Are you ready for a quick and tasty meal? My Easy Beef and Broccoli recipe is here to save your dinner plans. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this classic dish in no time. It’s flavorful, healthy, and perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into the easy list of ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Easy Beef and Broccoli
– 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
– 2 cups broccoli florets
Essential Sauces and Seasonings
– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
Additional Items Needed
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Cornstarch and beef broth
Gathering the right ingredients is key. Flank steak is my go-to because it is tender and flavorful. Slice it against the grain for the best texture. Broccoli brings crunch and bright flavor to this dish.
You can use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the salt level down. Oyster sauce adds a nice depth and sweetness. Vegetable oil works well for cooking, while sesame oil gives a nutty finish.
Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, making it cling to the beef and broccoli. Beef broth adds extra flavor and makes the sauce rich. You can find all these items at your local grocery store or online.
This recipe is simple and quick, perfect for busy nights. You can find the full recipe [here](#) to guide you through the cooking process.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparatory Steps
– Marinade the beef with sauces and spices: In a medium bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and half of the garlic and ginger. Add the flank steak, making sure each piece gets coated. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
– Blanching the broccoli florets: Boil salted water in a pot. Add the broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green. Drain and place it in ice water to stop cooking. Set it aside.
Cooking Process
– Sear the beef for optimal flavor: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring. This helps create a nice sear. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the beef and set it aside.
– Sauté garlic and ginger for aromatic enhancement: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the remaining garlic and ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combining Everything Together
– Mix the sautéed ingredients with marinated beef and broccoli: Pour in the beef broth and bring this mix to a simmer. Return the cooked beef and blanched broccoli to the skillet. Stir everything well. Let it simmer together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
– Final adjustments and simmering to meld flavors: Drizzle in the sesame oil and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt or extra soy sauce if you like.
This dish comes together quickly and is full of flavor. For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Perfect Beef and Broccoli
To make your beef tender, slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. This helps keep the meat juicy and soft. Marinate it for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors soak in. For the broccoli, timing is key. Blanch the florets for just 2-3 minutes in boiling salted water. This keeps them bright and crisp.
Cooking Equipment Recommendations
I prefer using a wok for stir-frying. A wok heats evenly and allows for easy tossing. If you use a skillet, make sure it is heavy-bottomed to avoid hot spots. Also, using a thermometer helps check the beef doneness. Aim for 135°F for medium-rare. This ensures your meat is cooked just right.
Flavor Enhancements
Add more veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for a colorful dish. You can also try homemade sauce alternatives. Mixing soy sauce with hoisin sauce or adding a touch of honey can elevate the flavor. Each option lets you personalize your dish for more fun!
For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions.
Variations
Alternative Proteins
You can swap the beef for chicken or tofu. Thinly slice chicken breast and use it just like the beef. For tofu, press it to remove water, then cube and fry until golden. Both options work great!
If you’re into seafood, try shrimp or scallops. Both cook quickly and add a light flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times to keep them tender.
Vegan and Vegetarian Adaptations
To make a vegan version, replace beef with tempeh or seitan. They give a nice texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it plant-based.
You can also switch out the sauces. Use a mix of soy sauce and hoisin sauce for a sweet kick. Check labels to ensure they’re vegan-friendly.
Other Flavor Profiles
Want some heat? Add chili flakes or sriracha to the dish. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more!
For a sweet and sour twist, toss in some pineapple chunks. They pair well with the savory beef and add a fun burst of flavor.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your Easy Beef and Broccoli fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they seal tightly to avoid air. Store in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Beef and broccoli can last in the freezer for about three months.
Reheating Tips
When reheating, avoid using high heat. Use the microwave for quick meals. Heat in short bursts to keep it juicy. Stir in between to ensure even heating. You can also reheat in a skillet. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist. If you freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Meal Prep Suggestions
To save time, prepare your ingredients ahead of time. Slice the beef and store it in the marinade for one day. You can also wash and chop broccoli in advance. Keep them in the fridge until you are ready to cook. On busy weeknights, just reheat everything in a skillet for a quick meal. This is a great way to enjoy a healthy dish without much effort. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide above.
FAQs
What can I serve with Easy Beef and Broccoli?
You can serve this dish with several great sides. Here are my top picks:
– Steamed white or brown rice
– Noodles, such as lo mein or rice noodles
– Fried rice for extra flavor
– A side of spring rolls for crunch
– Simple green salad with a light dressing
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Here’s how:
– Short-term: You can marinate the beef up to 24 hours before cooking. Just store it in the fridge.
– Long-term: You can freeze the beef after marinating. Thaw it overnight before cooking. The broccoli can also be blanched and stored in the fridge for a day.
Why is my beef tough?
Tough beef usually comes from a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to avoid this:
– Cut against the grain for tender slices.
– Don’t overcook the beef; it should be just right.
– Marinate the beef to help keep it tender. Use cornstarch in the marinade for better texture.
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Here’s what to consider:
– Pros: It’s quick and easy. Frozen broccoli is often pre-cut, saving you time.
– Cons: It may not have the same crisp texture as fresh broccoli. It can also turn mushy if overcooked.
How to make this recipe gluten-free?
Making this dish gluten-free is simple. Here are some alternatives:
– Replace soy sauce with tamari, a gluten-free option.
– Use coconut aminos instead of oyster sauce for a different flavor.
Is this dish healthy?
