Beef and Broccoli is a quick and easy 30-minute meal that only needs one pan and is full of healthy beef, fresh broccoli, and the best stir fry sauce. Thank you to Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. thanks to the Beef Checkoff for sponsoring this recipe, which is perfect for the busy end of the school year
People like our Beef Stir Fry and Fried Rice stir fry recipes because they are quick and better for you than going out to eat. This Beef and Broccoli Recipe definitely satisfies the craving for takeout. Watch the video recipe below and see how easy it is!.
Beef and broccoli is a classic Chinese takeout dish that is easy to recreate at home. When making this flavorful stir fry, choosing the right cut of beef is key to getting the perfect texture and flavor After testing various cuts, the clear winner for beef and broccoli is flank steak.
Why Use Flank Steak for Beef and Broccoli?
Flank steak has several advantages that make it ideal for beef and broccoli
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It’s very flavorful while still being relatively inexpensive, usually costing less per pound than other steak cuts.
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When sliced thinly against the grain, flank steak cooks up tender and juicy.
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The thin shape of flank steak is perfect for quick stir frying.
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It can be easily marinated to absorb a flavorful sauce.
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Flank steak has a nice chewy texture that stands up well when paired with crisp-tender broccoli.
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It’s a lean cut, so no need to trim off excess fat.
For all these reasons, flank steak is hands down the best cut to use for beef and broccoli stir fries.
Step-by-Step Guide for Cooking Flank Steak
Follow these simple steps for perfect beef and broccoli every time using flank steak:
Prep the flank steak – Place the flank steak in the freezer for 30 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut thinly across the grain. Then slice into 1/4 inch thick pieces.
Make the marinade – In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice wine, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Add the sliced flank steak and let marinate for 30-60 minutes.
Cook the aromatics – Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Cook minced garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the beef – Add the beef and marinade and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef browns. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
Cook the broccoli – Add the broccoli florets and stir fry for 2 more minutes. Add a splash of water to create steam if needed.
Finish with sauce – Give the sauce a final stir then pour over the beef and broccoli. Toss everything together and serve immediately over rice.
Tips for the Best Beef and Broccoli
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Use high-heat cooking methods like stir frying or grilling to get nice browning on the beef.
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Cut the beef across the grain into thin slices so it cooks quickly.
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Don’t overcook the beef or broccoli. You want both to have some crispness.
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A marinade adds lots of flavor. Let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
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Use fresh, in-season broccoli for the best texture and taste.
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Serve immediately over steamed rice to soak up the tasty sauce.
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Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Full Recipe for Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Follow this recipe for restaurant-quality beef and broccoli in 30 minutes using flank steak:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly across grain
- 1 lb broccoli florets, cut into bitesized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
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Combine soy sauce, rice wine, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water to make the marinade. Add sliced flank steak and marinate 30-60 minutes.
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Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Cook garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
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Add marinated steak. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until starting to brown. Cook in batches if needed.
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Add broccoli and stir fry 2 more minutes until crisp-tender.
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Give sauce a final stir, then pour over beef and broccoli. Toss to coat.
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Serve immediately over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
More Fun Ways to Enjoy Flank Steak
Beyond beef and broccoli, flank steak is versatile enough to use in all kinds of dishes:
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Steak tacos or fajitas – Slice thinly and cook over high heat. Serve in warm tortillas.
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Stir fry – Great for any Asian-inspired stir fry recipe.
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Steak salad – Chill cooked slices and serve over a fresh salad.
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Sandwiches – Slice thinly against the grain for tender sandwiches.
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Kabobs – Cut into chunks to skewer and grill.
So next time you’re cooking up some beef and broccoli, reach for the flank steak and get ready to enjoy the full, rich flavor in every tasty bite! This cut is clearly the MVP for making this takeout classic at home.
More Beef Recipes that Reheat Well:
Any recipe that reheats well can be used for meal prep, school and work lunch. This is a great list to help you get through the back to school season.
The Best Beef and Broccoli Sauce:
Many stir fry recipes have gone wrong with a poorly made sauce. We tested this recipe over and over until we arrived at the perfect balance of sweet and savory. For the best stir fry sauce:
- Use low sodium soy sauce (or Gluten Free Tamari)
- You should only use a small amount of fresh ginger because it has a strong flavor.
- Don’t leave out the sesame oil; it gives the food a real taste.
- Allow sauce to simmer for at least three minutes to let garlic and ginger blend in.
- Add 2 tablespoons of water at the end to make the sauce thinner.
What cut of beef is best for stir fry?
FAQ
What is the best cut of meat for beef and broccoli?
What is the best beef for stir-fry?
What is a good substitute for flank steak in beef and broccoli?
What is the best cut of beef & Broccoli?
When it comes to beef and broccoli, the best cut of beef to use is flank steak. This inexpensive cut of meat is lean and flavorful, making it perfect for stir-fry dishes. Flank steak is also easy to tenderize with a little bit of baking soda, which helps to break down the tough fibers in the meat.
What is the best cut of beef for broccoli stir-fry?
Choose the right cut of beef: As mentioned above, flank steak is the best cut of beef for beef and broccoli stir-fry. Other cuts that work well include flat iron steak, top sirloin, and tri-tip. 2. Slice the beef against the grain: This means cutting perpendicular to the long muscle fibers in the meat.
Which steak is best for beef & broccoli stir-fry?
While flank steak is the best choice for beef and broccoli stir-fry, other cuts like flat iron steak, top sirloin, and tri-tip can also work well. These cuts are lean and tender but may be slightly more expensive than flank steak. When it comes to beef and broccoli stir-fry, there are a few cuts of beef that work particularly well.
What kind of steak do you use for steak & Broccoli?
At most American Chinese restaurants, the dish is made with flank steak that has been tenderized with a baking soda solution and marinated, but when I make beef and broccoli at home, I prefer to use flat iron steak.