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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.
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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.