Broccoli Beef
This succulent beef and tender broccoli, smothered in a flavorful sauce is better than a restaurant! And it is FAST. It is SIMPLE. And it is utterly tasty.
So let’s be real here for a second. I eat a lot of food. And I eat a lot of really great food. So when I declare something the best – you have to know I mean business.
It’s not every day that I say something is “the best” and then cancel the previously requested meal (this and this and this) for my upcoming birthday and insist that my husband make this instead. Seriously, this beef and broccoli is that good!

The succulent beef and tender broccoli, smothered in a flavorful, rich sauce, is one of those meals that leaves you wondering how on earth something so good, better than a restaurant even!, could honestly come out of your homely little kitchen.
And here’s the bonus – it is FAST. It is SIMPLE. And it is so utterly tasty, you may or may not stab your husband with your fork trying to spear the last piece of meat.
I would say the only downfall to this recipe is the fact that flank steak can be a bit pricey but if you look for it on sale or buy a large package and freeze half, it really isn’t so bad. Plus, consider this a meal worth splurging on. It’s worth it, my friends, completely worth it.
Speaking of The Best – I’ve recently updated my Best Recipe section with new headers, sub-categories and a few lost treasures I forgot belonged there. Enjoy!
What to Serve With This
- Baked Brown Rice, Stovetop Brown Rice, or hot, cooked white rice
- Cut up pineapple or other fresh, seasonal fruit
- Asian Noodle Salad or a simple green salad
One Year Ago: Homemade Chocolate Dessert Cups
Two Years Ago: Chicken and Dumpling Soup
Three Years Ago: Lemon and Garlic Grilled Chicken
The Best Broccoli Beef
Ingredients
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium chicken broth
- 5 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Beef and Broccoli:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak, cut into 2-inch-wide strips with the grain, then sliced across the grain into 1/8-inch-thick slices
- 6 medium cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press or minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 teaspoon peanut oil or vegetable oil, plus extra for cooking
- 1 ¼ pounds broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ⅓ cup water
- 3 medium scallions, sliced 1/2-inch thick on diagonal, optional
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine beef and soy sauce. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 10 minutes or up to 1 hour. Meanwhile, whisk the sauce ingredients together in a liquid measure or small bowl. In another small bowl, combine garlic, ginger, and 1 teaspoon peanut oil. Set aside.
- Heat 1-2 teaspoons peanut oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot and rippling. Add half of beef to skillet and break up clumps; cook, without stirring, for 1 minute, then stir and cook until beef is browned around edges and cooked through, about 1-2 minutes. Don’t overcook the meat – cook until just barely cooked through so the meat stays tender. Transfer beef to a medium bowl and cover with a lid and tin foil. Heat another 1-2 teaspoons peanut oil in the skillet and repeat with remaining beef.
- Add 1 tablespoon peanut oil to now-empty skillet; heat until rippling and hot. Add broccoli and cook 30 seconds; add water, cover pan, and lower heat to medium. Steam broccoli until tender-crisp, about 2 minutes. Push the broccoli to the sides of the skillet and add the garlic/ginger mixture. Cook, mashing the mixture with a spoon, until fragrant, about 15-30 seconds. Stir the mixture into the broccoli. Add the beef back to skillet and toss to combine. Whisk the sauce to recombine and add to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce is thickened and evenly distributed, about 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with scallions, and serve – or be like me and serve it straight out of the skillet!
Recommended Products
Recipe Source: adapted from America’s Test Kitchen 10th Anniversary Best Recipes Magazine (found at Sam’s Club a few years ago)
I made this tonight, and it was FANTASTIC. We couldn’t believe how tender the flank steak was or how delicious the sauce was. Exactly the right amount of ginger and garlic. I can’t wait to make this for friends…. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
I made this for dinner. My younger adult son & I thought it was great. My husband, who is not a Chinese food lover, ate it but did not enjoy. Thanks for a delicious recipe.
Amazing. That’s all there is to say. Oh and even my ultra picky middle son loved it 🙂
This was outstanding! The only change I made was adding a little meat tenderizer, but that probably wasn’t necessary. (We had tried a similar meal the night before with pork and it was inedible, so I didn’t want a repeat of 5 way distaste. 🙂 This was full of flavor and tenderness!
I made this tonight for the second time and it was just as delicious as I remembered. It was so much better then any takeout I have ever gotten! My husband couldn’t stop saying how good it was, I am surprised we have any leftovers! Thank you for a wonderful recipe, I knew if you labeled it best, it would be one awesome dish
This recipe is freaking amazing! Idk why, but the whole thing smells like it’s full of peanut butter even with ordinary vegetable oil! I even replaced the oyster sauce with a vegetarian replacement I had on hand, and it was STILL awesome. Thank you so much!!
