Remember those mall food court smells? Sweet soy, sizzling beef, steamed rice? This Best Beef and Broccoli hits that same comforting noteonly fresher, faster, and much healthier. It’s a popular choice online for good reason: it’s fast, balanced, and weeknight-easy.
It features tender steak strips (a small amount goes a long way), crisp broccoli, and that glossy sesame-soy sauce you’ll want to scoop up with every grain of rice. It’s like your favorite Chinese Beef And Broccoli takeout, but made by youcheaper, healthier, and crafted from pantry staples.
I grew up with stir-fries that didn’t need takeout menusjust a hot pan and whatever vegetables were on sale. This version keeps that spirit alive. No weird ingredients. No trendy oils. I tested it thoroughly, and you’ll discover the sauce secret I’ve included!
Why You’ll Love This Best Beef and Broccoli
This recipe ticks all the cozy-meal boxes, offering a nostalgic hug in dinner form with tender steak, crisp broccoli, and that velvety sauce that clings perfectly to every bite. Here’s why it’s a keeper:
Fast and practical: Weeknight cooking doesn’t get easierless than 45 minutes start to finish.
Nostalgic and healthier: Think mall food court vibes but fresher and made from scratch.
One-pan ease: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
Flexible for family tastes: Works well over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb spin.
Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
We’re keeping this one simple with pantry-friendly ingredients you probably already have. Yet, every bite delivers restaurant-worthy flavor. Here’s what you’ll use:
Beef: Round steak, thinly sliced, for tender, lean bites that cook quickly.
Fresh broccoli: Adds that perfect snap and vibrant color.
Onion: Sautéed to add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
Condensed cream of broccoli soup: The secret shortcut to that rich, velvety sauce.
Soy sauce: Balances with salty umami.
Pro Tip: When slicing the steak, pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes beforehandit makes getting those thin, even slices so much easier!
Ingredient
Substitution Ideas
Round steak
Flank steak or sirloin work great too.
Fresh broccoli
Frozen broccoli florets (steam them separately).
Condensed soup
Try cream of mushroom or cream of celery if that’s what’s on hand.
How to Make the Best Beef and Broccoli
This dish comes together in less than 45 minutesand honestly, most of the heavy lifting is just letting the pan do its thing. Here’s how it’s done:
Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Toss in the sliced steak, season with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s almost browned.
Add the aromatics: Stir in the onions and let them soften slightly to build flavor.
Bring in the broccoli: Add your fresh broccoli florets, condensed soup, water, and soy sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Cook and let it shine: Reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let it all simmer until the broccoli is perfectly tender-crisp and the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the “cover and simmer” stepit lets all the flavors meld into that cozy, glossy sauce.
Storage and Leftovers Tips
Made extra? Perfectyou’re set for lunch tomorrow. This recipe stores beautifully:
In the fridge: Let the leftovers cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer-friendly: Pack portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Pop it in a skillet on low, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems too thick.
Storage Method
How Long?
Fridge
Up to 3 days
Freezer
Up to 2 months
Expert Insight: Achieving the Perfect Beef and Broccoli
Mastering this dish lies in precise timing and temperature. High heat and quick cooking for the beef ensure tenderness, while a brief simmer keeps the broccoli crisp-tender. Balancing a savory soy-based sauce with a touch of sweetness is key to that authentic, comforting flavor profile found in the best homemade and restaurant stir-fries.
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The Journey to the Best Beef and Broccoli
Finding the perfect balance of tender beef and crisp broccoli took several rounds of tweaking for me. One time, I overcooked the broccoli so badly my family barely touched dinner. After learning the timing and sauce just right, this Best Beef and Broccoli recipe finally came together as a reliable, flavorful weeknight winner.
FAQs ( Best Beef and Broccoli )
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
Flank steak or sirloin are excellent choices for this dish because they cook quickly and stay tender when sliced thinly against the grain. These cuts absorb the sauce well and provide the perfect texture for a quick stir-fry. Avoid tougher cuts to prevent chewiness.
How do I prevent broccoli from getting soggy?
Blanch broccoli briefly in boiling water, then immediately plunge it into ice water to keep it crisp and vibrant. When stir-frying, cook the broccoli on high heat for a short time to retain its crunch. Avoid overcooking to maintain texture and nutrients.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This meal is best served fresh for optimal flavor and texture. However, you can prepare the sauce and slice ingredients in advance. Store cooked beef and broccoli separately and reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking when ready to serve.
What are some healthy side dishes for this stir-fry?
Steamed brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa complement this dish well and add fiber and nutrients. A simple cucumber salad or steamed green beans also work as refreshing, light sides that balance the rich flavors of the stir-fry.
How can I make the sauce thicker if needed?
To thicken the sauce, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce while cooking. Cook for a minute more until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. This is a common step in many Chinese cooking recipes and helps the sauce stick nicely.
Yesica Andrews
Best Beef and Broccoli: Quick and Delicious Dinner
Enjoy this Best Beef and Broccoli recipe that combines tender round steak and fresh broccoli in a creamy, savory sauce. This Chinese Beef And Broccoli dish is a perfect, Easy Beef And Broccoli meal that comes together quickly for a satisfying and healthy dinner option. Perfect for fans of Chinese Cooking Recipes and Fast Dinner Recipes looking for a delicious beef dinner.
1 pound round steak, thinly sliced into 2 inch pieces
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of broccoli soup
¼ cup water
3 tablespoons soy sauce
Method
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.
Add the sliced steak and season with salt and ground black pepper.
Cook the beef, stirring occasionally, until it is almost completely browned.
Add the sliced onions and sauté until tender.
Stir in the broccoli florets, condensed cream of broccoli soup, water, and soy sauce.
Mix all ingredients well to combine.
Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet.
Cook until the broccoli is tender and the beef reaches desired doneness, about 5-10 minutes.
Serve hot with rice or noodles if desired.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. You can substitute cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
