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Quick Savory Beef and Broccoli Recipe 30-Minute Easy Dinner Idea

quick savory beef and broccoli recipe - featured image

A quick and easy savory beef and broccoli stir-fry that comes together in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights and packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (about 300g; fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger. Mix well and marinate for at least 10 minutes.
  2. Rinse and cut broccoli into bite-sized florets (about 4 cups). If using frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey until sugar dissolves. In a separate cup, stir 1 tablespoon cornstarch into 3 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry; set aside.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and stir-fry for about 2 minutes. Pour in 1/2 cup beef broth or water, cover, and steam broccoli for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Remove broccoli and set aside.
  5. Add remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the pan. Add marinated beef in a single layer (in batches if needed). Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until edges brown but beef remains juicy.
  6. Push beef to the side, add minced garlic to empty space, and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Return broccoli to the pan and pour in prepared sauce. Stir together, then slowly pour in cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously. Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats beef and broccoli.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Drizzle a little extra sesame oil for a warm, nutty finish.
  9. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness. Marinate beef at least 10 minutes or longer for deeper flavor. Keep pan hot and avoid overcrowding to sear beef properly. Add garlic last to avoid bitterness. Stir cornstarch slurry gradually to prevent lumps. Adjust seasoning to taste. For gluten-free, use tamari and check oyster sauce labels. For vegan version, substitute beef with firm tofu and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef and broccoli, quick dinner, stir-fry, easy recipe, savory, weeknight meal, 30-minute meal