Mel, you’re amazing. Just found your site and I think I have quite a few things to try. First up was your Beef Broccoli. Even my 14-yr. old daughter, who is normally very picky and dislikes when food is combined, raved about this one. Really, really delicious. Thank you for everything you’ve created here. 🙂
I made this last night, and it seriously tasted just like Take-Out! No kidding. I’ve never said that about a recipe before, cause usually it’s always “almost as good” or “close”, but this was spot on. I think if I had a plate of take out and this version next to each other, I don’t think anyone could tell. It was great! I was lucky to find some “stir fry” beef already cut into strips on sale at the grocery store cause it would expire in a few days, so I got it at a great price and didn’t have to slice it, that was the best part! 😉 I bought oyster sauce for the first time ever, and I really think that was key in getting the right flavor. Thank you for this recipe, I will definitely make again! My family loved it too.
I should add that my 11 year old daughter begged, and I do mean begged, me to make this. It is her favorite. Thanks again!
Third time making this and as usual it did not disappoint. So very delicious, thank you!
Mel,
Just want to thank you for this awesome recipe. I came across your blog last week while searching for a fudgy brownie recipe. I’ve made those twice already. I’ve been inspired to try some Asian cooking, but have always been somewhat intimidated. For dinner tonight, I made your beef broccoli and sweet and sour chicken. I CANNOT believe how incredible they were. Both of us looked at each other and exclaimed that it tasted like we had gotten take out from our favorite restaurant. I can’t wait to make it again for the rest of our family…it is a completely PERFECT! Thanks again.
PS. I don’t usually comment on blogs, but had to on this one! I can’t wait to try more of your recipes.
Is there a way to do this in the slow cooker? Found another B&B recipe for the slow cooker, but the sauce was completely different. I like yours better, but I am pressed for time.
Natalie – I’ve never tried this in the slow cooker – good luck if you try it!
This looked great but was so salty, my husband and I couldn’t eat it.
Made this for dinner tonight. Delicious! Thanks for a great recipe!
Tuesday night dinner!
Made this last night and it was excellent! Thanks for explaining how to cut the steak… that’s the first “stir-fry” I’ve made where it wasn’t overly chewy.
I might use a little less soy next time, or marinate less, or pour some out before I re-add the beef. I didn’t think it was salty or anything, but the flavor was a little heavy and I’m wondering if that’s why my toddler didn’t seem to like it :\
Holy OMG!!!! Made for dinner tonight. Only change is I added crushed red pepper flake to the steak marinade, used flat iron steak & a bit of garlic-pepper sauce to the sauce. Super yummy!!!! Thanks so much!!!!
Mel,
This was very scrumptious! It tasted so much better then our local Thai restaurant’s Beef Broccoli. It received 10 thumbs up out of 12 ( our 2 year old’s taste still developing). This recipe is going in our rotation. I almost licked the plate but my kiddo’s were watching me.
is there any sub for the rice wine vinegar some of the ingredients are hard to find
Hi Nichol – I wouldn’t sub the vinegar and sesame oil. Both are important to the flavor of the dish. I’m surprised you couldn’t find them as they are both widely available in the Asian foods section of grocery stores and even Walmart. By the way, scallions is just another name for green onions in case that helps.
I went to get the ingredients and failed to find the scallions red wine vinegar or the sesame oil. Now i”m worried it won’t turn out right. Is their anything i can add in the place of the missing items?
Made this several times — my hubby and I can’t get enough. Broccoli is so crazy good for you but can feel boring after the fourth bite. This dish is a great way to get me to eat a huge plate of it. Oh, and if there’s one veggie I absolutely love to buy organic when it’s available, it’s broccoli. What a difference! Incredible. Thanks for the recipe Mel!
Kim, I’ve added red pepper flakes to taste with great results! A fresh chile would probably work as well. The Srirachi, although delicious, has a very distictive taste, and would most likely change the flavor profile of the dish. I imagine it would be good too, just different from the intended recipe. Have fun experimenting!
Looking for a beef and broccoli with a kick! Should I just add a couple of chilies or Sriracha or both !;). Recipe looks great, thanks!
Hi Megan – sorry for the delay in getting back with you. I’ve used the Marukan rice vinegar with great results.
Hi Mel. I’d like to make your beef broccoli, tonight actually, and wonder if you can steer me in the right direction on the rice wine vinegar. I checked my pantry and have Marukan brand rice vinegar, shao hsing cooking wine and Mitsukan Mirin – which is sweet so not likely what I need. Are any of these okay?
