Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe (A 30-Minute Dinner Rescue)

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, French, Italian

Keyword kitchen emergency,, o easy beef and broccoli recipe, o quick beef and broccoli, healthy beef stir-fry, 30-minute dinner, beef and broccoli without oyster sauce

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 29

Calories 610

Ingredients

For the Beef:

1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, very thinly sliced against the grain

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon neutral oil (like avocado or canola)

For the Sauce:

1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (this is your slurry)

For the Stir-Fry:

1 tablespoon neutral oil

1 large head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets

Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

Velvet the Beef (The Secret Step!): In a medium bowl, add the thinly sliced beef. Sprinkle with the cornstarch and soy sauce. Drizzle with the 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss everything together until the beef is evenly coated. Set it aside to marinate while you prepare everything else. This is the secret to tender beef.

Make the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: beef broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.

Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and 1/4 cup of water. Cover the pan and let the broccoli steam for 3-4 minutes, until it is bright green and just barely tender. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Cook the Beef: Wipe out the skillet and add another splash of oil if needed. Turn the heat up to high. When the pan is very hot, add half of the beef in a single layer. Cook for just 1-2 minutes per side, until browned. Do not overcrowd the pan. Remove the first batch and set it aside. Cook the second batch of beef and remove it.

Finish the Dish: Turn the heat down to medium. Pour the sauce mixture into the hot skillet. Let it bubble for about 30 seconds. Now, whisk in your cornstarch slurry. The sauce will thicken up almost instantly.

Combine and Serve: Add the cooked beef and broccoli back to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat it in the glossy sauce. Serve immediately over a bed of warm rice.

Notes

Slicing the Beef: For the most tender results, it's very important to slice your beef thinly against the grain. A great trick is to place the steak in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before you slice it. This firms it up and makes it much easier to cut into thin, even strips.
No Oyster Sauce: This is a delicious beef and broccoli without oyster sauce, which can sometimes be hard to find and high in sodium.
Serving Suggestion: This is perfect served over simple steamed white or brown rice.

Kitchen Rescue Tips!

The Problem: "My beef is still a little tough!"
- The Rescue: This means your slices were probably a little too thick, or your pan wasn't hot enough. Next time, try to slice the beef even more thinly. And don't be afraid to get your pan really, really hot before you add the meat. A quick, hot sear is the key.
The Problem: "My sauce is too thin!"
- The Rescue: Easy fix! Your sauce just needs a little more of the cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into your simmering sauce. It will thicken up right away.
The Problem: "My sauce is too thick!"
- - The Rescue: Even easier! Just whisk in another splash of beef broth or water until it reaches the perfect consistency.