Yes, Easy Beef and Broccoli can be a healthy choice. Here are some nutritional points:
– It’s high in protein from the beef.
– Broccoli adds fiber and vitamins.
– Using low-sodium sauces helps keep sodium levels lower.
For the full recipe, check out the complete guide to Easy Beef and Broccoli.
This article showed you how to make Easy Beef and Broccoli. We covered the main ingredients, sauces, and seasonings you’ll need. We reviewed cooking steps, best tips, and variations to suit your tastes. You can store leftovers and reheat them for quick meals. With these insights, cooking this dish can be easy and fun. Enjoy trying different flavors and adapting the recipe to your liking. You’ll impress everyone with your cooking skills!
 to guide you through the cooking process. - Marinade the beef with sauces and spices: In a medium bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and half of the garlic and ginger. Add the flank steak, making sure each piece gets coated. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. - Blanching the broccoli florets: Boil salted water in a pot. Add the broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green. Drain and place it in ice water to stop cooking. Set it aside. - Sear the beef for optimal flavor: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring. This helps create a nice sear. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the beef and set it aside. - Sauté garlic and ginger for aromatic enhancement: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the remaining garlic and ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. - Mix the sautéed ingredients with marinated beef and broccoli: Pour in the beef broth and bring this mix to a simmer. Return the cooked beef and blanched broccoli to the skillet. Stir everything well. Let it simmer together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. - Final adjustments and simmering to meld flavors: Drizzle in the sesame oil and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt or extra soy sauce if you like. This dish comes together quickly and is full of flavor. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make your beef tender, slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. This helps keep the meat juicy and soft. Marinate it for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors soak in. For the broccoli, timing is key. Blanch the florets for just 2-3 minutes in boiling salted water. This keeps them bright and crisp. I prefer using a wok for stir-frying. A wok heats evenly and allows for easy tossing. If you use a skillet, make sure it is heavy-bottomed to avoid hot spots. Also, using a thermometer helps check the beef doneness. Aim for 135°F for medium-rare. This ensures your meat is cooked just right. Add more veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for a colorful dish. You can also try homemade sauce alternatives. Mixing soy sauce with hoisin sauce or adding a touch of honey can elevate the flavor. Each option lets you personalize your dish for more fun! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. {{image_2}} You can swap the beef for chicken or tofu. Thinly slice chicken breast and use it just like the beef. For tofu, press it to remove water, then cube and fry until golden. Both options work great! If you’re into seafood, try shrimp or scallops. Both cook quickly and add a light flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times to keep them tender. To make a vegan version, replace beef with tempeh or seitan. They give a nice texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it plant-based. You can also switch out the sauces. Use a mix of soy sauce and hoisin sauce for a sweet kick. Check labels to ensure they’re vegan-friendly. Want some heat? Add chili flakes or sriracha to the dish. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more! For a sweet and sour twist, toss in some pineapple chunks. They pair well with the savory beef and add a fun burst of flavor. To keep your Easy Beef and Broccoli fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they seal tightly to avoid air. Store in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Beef and broccoli can last in the freezer for about three months. When reheating, avoid using high heat. Use the microwave for quick meals. Heat in short bursts to keep it juicy. Stir in between to ensure even heating. You can also reheat in a skillet. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist. If you freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To save time, prepare your ingredients ahead of time. Slice the beef and store it in the marinade for one day. You can also wash and chop broccoli in advance. Keep them in the fridge until you are ready to cook. On busy weeknights, just reheat everything in a skillet for a quick meal. This is a great way to enjoy a healthy dish without much effort. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide above. You can serve this dish with several great sides. Here are my top picks: - Steamed white or brown rice - Noodles, such as lo mein or rice noodles - Fried rice for extra flavor - A side of spring rolls for crunch - Simple green salad with a light dressing Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Here’s how: - Short-term: You can marinate the beef up to 24 hours before cooking. Just store it in the fridge. - Long-term: You can freeze the beef after marinating. Thaw it overnight before cooking. The broccoli can also be blanched and stored in the fridge for a day. Tough beef usually comes from a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to avoid this: - Cut against the grain for tender slices. - Don’t overcook the beef; it should be just right. - Marinate the beef to help keep it tender. Use cornstarch in the marinade for better texture. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Here’s what to consider: - Pros: It’s quick and easy. Frozen broccoli is often pre-cut, saving you time. - Cons: It may not have the same crisp texture as fresh broccoli. It can also turn mushy if overcooked. Making this dish gluten-free is simple. Here are some alternatives: - Replace soy sauce with tamari, a gluten-free option. - Use coconut aminos instead of oyster sauce for a different flavor. Yes, Easy Beef and Broccoli can be a healthy choice. Here are some nutritional points: - It’s high in protein from the beef. - Broccoli adds fiber and vitamins. - Using low-sodium sauces helps keep sodium levels lower. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide to Easy Beef and Broccoli. This article showed you how to make Easy Beef and Broccoli. We covered the main ingredients, sauces, and seasonings you'll need. We reviewed cooking steps, best tips, and variations to suit your tastes. You can store leftovers and reheat them for quick meals. With these insights, cooking this dish can be easy and fun. Enjoy trying different flavors and adapting the recipe to your liking. You’ll impress everyone with your cooking skills!](https://southerndishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2502fade-b2b7-4545-b390-a2c389e03814-250x250.webp)