Beef and Broccoli

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

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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].
  6. 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.
  7. 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].
  8. 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.
  9. Serve immediately over steamed white rice. Garnish with @[Sesame Seeds] and sliced @[Green Onions] if desired.