The Best 30-Minute Easy Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Makes: 3 Servings
Per Serving: 37g Protein | 376 Cal

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Ordering takeout might be easier than whipping up a quick meal, but it’s also usually a lot more expensive and not quite as healthy. For a lighter, protein-packed, takeout classic at home, you have to try my Quick & Easy Beef & Broccoli recipe. Made with tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce, this dish comes together in your kitchen in just about 20 minutes. The best part? It only requires one pan.

Whether you’re trying to save some money or a few calories, this dish is sure to be a total winner in your house.

Let’s break it down.

Why You’ll Love This Beef & Broccoli Recipe

• Packed with protein: This high-protein meal is super satisfying, with 37g of protein per serving.

• Made with pantry staples: Most of the ingredients in this easy dinner are things you already have on hand.

• Perfect for busy weeknights: Because this family favorite is ready and on the table in under 30 minutes, it’s a great option for busier nights.

• Super delicious: It tastes just as good as your favorite takeout, so your whole family will love it!

• Good for those with dietary restrictions: It’s naturally dairy-free and easily made gluten-free, so no problem for those with dietary restrictions or common allergies.

• Easy to customize: Want to add extra veggies? Try thinly sliced carrots or mushrooms (or both!), bell peppers, onions or green onions, or whatever else you love.

Best Cuts of Beef for Beef and Broccoli

Choosing the right cut of beef makes a huge difference in tenderness.

Best options:

• Flank steak (most popular)

• Sirloin (lean and affordable)

• Skirt steak (great flavor)

• Flat iron steak (very tender)

How to Make Beef Tender 

Ever wonder why restaurant beef and broccoli is so incredibly soft?

It’s all about a technique called velveting.

What is Velveting?

Velveting is a method where beef is coated in cornstarch (sometimes with water or egg white) before cooking.

Why it works:

• Locks in moisture

• Creates a silky texture

• Prevents overcooking

The good thing about this recipe is that I’ve already built in a simple velveting step to help keep the beef tender.

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, sliced thin against the grain

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch, divided

• ¼ cup water, divided

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos

• ½ cup beef broth or water

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 4–5 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 teaspoons neutral oil (avocado or olive oil - you can also use peanut oil if you'd like!)

• For garnish: sesame seeds
  
  

Instructions

1. Prep the beef: Put the sliced beef in a medium bowl. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over the top. Add 2 tablespoons of water and lightly toss the beef in the mixture until coated. Set it aside until you’re ready to cook.

2. Make the sauce: Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, the soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos, beef broth, brown sugar, minced garlic, fresh ginger (or ground), and sesame oil to a separate small bowl. Stir well to combine. Make sure the cornstarch is incorporated into the sauce.

3. Steam the broccoli florets: Heat a large skillet (or wok!) over medium-high heat. If you’re using a nonstick pan, make sure you add the broccoli before heating it. Add the broccoli and 2 tablespoons of water and immediately cover the pan to steam the broccoli. Steam the broccoli for 2-3 minutes, until it’s bright green and just slightly tender. Transfer the broccoli to a plate and set it aside.

4. Sear the beef: Add oil to the same hot pan. Add the beef in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes without moving it until it gets a nice sear. Flip each piece of beef over and let cook for another minute on the other side, until nearly cooked through.

5. Add the savory sauce: Add the sauce to the pan and let it simmer for about 30-60 seconds, until it thickens slightly.

6. Stir fry and serve: Add the broccoli to the pan and toss everything together until coated in sauce, about 1 minute. Transfer it to a serving platter, top with sesame seeds, and serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving - Makes 3 Servings)

• Calories: 376

• Protein: 37g

• Carbs: 24g

• Fat: 14g

The Best Tips for Tender Beef

• Slice the beef against the grain: This is one way to keep the meat tender because of the way it cuts the muscle fibers.

• Slice it thinly: Pop the steak in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes to get thinner slices.

• Don’t cook too much beef at once: If you need to cook in batches, that’s totally fine!

• Don’t overcook the beef: If you’re using something like flank or sirloin and your slices are thin, the beef will cook quite quickly. Make sure you get a good sear on it, but don't overcook it!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these and your beef and broccoli will turn out perfect every time:

• Overcooking the beef: makes it tough

• Skipping the cornstarch step: less tender texture

• Crowding the pan: prevents a good sear

• Not slicing against the grain: chewy meat

• Overcooking broccoli: mushy instead of crisp

Swaps & Substitutions

• Make it gluten-free: If you can’t tolerate gluten, make sure you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce in the sauce. Soy sauce isn’t gluten-free!

