Better-Than-Takeout Beef with Broccoli

This homemade Beef with Broccoli recipe delivers tender, flavorful beef and crisp broccoli in a rich, savory sauce—perfect for satisfying takeout cravings! Made with thinly sliced flank steak, soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar, this dish is quick, delicious, and healthier than takeout. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner and can be customized with extra veggies and spice. Serve over rice or noodles for an authentic, restaurant-style meal at home.

Ingredients

• 1 to 1 ¼ pounds flank steak, sliced thinly (about 1/4 inch thick)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• 1 to 2 teaspoons ginger (use less if using dried, or to taste)
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed (or light brown sugar)
• 4 to 6 cups broccoli florets (adjust based on preference)
• 2 to 3 green onions, sliced into 1/4-inch segments
• Red pepper flakes, optional to taste
• Sesame seeds, optional for garnish

Instructions

1. Place the steak slices in a large zip-top bag with cornstarch, seal, and toss to coat the steak. Set aside while preparing the sauce.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant, but be careful not to scorch.
3. Pour in the soy sauce, water, and brown sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to low, allowing it to simmer for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. While the sauce simmers, start cooking the steak.
4. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high or high heat. Add the steak and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping the pieces occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5. Add the broccoli to the skillet.
6. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli, noting that it will bubble up. Toss to coat the beef and broccoli evenly in the sauce. Let everything simmer for 3 to 5 minutes on medium-high heat, until the broccoli reaches your desired level of tenderness.
7. Optional: If the sauce is thinner than you’d like, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water (creating a slurry). Stir the slurry into the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, or until the sauce thickens to your liking.
8. Turn off the heat, stir in the green onions, and mix to combine.
9. Garnish with red pepper flakes and sesame seeds, if desired, and serve immediately.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beef with Broccoli recipe tastes just like your favorite takeout, but fresher and even more flavorful! With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce, it’s a perfect homemade version of a classic dish that comes together in just 30 minutes.

Tips

• For the best results, slice the steak thinly and evenly. Freezing it for 10 minutes beforehand can make slicing easier.
• Adjust the spice by adding red pepper flakes to taste.
• A cornstarch slurry can help thicken the sauce if it’s too thin.

Variations and Substitutions

• Beef Cuts: Try sirloin or ribeye if you don’t have flank steak.
• Vegetables: Add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
• Sauce Substitute: For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and drain the broccoli first to prevent extra water from thinning the sauce.

Can I make this dish in advance?
While it’s best fresh, you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Beef with Broccoli over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a filling, delicious meal. Garnish with extra green onions or a squeeze of lime for added freshness. Enjoy!