How to Make Beef and Broccoli at Home (Better Than Takeout!)

If you’re craving a juicy beef takeout from your favorite Asian joint in town, then learning how to make beef and broccoli at home might be the next best thing! This dish is cheaper, healthier, and faster to prepare than waiting for takeout. 

Whatsmore, this homemade dish is packed with protein and other nutrients to keep you full and satiated all evening. Maybe you’ll even do a happy dance!

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History of Beef and Broccoli

The history of this dish isn’t super ancient, and it likely arrived in California around the 1920s. This beef and broccoli recipe variation originated from another dish known in English as ‘Chinese broccoli fried beef.’ 

As it was tricky for Chinese immigrants in the US to find their traditional Chinese broccoli variety (which looks more like long-stem broccoli), they used the classic tree-like broccoli that was easy to find. The rest, as they say, is history. 

5 Tips for Perfect Beef and Broccoli

Tip 1. Preheat your skillet to high heat BEFORE adding your steak pieces into the pan. 

This can help you sear the meat and capture the beef’s flavor. To test the pan, add a drop of water to the oil. If the water evaporates in seconds, your pan is ready to use!

Tip 2. Another tip to achieve perfectly cooked beef is to give the pieces some space. 

Overcrowding your pan can cause the meat to become soggy as they start to steam with the heat and water from the pieces around them. 

Tip 3. Cut your beef against the grain to achieve the best texture. 

If you struggle to slice beef, you can freeze the meat for about half an hour before cutting to help. It may also help to ensure you have recently sharpened your knives.

Tip 4. To achieve bright green and inviting broccoli, cut the broccoli into small, even florets. Then, simmer until the color is vibrant and the texture is tender.

Tip 5. Avoid overcooking, or you will lose the bite and end up with dull and limp broccoli. Of course, you can always heat the florets for an extra minute, but if you overcook them, that’s it! 

What to Serve With Your Beef and Broccoli Dish

This versatile dish works with so many sides and garnishes, and I would be here all day if I tried to list them, but here are a few of my favorites!

Sides to Serve Beef and Broccoli at Home

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Chinese egg fried rice
• Noodles
• Sweet potato fries (for a more American twist on this recipe) 
• Garlicky green beans
• Miso soup (as a side or starter)

Additional Ingredients for the Main Dish

Simply add these veggies as you would with the broccoli to enhance the dish’s nutritional value, and add your own spin to this recipe. 

• Sugar snap peas
• Bell peppers
• Carrots
• Mushrooms 
• Spring onions (green onions)
• Topping ideas:
• Sesame seeds
• Green chili
• Cucumber slices

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• Simple Chinese Tomato and Eggs
• Easy Recipe for Hainanese Chicken Rice (in the Instant Pot!)
• How to Make Ginger Scallion Sauce

Beef and Broccoli Nutritional Info 

This recipe is delicious AND nutritious. The flank beef is one of the more lean cuts of beef and is naturally lower in fat. 

Beef is also a great source of protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. 

The other main ingredient, broccoli, brings more nutrition by being high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium. 

Fresh garlic and ginger also bring added health benefits, especially their ability to aid a healthy immune system and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Ingredients

Servings: 2

• 1 tbsp refined coconut oil
• 7 ounces thinly sliced beef (flank is best, but you can also use new york, sirloin, and chuck)
• 1 head of broccoli (washed, trimmed, and sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 thin slices of ginger (minced)
• 1 cup of water (to blanch the broccoli)

Marinade

• 1 tsp tamari
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp rice wine vinegar
• 1/4 tsp ground white pepper
• 1 tsp arrowroot powder

Sauce *You can double the recipe if you want more sauce.

• 1 tbsp tamari
• 1/2 tsp honey
• 1 tsp arrowroot powder
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 1/8 tsp ground white pepper

Cookware and Tools

• Instant Pot
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pan

How to Make Beef and Broccoli at Home (Step-by-Step)

Step 1. Marinate the Beef

In a small mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef and beef marinade. Allow it to marinate for 15 to 30 minutes.

Step 2. Prepare the Broccoli

Wash, trim and slice the broccoli crown into evenly sized florets. Then, mince the garlic and ginger and set aside.

Step 4. Blanch the Broccoli

Pour 1 cup of water into a deep saute pan and bring it to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook it for about 1 minute, then drain and set aside.

The broccoli should still look vibrantly green and have some crunch to it.

Step 5. Cook the Beef

Using the same deep saute pan, add oil on medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking. Then, add the ginger and garlic and cook for a few seconds.

Shortly afterward, add the beef and cook until you barely see the pink, raw part of the beef.

Lastly, add the sauce and blanched broccoli. Cook for about another minute until the broccoli and beef are evenly coated and cooked.

Garnish with green onions and serve with jasmine rice.

FAQ

1. Is This Beef and Broccoli Recipe Gluten-Free? 

Yes! This is the best beef and broccoli recipe. It is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect if you are gluten or wheat-sensitive or coeliac. Just double-check the brand of tamari you use and opt for one that is certified gluten-free such as the Kikkoman Tamari Sauce.

2. What’s Arrowroot Power? 

Arrowroot powder is a flavorless, flour-like ingredient used in cooking and baking for its thickening properties. It is somewhat comparable to cornstarch in appearance and uses. 

However, arrowroot powder is an excellent alternative as it is higher in fiber and calcium. 

Although arrowroot powder used to be a somewhat niche ingredient, it is much more popular in mainstream cooking due to being naturally gluten-free.

3. Where Can You Buy Arrowroot Powder? 

You can find arrowroot powder in some larger grocery stores or buy it online.  

If you can’t find arrowroot powder, here are some suggestions:

• Tapioca flour 
• Mixed gluten-free flour (ingredients include rice, sorghum, tapioca, and potato)
• Corn starch (commonly used for thickening sauces, but it’s not gluten-free) 

4. What Cut of Beef Should I Use?

I recommend using a flank steak known for its intense flavor and lean texture. A flank is a great option in this recipe as it marinades well and isn’t too chewy. 

Although not as cost-effective as a cut such as chuck steak, flank steak is a somewhat affordable cut of beef.

You may also wish to use new york (which I did for this recipe), skirt, or sirloin cuts if these are more easily accessible for you, as these should all work well in this recipe!

5. Can I Make This Recipe in Advance? 

Absolutely! This healthy beef and broccoli recipe works well as cold leftovers, or you can reheat them to enjoy later in the week. 

Simply serve on a bed of white rice topped with sesame seeds for some healthy fats and have this as a delicious lunch the following day or keep the recipe in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment and star rating below! I’d love to hear from you.