Description
Craving takeout? This quick One-Pan Beef and Broccoli stir-fry brings authentic flavors home without the fuss. My go-to for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Scale
- Beef & Broccoli Base:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (like vegetable or canola)
- Sauce Essentials:
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (divided)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Aromatics & Finishing:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- Optional: Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- Optional: Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Beef:: First things first, let’s get that beef ready! Slice your flank steak thinly against the grain – this is crucial for tenderness. You want strips about 1/4-inch thick. Then, toss it with a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of cornstarch in a bowl. Give it a good mix with your hands. This little marinade helps tenderize the beef and gives it a head start on flavor. I always make sure each piece is coated, it makes a real difference to the final texture of the One-Pan Beef and Broccoli.
- Whip Up the Sauce:: In a small bowl, whisk together the rest of the soy sauce, brown sugar, remaining cornstarch, beef broth, and sesame oil. This is where the magic happens, flavor-wise! Make sure there are no lumps from the cornstarch – a quick whisk is all it takes. I often taste it at this stage, just a tiny dip, to make sure the balance is right for my liking. This sauce is what makes this a true One-Pan Beef and Broccoli experience.
- Sear the Beef:: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil until it’s shimmering. Now, here’s my cardinal rule: don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook the beef in batches. You want a beautiful sear, not a steam. Let it get nice and browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove the seared beef and set it aside. The kitchen starts to smell amazing right about now, honestly!
- Cook the Broccoli:: Add another tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Toss in your broccoli florets. Stir-fry them for about 3-5 minutes until they’re vibrant green and slightly tender-crisp. If they look a little dry, a splash of water and covering the pan for a minute helps them steam perfectly. I love how the broccoli retains a bit of its bite in this One-Pan Beef and Broccoli.
- Aromatics & Combine:: Push the broccoli to one side of the pan. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the empty space. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant – oh, that smell! Then, stir the garlic and ginger into the broccoli. Pour in your prepared sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens and bubbles, about 1-2 minutes. This is when the sauce gets that lovely glossy texture.
- Final Toss & Serve:: Return the seared beef to the pan with the thickened sauce and broccoli. Toss everything together until the beef and broccoli are thoroughly coated in that rich, glossy sauce. Let it simmer for just another minute to heat everything through. The beef should be tender, the broccoli perfectly crisp-tender, and the sauce glistening. This One-Pan Beef and Broccoli is ready for its close-up!