Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli

This Beef with Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful alternative to takeout, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender flank steak is coated in a delicious sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and fresh aromatics, then tossed with crisp-tender broccoli. It’s easy to make and sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• For the Beef:
• 1 to 1.25 pounds flank steak, sliced into thin strips, no more than 1/4-inch thick
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• For Cooking:
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
• 1 to 2 teaspoons ginger, or to taste (fresh or dried is okay; use less dried than fresh)
• For the Sauce:
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup water
• ¾ cup dark brown sugar, packed (light may be substituted)
• For the Vegetables:
• 4 to 6 cups broccoli florets, depending on preference
• 2 to 3 green onions, sliced into 1/4-inch long segments
• Optional Garnishes:
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• Sesame seeds, for garnishing

Instructions

1. Prep the Beef:

• Place the steak strips in a large zip-top bag. Add the cornstarch, seal the bag, and toss to coat the steak evenly. Set aside while preparing the sauce.

1. Make the Sauce:

• In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not scorched.
• Add the soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
• Bring the mixture to a boil for about 2 to 3 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened and reduced. Set aside.

1. Cook the Beef:

• In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high to high heat.
• Add the steak and cook until it’s cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes, flipping the pieces intermittently for even cooking.

1. Combine and Finish:

• Add the broccoli to the skillet with the steak.
• Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli, noting it will bubble up dramatically. Toss to coat evenly.
• Simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes at medium-high heat, or until the broccoli is crisp-tender.

1. Optional Sauce Thickening:

• If the sauce hasn’t thickened as desired, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry.
• Add the slurry to the skillet, stirring for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens.

1. Finish and Serve:

• Turn off the heat and add the green onions, stirring to incorporate.
• Optionally, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for added flavor and garnish with sesame seeds.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of ginger and red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
• Broccoli Texture: If you prefer softer broccoli, steam it slightly before adding it to the skillet.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
• Meal Prep: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.