Skip the takeout menu and whip up this Better-Than-Takeout Beef and Broccoli right at home! This family-favorite stir fry is unbelievably quick, bursting with bold flavor, and made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Even better — it’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner to add to your regular rotation.
This recipe is inspired by the flavors of classic restaurant beef and broccoli but simplified to save time. No marinating required — just slice, sear, simmer, and enjoy!
Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a satisfying meal that rivals your favorite Chinese takeout.
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Broccoli
- Faster than takeout: Ready in about 20 minutes.
- Easy & beginner-friendly: Minimal steps and no marinating.
- Flavor-packed: A savory-sweet sauce with garlic, ginger, and soy.
- Perfect texture: Tender beef + crisp-tender broccoli.
- Meal-prep friendly: Stores beautifully and reheats well.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef & Broccoli
- 1–1.25 lbs flank steak, thinly sliced (¼-inch or thinner)
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 tbsp sesame oil, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1–2 tsp fresh or dried ginger
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup water
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar (light works too)
- 4–6 cups broccoli florets (use more if you love broccoli!)
- 2–3 green onions, sliced
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How to Make Beef and Broccoli
1. Coat the Beef
Add sliced flank steak and cornstarch to a large zip-top bag. Seal and shake to evenly coat. Set aside.
2. Make the Sauce
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp sesame oil over medium-high. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Stir to dissolve. Bring to a boil for 2–3 minutes, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes to slightly thicken.
3. Sear the Beef
In a large skillet, heat remaining oils over medium-high. Add the coated steak and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
4. Add Broccoli & Sauce
Add broccoli to the skillet. Pour the hot soy mixture over top — it will bubble! Toss everything to coat well.
Simmer for 3–5 minutes until broccoli is crisp-tender.
Optional: Thicken the Sauce
If you want a thicker, clingy sauce:
- Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (a slurry)
- Stir it into the skillet and simmer for 1 minute.
This helps especially if you used lots of broccoli, which releases water.
5. Finish & Serve
Turn off heat. Stir in green onions. Top with sesame seeds or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Garnish Ideas
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Extra drizzle of sesame oil
- Thinly sliced chilis for extra heat
Recipe FAQ
What’s the best beef to use?
Flank steak is ideal, but skirt steak or sirloin also work well.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Add it in frozen — just cook slightly longer.
Is this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce.
Can I make it without cornstarch?
You can skip it, but the sauce will not be as glossy or thick.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Brown rice or cauliflower rice
- Spring rolls with peanut sauce
- A crisp Asian-style salad
- Roasted vegetables
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Reheat: Microwave in 30-second bursts or warm in a skillet.
- Freeze: Not recommended — broccoli becomes mushy and the sauce separates.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
✔️ No marinating
✔️ Bold, rich flavor
✔️ Quick & simple
✔️ Perfect for busy families
✔️ Tastes just like your favorite takeout — but fresher!
This Better-Than-Takeout Beef and Broccoli is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Quick, flavorful, and unbelievably satisfying — you’ll never miss takeout again!