Description
A quick, healthier, and more flavorful homemade version of classic takeout beef and broccoli. This recipe features tender sliced flank steak, crisp broccoli, and a glossy sesame-garlic sauce, ready in under 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds flank steak or sirloin, sliced against the grain into thin strips
- 2 large heads broccoli, chopped into bite-sized florets
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (plus 1 tsp for marinade)
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (e.g., avocado or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for marinade)
- 1 teaspoon oil (for marinade)
Instructions
- Slice the beef against the grain into thin, bite-sized strips. In a bowl, toss with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon oil. Let marinate while prepping vegetables.
- Wash and cut broccoli into uniform florets. Blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Alternatively, roast at 400°F for 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1/4 cup broth, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil. Once shimmering, add beef in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary). Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pan and stir for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Do not burn.
- Add broccoli to the pan and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Pour in the sauce mixture. Stir constantly until the sauce bubbles and thickens.
- Return the beef to the pan. Toss everything together until the beef is coated in the glossy sauce and heated through.
- Remove from heat. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon dark sesame oil and toss one last time. Serve immediately over steamed rice or cauliflower rice.
Notes
Slice beef against the grain for tenderness. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing beef to ensure a good crust. Add dark sesame oil at the end to preserve its aroma. For a low-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice and reduce brown sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 35
Keywords: beef and broccoli, sesame garlic beef, stir fry, quick dinner, weeknight meals, better than takeout, gluten-free option, high protein