This Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli is just what you need for a quick and tasty dinner! Tender beef and bright green broccoli are tossed in a yummy sauce that brings everything to life.
I love making this at home because it’s super easy and the flavors are amazing. Plus, I can skip the wait for takeout and enjoy it fresh! Who doesn’t love that? 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is perfect because it’s lean and flavorful. If you can’t find flank steak, skirt steak or sirloin can work. Both offer good tenderness and taste, though flank has a bit more chew.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is the best for this recipe, but if it’s not available, you can use frozen florets. Just make sure to thaw them beforehand to avoid excess water in the dish.
Soy Sauce: I opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, tamari sauce is a great alternative.
Oyster Sauce: Its unique flavor adds depth to the dish. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try mushroom sauce instead—it delivers similar umami notes.
Cornstarch: This is key for tenderizing the beef and thickening the sauce. If you have dietary restrictions, arrowroot powder can be a good substitute.
How Can You Ensure Your Beef Is Tender and Flavorful?
To get that melt-in-your-mouth texture, marinate the beef! The soy sauce and cornstarch combination helps tenderize the meat while adding rich flavor. A quick 15-minute soak works wonders.
- Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain; this shortens the muscle fibers for easier chewing.
- Use a hot skillet or wok to sear the beef quickly—this locks in those tasty juices!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing; give each slice some space to get that nice browning.
Following this technique ensures a perfect beef dish every time! Happy cooking!
How to Make Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 pound flank steak, sliced thin against the grain
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
For Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes marinating the beef and preparing the veggies, and then about 15 minutes cooking everything together. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with the soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15 minutes while you get the other ingredients ready. This will help the beef stay tender and flavor-packed!
2. Sear the Beef:
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Let it sear for 2-3 minutes, or until it is nicely browned. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan! Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
3. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but be careful not to burn them! You want that lovely garlic and ginger smell wafting through your kitchen.
4. Add the Broccoli:
Dump the broccoli florets into the skillet with the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry them for 2-3 minutes. You want them to be bright green and tender-crisp—no one likes mushy broccoli!
5. Combine Everything:
Return the beef to the skillet. Stir in the oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and beef broth. Mix everything well so the flavors combine beautifully.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickening up and the broccoli becoming tender. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce or salt if you like it saltier!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve your splendid Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli hot over cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy every bite of your homemade meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! If you can’t find flank steak, you can substitute it with sirloin or ribeye. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for the best texture. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No problem! If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of soy sauce and a little sugar to mimic the sweetness and saltiness. Use about 2 tablespoons of soy sauce with 1 teaspoon of sugar for a similar flavor profile.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this dish gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well. Most brands offer a gluten-free version, so just check the label!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to help retain moisture and prevent the beef from drying out. You can reheat it on the stove over medium heat for best results.
