
Beef and Broccoli
A classic Chinese-American takeout favorite made right at home. Tender slices of flank steak are quickly marinated, then stir-fried with crisp broccoli florets in a rich, savory-sweet brown sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes and better than delivery — this is the reliable, go-to version that never disappoints.
4 servings · Prep 20 min · Cook 15 min · Total 35 min
Main Course
Ingredients
Open in recipe scaler →Main
1.5 lb flank steak sliced thinly against the grain, about 1/4 inch thick
1 lb broccoli cut into bite-sized florets
3 tbsp vegetable oil divided
4 cloves garlic minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger grated or finely minced
finely minced
0.25 cup water for steaming the broccoli
1 tsp sesame seeds
2 stalks green onions thinly sliced
Beef Marinade
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp baking soda the secret to restaurant-tender beef
Sauce
0.5 cup low-sodium beef broth
0.33 cup oyster sauce
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar packed
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp sesame oil
Equipment
Stovetop
Aluminum Foil
Mixing Bowl
Skillet
Wok
Freezer
Lid
Measuring Cups
Fridge
Whisk
Spatula
Knife
Tongs
Measuring Spoons
Cutting Board
Mixing Bowl (4 Quarts)
Ziploc Bag (Pint Size)
Instructions
- Place your @[Flank Steak] in the freezer for ~[15 minutes] — this firms it up and makes it much easier to slice thinly. Once chilled, slice against the grain into strips about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a #[Mixing Bowl], combine the @[Soy Sauce], @[Cornstarch], @[Sesame Oil], and @[Baking Soda]. Add the sliced @[Flank Steak] and toss well to coat. Let marinate for at least ~[15 minutes] at room temperature (or up to ~[1 hour] in the fridge).
- In a small #[Mixing Bowl] or #[Measuring Cups], whisk together the @[Beef Broth], @[Oyster Sauce], @[Soy Sauce], @[Brown Sugar], @[Cornstarch], and @[Sesame Oil] until smooth and the @[Cornstarch] is fully dissolved. Set aside.
- Heat your #[Wok] or large #[Skillet] over ^[high heat] until very hot — almost smoking. Add ~[1 tablespoon] of @[Vegetable Oil]. Add the @[Broccoli] florets and stir-fry for ~[1 minute]. Add the @[Water], cover with a lid or #[Aluminum Foil], and let steam for ~[2 minutes] until the @[Broccoli] is bright green and just tender-crisp. Transfer the @[Broccoli] to a plate and set aside.
- Return the #[Wok] to ^[high heat] and add the remaining ~[2 tablespoons] of @[Vegetable Oil]. Once shimmering, add the marinated @[Flank Steak] in a single layer (work in two batches if needed to avoid crowding). Sear without stirring for ~[60 seconds], then stir-fry for another ~[1–2 minutes] until just cooked through and lightly browned. Transfer the @[Flank Steak] to the plate with the @[Broccoli].
- Reduce the heat to ^[medium]. Add a small splash of @[Vegetable Oil] if the #[Wok] looks dry, then add the @[Garlic] and @[Ginger]. Stir-fry for ~[30 seconds] until fragrant — don't let it burn.
- Give the sauce a quick re-whisk (the @[Cornstarch] settles), then pour it into the #[Wok]. Stir and let it come to a simmer — it will thicken quickly, in about ~[1–2 minutes].
- Return the @[Flank Steak] and @[Broccoli] to the #[Wok]. Toss everything together until well coated in the glossy sauce and heated through, about ~[1 minute]. Taste and adjust seasoning — add a pinch of @[Brown Sugar] if you want it sweeter, or a splash of @[Soy Sauce] for more saltiness.
- Serve immediately over steamed white rice. Garnish with @[Sesame Seeds] and sliced @[Green Onions] if desired.
