This Better-Than-Takeout Beef and Broccoli is a quick and flavorful stir-fry that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant dish. Tender beef strips are cooked to perfection with crisp-tender broccoli, coated in a rich and savory sauce that’s full of umami flavor.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and can be served over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients (Serves 2–4)

Stir-Fry

1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
4 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

Sauce

½ cup soy sauce
¼ cup oyster sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
¼ cup water
1 tsp sesame oil

Optional Garnish

Sesame seeds
Sliced green onions

Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients
Slice beef against the grain and cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. Mince garlic and ginger.

2. Make Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil. Set aside.

3. Cook Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.

4. Cook Broccoli
In the same skillet, sauté broccoli for 3–4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Add garlic and ginger, cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Combine & Finish
Return beef to skillet and pour in sauce. Stir well and cook 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli evenly.

6. Serve
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.

Tips for Perfect Beef and Broccoli

Slice Thinly: Cutting beef against the grain ensures tenderness.
High Heat: Stir-fry over high heat for the best texture.
Thicken Sauce: Mix cornstarch with water to avoid lumps.
Meal Prep: Beef can be marinated in sauce for 30 minutes to boost flavor.

Variations

Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
Vegetarian: Replace beef with tofu or tempeh.
Extra Veggies: Include bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed white or brown rice.
Noodles such as lo mein or rice noodles work well.
Pair with egg rolls or dumplings for a full takeout-style meal.

Fun Facts

Beef and broccoli is a classic American-Chinese dish that was adapted from traditional Chinese recipes. Using oyster sauce and sesame oil gives it the signature savory, slightly sweet flavor that makes it a favorite in takeout restaurants.