• Make it soy-free: Opt for coconut aminos in place of soy sauce. 

• Make it lower in sugar: Try making this with a brown sugar substitute or using a bit less sugar.

• Add extra vegetables: Use thinly sliced (or shredded) carrots, mushrooms, snap peas, bell peppers, and the like.

• Switch up the protein source: Instead of beef, try making this easy meal with thinly sliced chicken or pork, shrimp, or extra-firm tofu.

• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chili crisp to the sauce to add some heat.

How to Meal Prep This Recipe

This recipe is a great choice if you like to meal prep! Store leftovers (or portions) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in a skillet or in the microwave until warmed through. Store your rice, cauliflower rice, or any other accompaniments separately for best results.

What to Serve with Beef and Broccoli

This easy beef and broccoli stir fry pairs perfectly with:

• White rice

• Brown rice

• Cauliflower rice (low-carb option)

• Rice noodles or ramen

• Lettuce wraps

Or enjoy it on its own for a lower-carb, high-protein meal.

FAQs

• Can I make beef and broccoli in advance?

  Yes. It reheats really well, which makes it great for meal prep. If you’re making it ahead, slightly undercook the broccoli and avoid overcooking the beef so it stays tender when reheated. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Why is my beef chewy instead of tender?

  This usually comes down to a few things:

  • Slicing with the grain instead of against it

  • Cutting the beef too thick

  • Overcooking

  For best results, slice the beef thinly against the grain and cook it quickly over high heat.

• What is the best cut of beef for beef and broccoli?

  Flank steak is the most popular choice, but sirloin, skirt steak, or flat iron steak all work well. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for the most tender results.
  

• How do restaurants make beef so tender?

  They use a technique called velveting, which helps lock in moisture and create that soft texture. The good thing about this recipe is that I’ve already included a simple velveting step to help keep the beef tender.

• Can I use frozen broccoli?

  Yes. Just thaw it first and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. Keep in mind it may be softer than fresh broccoli, so try not to overcook it.

• What should I serve with beef and broccoli?

  This dish pairs well with white rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps. You can also enjoy it on its own for a simple, high-protein meal.

This super simple beef and broccoli recipe is fast, flavorful, and packed with protein and veggies. Once you get the hang of it, takeout night will be a thing of the past.

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Beef & Broccoli

Yield: 3

Author: Ashley aka The Protein Snack Queen

This beef broccoli recipe is so quick and easy, it’s the perfect choice for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, sliced thin against the grain
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
• ¼ cup water, divided
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos
• ½ cup beef broth or water
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 4–5 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 teaspoons neutral oil (avocado or olive oil - you can also use peanut oil if you'd like!)
• For garnish: sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prep the beef: Put the sliced beef in a medium bowl. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over the top. Add 2 tablespoons of water and lightly toss the beef in the mixture until coated. Set it aside until you’re ready to cook.
2. Make the sauce: Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, the soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos, beef broth, brown sugar, minced garlic, fresh ginger (or ground), and sesame oil to a separate small bowl. Stir well to combine. Make sure the cornstarch is incorporated into the sauce.
3. Steam the broccoli florets: Heat a large skillet (or wok!) over medium-high heat. If you’re using a nonstick pan, make sure you add the broccoli before heating it. Add the broccoli and 2 tablespoons of water and immediately cover the pan to steam the broccoli. Steam the broccoli for 2-3 minutes, until it’s bright green and just slightly tender. Transfer the broccoli to a plate and set it aside.
4. Sear the beef: Add oil to the same hot pan. Add the beef in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes without moving it until it gets a nice sear. Flip each piece of beef over and let cook for another minute on the other side, until nearly cooked through.
5. Add the savory sauce: Add the sauce to the pan and let it simmer for about 30-60 seconds, until it thickens slightly.
6. Stir fry and serve: Add the broccoli to the pan and toss everything together until coated in sauce, about 1 minute. Transfer it to a serving platter, top with sesame seeds, and serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

376

Fat

14 g

Carbs

24 g

Protein

34 g