Beef and Broccoli with the Best Sauce

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Beef and broccoli stir-fry is one of those meals that always delivers. It’s fast, satisfying, and tastes even better than takeout when made at home. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It combines lean beef strips with crisp-tender broccoli, all coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that’s rich with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.

Using a homemade sauce not only gives you better flavor control but also allows you to tweak it for dietary needs—less sugar, gluten-free soy sauce, or even extra spice if that’s your thing. The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance. You get hearty protein from the beef, nutrients and fiber from the broccoli, and a well-seasoned sauce that ties everything together beautifully.

For added convenience, you can prep the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Serve this stir-fry over fluffy white rice or swap it for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. It’s a family favorite that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly well-rounded.

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

Beef and Broccoli:

  • 1 lb flank steak, very thinly sliced into bite-sized strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, divided
  • 1 lb broccoli, cut into florets (about 6 cups)
  • 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Stir-Fry Sauce:

  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 teaspoons grated garlic (about 3 cloves)
  • ½ cup hot water
  • 6 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
  • 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
  • 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil

Instructions:

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Begin by cooking your rice so it’s ready to serve. Freeze the steak for 30 minutes to make slicing easier.
  2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients. Stir well until sugar and cornstarch dissolve. Set aside.
  3. Cook the broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli and sauté for 4–5 minutes, partially covered, stirring occasionally. For softer broccoli, add 2 tablespoons water and cover fully to steam. Remove broccoli from the pan and set aside.
  4. Sear the beef: Increase heat to high. Add the remaining oil and place the beef in a single layer. Sauté for about 2 minutes per side until just cooked through.
  5. Combine everything: Lower heat to medium-low. Add the sauce to the skillet and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened. Return the broccoli to the pan and stir to combine. Add 1–2 tablespoons water if the sauce needs thinning.
  6. Serve: Spoon the beef and broccoli over rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

Nutritional and Dietary Notes:

This stir-fry is rich in protein from the beef and high in fiber and vitamin C thanks to the broccoli. The homemade sauce allows you to control the sodium and sugar content more easily than with store-bought alternatives. It’s naturally dairy-free and can be made gluten-free by using tamari in place of soy sauce. For a lower-carb version, serve it with cauliflower rice or on its own.

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