender results. Keep your pan at medium heat throughout – too high and the cornstarch coating will burn before the beef cooks through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t skip the cornstarch coating on the beef – it’s what creates that signature restaurant texture and helps the sauce cling properly. Never add the sauce to a cold pan – it needs that rolling boil to activate the cornstarch and create the glossy finish. Avoid overcooking the broccoli; it should still have a slight crunch and bright green color.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick. Freezing isn’t recommended as the broccoli will become mushy and the sauce may separate.

Make-Ahead Strategies

Prep all ingredients and make the sauce up to 24 hours ahead, storing everything separately in the refrigerator. The actual cooking should be done fresh for best texture and flavor.

Scaling Tips

This recipe doubles easily, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. For larger quantities, use a wok or cook in two separate pans simultaneously.

This Easy Beef and Broccoli proves that restaurant-quality Chinese food doesn’t require a takeout menu or a culinary degree – just a few simple techniques and quality ingredients working together in perfect harmony. The combination of tender, perfectly seasoned beef and crisp-tender broccoli in that glossy, savory-sweet sauce creates a meal that satisfies on every level, from the satisfying sizzle in the pan to that final bite over steamed rice.