Dinner

Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes!) Recipe

Byluca Carter January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

Introduction

This Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Tender slices of flank steak pair perfectly with crisp-tender broccoli and a savory, slightly sweet sauce. It’s an easy homemade alternative to takeout that everyone will love.

A bowl filled with a base layer of white cooked rice, topped with several pieces of dark brown beef coated in a glossy sauce. Scattered among the beef pieces are bright green broccoli florets, adding contrast and texture. The dish is sprinkled evenly with small white sesame seeds, enhancing its visual appeal, all served in a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound flank steak
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

3-4 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar

1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1/4 cup (packed) brown sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare all ingredients ahead of time. Trim any fat from the flank steak and slice it thinly across the grain into bite-size pieces. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, vinegar, toasted sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, fresh ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes to make the sauce.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until the oil is shimmering. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli and set aside.
Step 3: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Spread the beef slices in a single layer and let cook undisturbed for about 1 minute. Flip and cook for another minute; the beef should still be slightly rare to stay tender.

Step 4: Return the broccoli to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir and toss everything together until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and broccoli, about 1-3 minutes. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra tenderness, marinate the sliced steak in half of the sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
If you prefer a milder heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.

Swap flank steak for sirloin or skirt steak as alternatives with similar quick cooking times.
Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the broccoli for more vegetable variety.
Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels in the dish.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. To prevent the sauce from thickening too much when reheated, add a splash of water if needed.

How to Serve

A bowl of white rice forms the base layer, topped with a glossy dark brown beef and broccoli stir-fry sauce that coats thin slices of beef and bright green broccoli florets scattered evenly. White sesame seeds are sprinkled over the top, adding a contrasting texture and color. The dish sits in a white bowl, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw and drain it well before cooking, and reduce the cooking time slightly since it will cook faster than fresh broccoli.

How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?

Slice the beef very thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking it. Cooking the meat briefly at high heat and leaving it slightly rare before tossing with the sauce helps keep it tender.