Why You’ll Love this Quick Beef and Broccoli
If you’re looking for a dinner that checks all the boxes—quick, flavorful, and nutritious—this beef and broccoli recipe is your new best friend.
I adore how it comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for those hectic weeknights when takeout seems tempting.
The tender slices of marinated flank steak pair beautifully with crisp-tender broccoli, all wrapped in that savory, slightly spicy sauce.
Can anything beat that umami flavor profile? The sesame oil and sambal oelek add such depth without requiring a pantry overhaul.
Plus, it’s naturally protein-packed and veggie-loaded.
Weeknight dinner, solved.
What Ingredients are in Quick Beef and Broccoli?
Making beef and broccoli at home is surprisingly simple, especially when you know exactly what goes into this takeout favorite. The ingredients list might look a bit long at first glance, but most are pantry staples you likely already have on hand. The combination creates that perfect balance of savory, slightly spicy flavor that clings beautifully to both the tender beef and crisp broccoli.
- 1/2 pound beef flank steak, thinly sliced across the grain
- 1 pound fresh broccoli, broken into florets and sliced in half
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon sambal oelek (chili paste)
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or tapioca starch
- 4 tablespoons peanut oil, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters. Look for a nice piece of flank steak—you can even ask your butcher to slice it thinly for you if you’re not confident in your knife skills.
For the broccoli, choose heads with tight, dark green florets and firm stalks. And while peanut oil is traditional for its high smoke point and subtle flavor, you could substitute with vegetable oil in a pinch.
The sambal oelek adds just the right amount of heat, but if you’re cooking for little ones or spice-sensitive folks, you might want to reduce the amount or have extra on the side for those who like it hotter.
How to Make this Quick Beef and Broccoli
This beef and broccoli comes together in a flash, starting with a quick marinade that infuses the meat with flavor. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon light soy sauce, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon sambal oelek, 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. This marinade mightn’t look like much, but trust me, it’s working magic on those thin slices of beef. Toss your 1/2 pound of thinly sliced flank steak in this mixture, making sure each piece gets a good coating, then let it sit for about 15 minutes.
We’re not looking for an overnight affair here—just enough time for the flavors to penetrate the meat while you prep your broccoli.
Now for the cooking process, which happens lightning-fast in a wok. Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil until it’s smoking hot, then add your 1 pound of broccoli florets and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Give everything a good stir before adding 1/2 cup water and covering with a lid. This quick steam-fry method cooks the broccoli to that perfect crisp-tender stage in just 3-4 minutes.
You’ll know it’s ready when steam starts escaping from under the lid. Remove your bright green broccoli and any remaining liquid to a bowl. Don’t wash that wok—we want those flavor bits for the next step.
Return your wok to high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of peanut oil. When it’s nice and hot, toss in 2 crushed garlic cloves and let them brown for about a minute, stirring frequently so they don’t burn. Who needs expensive candles when you’ve got garlic hitting hot oil?
Now for the star of the show—add your marinated beef slices along with all that flavorful marinade. For more control over meat texture, a premium meat grinder allows you to customize the beef cut thickness for optimal stir-fry results. Stir-fry just until the meat changes color, about a minute. This happens really quickly, and overcooking will make the meat tough, so keep a watchful eye.
For perfectly cooked beef every time, consider using a premium meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches the ideal temperature without overdoing it.
Finally, return the broccoli and its liquid to the wok, give everything a good 30-second stir to bring it all together, and you’re done! The sauce will thicken slightly from the cornstarch in the marinade, creating that perfect glossy coating.
Serve immediately while it’s piping hot, ideally over a bed of steamed rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Quick Beef and Broccoli Substitutions and Variations
While the classic beef and broccoli recipe delivers delicious results, there’s plenty of room to play with substitutions based on what’s in your pantry or dietary preferences.
You can swap flank steak for sirloin, skirt steak, or even chicken if you’re craving something lighter. Not a meat eater? Firm tofu or tempeh work beautifully.
As for the broccoli, why not try cauliflower, snap peas, or bell peppers? Can’t find sambal oelek? Sriracha or red pepper flakes provide that needed heat.
Coconut aminos make a great soy sauce alternative for those watching sodium or avoiding gluten.
The beauty of stir-fry? Its endless adaptability.
What to Serve with Quick Beef and Broccoli
Now that you’ve mastered the beef and broccoli recipe (and maybe even thrown in some creative substitutions), let’s talk about rounding out your meal.
Rice is the classic pairing—jasmine or basmati both work beautifully.
Want something lighter? Try cauliflower rice.
For a complete Asian-inspired feast, I recommend steamed dumplings or spring rolls on the side.
Don’t forget a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing to cut through the richness.
A light soup, like egg drop or hot and sour, makes a lovely starter.
And for drinks? Green tea or a crisp Riesling complements those savory flavors perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Three simple steps are all you need to create this delicious beef and broccoli at home, saving you from another takeout night.
Marinate the beef in that flavorful soy-sesame mixture, cook your broccoli until it’s vibrant green but still has bite, then quickly stir-fry everything together. The magic happens fast, in just minutes.
I’m always amazed at how such basic ingredients transform into something restaurant-worthy.
And isn’t there something satisfying about mastering a takeout classic in your own kitchen? Next time a craving hits, you’ve got this in your back pocket, ready to go.
For a healthy vegetable snack, try turning Brussels sprouts into crispy chips by coating them with olive oil and baking until crunchy.
For a healthy between-meal option that requires zero cooking, try making protein balls with ingredients like peanut butter, honey, and nutritious add-ins.
