Beef and Broccoli with Homemade Sauce

This easy beef and broccoli recipe is the perfect weeknight meal. The steak is marinated in an easy ingredient marinade. The steak and broccoli is then cooked in a skillet until tender for delicious stove top recipe.

We love beef and broccoli recipes. Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli and Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli are must try recipes that are made with simple ingredients. Beef and Broccoli make for a delicious, hearty meal.

Why This Recipe Works

Skip takeout and make this beef and broccoli recipe. Adding the homemade sauce makes it taste even better. It is a healthier version than I can get at my local Chinese Restaurant.

This easy beef and broccoli stir fry cooks tender and delicious. This meal is rich and filling and perfect for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Recipe Substitution and Additions

• Steak Variations – We used flank steak for this recipe, but you can easily use skirt steak or top sirloin steak as well. 
• Broccoli – We chopped the broccoli florets in bite size pieces. If you prefer, you can easily use frozen broccoli. If you use frozen, just place it in the skillet if it is frozen. It may take a little longer to heat.
• Soy Sauce – For added flavor, you can add in low sodium soy sauce. Coconut Aminos can also be added for a no soy sauce option.
• Sesame Oil – If you make a lot of Asian style dishes, you probably have sesame oil. This oil can be added for extra flavor. We have even added in oyster sauce.
• Sesame Seeds – I love to top this beef and broccoli with sesame seeds before serving.
• Bell Peppers – Add in some vegetables such as red peppers or green bell peppers when adding the broccoli to the skillet. We have even added in slice mushrooms and chopped green onions.
• Seasoning – For a hint of spice add in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. If you love ginger, we recommend adding in fresh ginger.

How to Make Beef and Broccoli 

• Step 1 – Marinate Steak – Place the thinly sliced meat in a ziplock bag.  Stir the 2 tablespoons cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl.  Add this to the bag with the meat.  Marinade for at least 20 minutes to 30 minutes.  

• Step 2 – Heat Oil add Broccoli – Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Add the chopped broccoli onto the skillet.  Sauté covered for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. 

• Step 3 – Stir in Beef – Then stir in the marinated beef.  Sauté uncovered for an additional 3-4 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the broccoli is tender.  

• Step 4 – Combine Sauce Ingredients – Combine all the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.  Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables and toss to combine.  Heat for 1 minute to make sure that all the flavors are combined and heated through. 

• Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy – Remove from heat the easy beef and crisp broccoli and stir. Serve warm over cooked rice and enjoy.

How to Make the Sauce

We love making this sauce to pour over the steak when it is finished cooking. It is perfect to pour extra sauce when beef and broccoli is served over rice.

Combine the following ingredients in a bowl. This makes a thick sauce to pour over the steak and vegetables.

• Cornstarch 
• Minced Garlic 
• Brown Sugar 
• Rice Vinegar 
• Soy Sauce 

Continue heating for about a minute and then serve with rice and enjoy.

Expert Tips

• Coating Steak – Make sure to coat beef with the cornstarch and water for at least 30 minutes.
• Cutting Steak – We recommend to cut the steak in about the same size. Some grocery stores have steak already sliced. Usually it is labeled as fajita steak.
• Preparing Skillet – When preparing the steak, heat the skillet with oil to medium high heat.
• Broccoli – Cook the broccoli for a few minutes until tender before adding in the steak.
• Other Cooking Options – This recipe taste great whether you cook it in the skillet, instant pot or crock pot.

Can I Make Ahead of Time?

If you meal prep for the week, this is my go-to recipe. It heats up easily in the microwave and is a well balanced meal. You can even serve it without the rice to make it a low carb option.

Divide and store in individual container for a quick lunch all week.

What to Serve with Beef and Broccoli

• White Rice – Our favorite side to serve with this recipe is white rice. Make sure to serve with the sauce drizzled over the top.
• Brown Rice – For a healthier side, make a side of brown rice. We have even served with cauliflower rice for a low carb option.
• Egg Rolls – My kids like getting Chinese takeout so I tried to make the same sides that they get when I make this beef and broccoli.
• Soup – Make a simple soup to serve with this beef and broccoli.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

• Storing – Place the leftovers beef and broccoli in the air tight container. Place in the refrigerator or freezer. If placed in the freezer it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Refrigerated leftovers will last up to 5 days.
• Reheat – You can reheat in the microwave or in a skillet. We like reheating in a skillet so it heat thoroughly.