Easy Beef and Broccoli (Better-Than-Takeout)

ByChelsea
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This Easy Beef and Broccoli is loaded with all the flavors of the takeout version but better. Tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce come together for this easy weeknight dinner.

Beef and Broccoli plated on a white plate with fried rice and a silver spoon with the rest of the meal in a cast-iron pan behind with a plaid napkin and a small white bowl with green onions

When I say this is so, so good I am not kidding. Something about that garlicky, tamari sauce base mixed with the tender beef and perfectly cooked broccoli. Goodness this is a good one. I love takeout but the ingredients and prices are not something that I will do often. When I started trying out this recipe I knew I wanted to keep it simple but as always keep all the flavors. Marinating the beef is one of the key parts of this recipe. We love it over some simple fried rice for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Broccoli

  • Better than takeout. Tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a rich, savory sauce deliver all the flavors you crave.
  • Quick and easy. This simple skillet dinner comes together in about 35 minutes.
  • Family-friendly. It is flavorful without being overly sweet. My boys loved the beef!
  • Made with simple ingredients. Tamari, honey, garlic, and ginger create a delicious sauce without any bottled sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A flatlay of the ingredients needed for this recipe
  • Flank steak or top sirloin: Thinly sliced beef gives you tender pieces that cook quickly.
  • Broccoli florets: Adds freshness, color, and a crisp-tender bite.
  • Tamari (or soy sauce): Creates the savory base for both the beef marinade and sauce.
  • Cornstarch: Helps tenderize and coat the beef and thickening the sauce.
  • Baking soda: The secret to making the beef extra tender.
  • Avocado oil: A neutral, high-heat oil for searing the beef and broccoli.
  • Beef broth: Adds depth and balances the tamari in the sauce. I like to use a bone broth for extra protein.
  • Honey: Provides just enough sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
  • Rice vinegar: Adds a little brightness and acidity to the sauce.
  • Toasted sesame oil: Gives the dish a rich flavor.
  • Garlic: Adds plenty of fresh, savory flavor.
  • Ground ginger: Brings warmth and makes the sauce extra flavorful.
  • Water: Gently steams the broccoli until crisp-tender.

How to Make This Easy Beef and Broccoli

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe details.

  • Beef marinating in a white bowl with a silver spoon with broccoli and olive oil behind
  • Mixing the sauce in a glass measuring cup with a silver whisk with cutting board and broccoli in the background
  • broccoli cooking in a cast-iron pan with a stainless steel spatula
  • beef cooking in the cast-iron pan
  • sauce bubbling and thickening in a cast-iron pan with a stainless steel whisk
  • Easy Beef and Broccoli in a cast-iron pan on a cutting board with a plaid napkin and a small white bowl of green onions

  1. Prepare the Beef. Slice the steak very thinly against the grain.
  2. Marinate the Beef. Add the sliced beef to a bowl with the tamari, cornstarch, baking soda, and avocado oil. Toss until evenly coated, then let it rest for 15–20 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
  3. Make the Sauce. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the tamari (or soy sauce), beef broth, honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, garlic, ground ginger, and cornstarch. Set aside.
  4. Cook the Broccoli. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and water, cook until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. Transfer it to a plate. You can cover for quicker cooking but if you leave uncovered you may need to add some more water.
  5. Sear the Beef. Let any remaining water evaporate from the skillet and add a little more oil if needed. Cook the beef in two or three batches, arranging it in a single layer so it can brown. Sear for about 1 minute, turn, and cook for another 30–60 seconds. Transfer the cooked beef to a clean plate.
  6. Thicken the Sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and whisk the sauce again before pouring it into the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is bubbling, glossy, and thickened.
  7. Combine Everything. Return the beef, any accumulated juices, and the broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for about 1 minute, until warmed through and coated in the sauce.
  8. Serve and Enjoy. Serve the beef and broccoli warm over rice. Finish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions, if desired.

Recipe Tips

Slice against the grain: Cutting the beef thinly against the grain to make every bite more tender.

Do not marinate too long: Let the beef rest for only 15–20 minutes. Marinating it with baking soda for longer than 30 minutes can affect the texture.

Cook the beef in batches: Give the slices plenty of room in the skillet so they develop browned edges instead of steaming.

Keep the skillet hot: A properly heated pan allows the beef to sear quickly, helping it stay tender and juicy.

Do not overcook the broccoli: Cook it just until bright green and crisp-tender so it does not become soft when added back to the sauce.

Whisk the sauce again: Cornstarch settles quickly, so give the sauce another good whisk immediately before pouring it into the skillet.

Adjust the consistency: If the finished sauce becomes too thick, stir in a small splash of water or beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Choose Low-Sodium Tamari and Broth: Tamari has a tendency to be salty especially mixed with the beef broth. You may want to choose a low-sodium broth and tamari if you don’t like it too salty.

How to Store and Reheat

To store: Allow the beef and broccoli to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

To reheat: Warm the beef and broccoli in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or beef broth. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Beef and Broccoli Plated on a white plate over fried rice with a silver spoon

Frequently Asked Questions

Flank steak and top sirloin both work well. Slice the beef thinly against the grain for the most tender results.

Yes. Thaw it first and pat it dry, then cook it briefly so it does not become mushy.

Yes, when made with certified gluten-free tamari, beef broth, and cornstarch.

Baking soda helps tenderize the beef and creates that soft, tender texture.

More Beef Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

Easy Beef and Broccoli in a cast-iron pan on a cutting board with a plaid napkin and a small white bowl of green onions

Easy Beef and Broccoli

Tender strips of beef and crisp broccoli are tossed in a savory sauce for an easy, better-than-takeout dinner. This family-friendly beef and broccoli recipe comes together in one skillet in about 35 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: beef and broccoli recipe, better than takeout beef and broccoli, easy beef and broccoli
Servings: 5 Servings

Ingredients

For the Beef

  • 1½ pounds flank steak or top sirloin thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil

For the Sauce

  • ½ cup tamari or soy sauce
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Skillet

  • 5-6 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil plus more as needed
  • ¼ cup water

Instructions

  1. Slice the steak very thinly against the grain.
  2. Add the beef to a bowl with the tamari (or soy sauce), cornstarch, baking soda, and avocado oil. Toss until coated and let it rest for 15–20 minutes.
  3. Whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and water. Cook until bright green and crisp-tender. Transfer the broccoli to a plate.
  5. Let any remaining water evaporate from the skillet. Working in two or three batches, arrange the beef in a single layer. Sear for about 1 minute, turn, and cook for another 30–60 seconds. Transfer the cooked beef to a clean plate.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium. Whisk the sauce again, then pour it into the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until bubbling, glossy, and thickened.
  7. Return the beef, accumulated juices, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss and cook for about 1 minute, until warmed through and coated in the sauce.
  8. Serve warm over rice with sesame seeds or sliced green onions, if desired.

Notes

  • Do not marinate the beef for longer than 30 minutes because the baking soda can affect its texture.
  • Cook the beef in batches so it sears instead of steams.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth.

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