The BEST Beef & Broccoli You’ll Ever Make (Better Than Takeout!)

This tender beef and broccoli recipe is everything you love about takeout but fresher, faster, and far more flavorful. With ultra-thin beef slices, crisp-tender broccoli florets, and an easy beef and broccoli sauce that’s sweet, savory, and garlicky, this dish delivers true restaurant-style flavor in under 20 minutes.

Whether you’re searching for beef tips and broccoli, easy homemade beef stir-fry, or the best beef and broccoli with the best sauce, this recipe includes simple ingredients and beginner-friendly steps. Expect bold flavors, juicy beef, and glossy sauce every time.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or any night craving better than takeout beef and broccoli.

table of contents

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients List

For the Beef

  • 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, sliced very thin
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp oil

For the Broccoli

  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 tbsp water (for quick steam)

Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry Sauce (the BEST sauce!)

  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets just simple kitchen basics:

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Tongs or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Marinate the beef
    Toss sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and oil. Let sit 10 minutes.
  2. Prepare the sauce
    In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, broth, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch.
  3. Cook the broccoli
    Add broccoli to skillet with 1 tbsp water → cover 2–3 minutes until bright and crisp-tender. Remove and set aside.
  4. Sear the beef
    Add oil → sear beef in a hot pan for 2–3 minutes until browned.
  5. Add the sauce
    Pour sauce over beef → simmer until thickened and glossy.
  6. Combine
    Add broccoli back into the skillet → toss to coat everything evenly.
  7. Serve
    Over rice, noodles, or alone for a low-carb option. 🌿

Pro Tips

  • Slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
  • Freeze beef 20 minutes for easier slicing.
  • Add spice: Chili flakes or sriracha.
  • Use chicken broth if you don’t have beef broth.
  • Make it low sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce.

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 serving32027g16g14g3g5g

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are estimated and may vary based on ingredients used.

The BEST Beef & Broccoli (Better Than Takeout)

A tender, flavorful beef and broccoli stir fry coated in a rich garlic sauce. Easy, quick, and better than takeout — made with simple pantry ingredients.
Course: Dinner, Main, Stir Fry
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Chinese
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb thinly sliced beef (flank or sirloin)
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1.5 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup beef broth

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • skillet or wok
  • spatula or tongs
  • measuring spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Marinate beef in 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tbsp cornstarch, and a pinch of garlic and ginger for 15–30 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, mix remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, remaining garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Set aside.
  3. Sauté broccoli in a bit of oil over medium heat until vibrant and slightly tender, about 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  4. Sear marinated beef in a hot skillet until browned and nearly cooked through, 3–4 minutes.
  5. Pour in sauce and add broccoli. Toss everything together and cook for 2–3 more minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well coated.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 35gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 65mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 3.2mg

Notes

Use flank steak or sirloin for best results. Marinate for at least 15 minutes for more flavor. Serve over steamed rice or noodles. For extra veggies, add bell peppers or snap peas.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Conclusion

This Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry is quick, tender, flavorful, and truly better than takeout. With a glossy, savory sauce and perfect veggies, it’s the ideal dish for busy nights, healthy dinners, or satisfying cravings. Once you try this version, it will become your go-to beef stir-fry forever.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes cook slightly less time so it stays crisp.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Best cut of beef?

Flank, sirloin, or ribeye.