Dawn – peanut oil has better flavor for a hot stir fry in my opinion but if you are going to sub I’d definitely go with canola oil over EVOO. Either a lid or tin foil would work to cover.
Sounds delicious!! Flank steak might be a little expensive, but its still a lot cheaper than spending $50-$60 eating Chinese out.
Just a couple questions though.
1. Do I have to use peanut oil or can I substitute with EVOO or canola oil?
2. Am I supposed to cover the bowl of beef with a lid AND tin foil, or is it one or the
other?
Incredible! I used the trick mentioned above of coating the meat with a bit of cornstarch, and it gave the meet a nice glossy coating. Thank you for this better than take-out dish!
Mmmmmmm! Umami
Made this one night last week. (The days run together… Can’t remember which night…) I wasn’t convinced I had done a good job, but my wife (who I teasingly call a food snob) absolutely loved it. Want proof? She cleaned her plate and she NEVER cleans her plate. And after everything was gone, she went back for more and cleaned her plate again! She didn’t have to say anything: I knew. This is another fabulous recipe from Mel which is now on our ‘must do often’ list.
Thank you so much for this recipe! My boyfriend was going to get Chinese takeout but I decided to try this instead and we were both very impressed. I don’t know what exactly you adapted from the ATC recipe, but someone needs to get you a bigger skillet so you don’t have to do the meat in two batches! You deserve it!
YUM!!! These will stay on the monthly menu:) Thanks!
I just finished making this for supper tonight and have to say its UNBELIEVABLE!! Thanks for another great one!!!
Super delicious. My kids were excited to take this in their lunches today. On the other hand, the Mr. was bummed that there wasn’t enough left for his lunch.
This was by far the best beef broccoli I have ever tasted. I had all the ingredients on hand because I make chinese dishes often. I would make this for company any time. It is now in my file of family favorites
I just cooked this recipe and doubled the sauce. I tasted it and it was good. I made it for dinner tonight. I tried the trick with the cornstarch. The meat was sooooo tender! I used some thin sliced beef steak. I just had to cut it into strips. I put strips of carrots in there and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. DELISH! Thank you!
Just wanted to say. I made this meal last night. By far, on of the best ones I have made. I will not be going out to a restaurant for this meal. Thank you for posting!
This was VERY good! I wish I would’ve made twice the amount because my kids couldn’t get enough! 🙂 Thank you for the recipe.
This is amazing!! Anyone have any idea of the nurtional info or even WW points? I am trying to follow WW and would like to know how much to count this as. Thanks! 🙂
I’ll cut back on the ginger and oyster sauce next time, was a bit much for my taste.
Flank steak and broccoli are perfect for stir fry tho..
I found this recipe in Cook’s Illustrated years ago. I LOVE IT!!!! Incredibly delicious, and very, very easy. Get the butcher to slice the meat for you, and it’s even easier. Haven’t made this in a while –thanks for reminding me of it!
we’ve probably made this a dozen times now! we LOVE it. thanks so much!
Ive been wanting to do a broccoli beef recipe for a while, but a lot were super time consuming. Found you through Pinterest. I’m excited to try this tonight for my New Food April! Come over to my blog to check out my results in just a few days!
Made it tonight. I doubled the recipe and it was still delicious .
I just found your website recently. Cooked your Kansas city chicken last night and your beef and broccoli tonight. I am amazed that my 3 picky eating sons loved both! Woo hoo! Thanks!
Hi–I’ve just recently discovered your blog, and just had to comment on your beef and broccoli recipe. I made it last night and it was FANTASTIC!!! Totally declicious. I added some sliced mushrooms I had on hand. I also made your banana bread yesterday, and that was great, too! Can’t wait to try more of your recipes–thanks for a great blog!
This dish is amazing! Living in Australia, I was unable to find flank, skirt, or hanger steak, so I used “stir fry ” beef instead. Still good, but I am sure it would be even better with the flank steak. Thank you!
I have never used oyster sauce before but knowing that Mel’s verdict of “BEST” would never fail, I ventured out, bought all the ingredients (even the right cut of meat), and tried this out. It was really delicious! The meat turned out so moist! (Freezing the meat for a bit really helped while slicing it) The amount of sauce was just right, and my only regret was that there wasn’t too much left over for a second meal!!! Thanks again for another wonderful recipe Mel!
I made this last night and we loved it! I used some top round steak slicked thinly and it was perfect.
Dee – well, it’s worth a try if you really don’t want to buy the flank steak but I am nearly sure that your results will be better using the flank steak based on the fact that the recipe was tailored to that cut of meat. Good luck!