Quick & Easy Beef and Broccoli: Your 20-Minute Takeout Fix

Get ready for a weeknight dinner hero that brings your favorite takeout flavors home in record time! Imagine tender, savory strips of beef and vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli florets, all glistening in a rich, umami-packed sauce, sizzling away in your very own skillet. What makes this Speedy Skillet Beef and Broccoli truly special is its incredible simplicity and the way those classic flavors meld together in under 20 minutes, creating a satisfying, wholesome meal with hardly any effort. Perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something delicious but are short on time, a fantastic way to enjoy a healthier version of a takeout classic, or when you simply want a fuss-free, flavorful dinner, this skillet sensation is sure to become a staple in your rotation. You won’t believe how quickly you can whip up this restaurant-quality dish

Prep Time: 7 mins
Total Time: 20 mins (marinating and cooking time)
Servings: 2-3

Ingredients:

For the Beef Marinade:

• 8-10 oz Flank Steak or Sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain (see Recipe Notes for tips)
• 1 tbsp Low Sodium Soy Sauce
• 1 tsp Cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp Sesame Oil
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp Fresh Ginger, grated

For the Savory Stir-Fry Sauce:

• 1/4 cup Low Sodium Beef Broth
• 2 tbsp Low Sodium Soy Sauce
• 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
• 1 tsp Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp Cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp Sesame Oil

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil 
• 1 medium head Broccol
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/4 medium Onion, thinly sliced

For Garnish (Optional):

• Toasted Sesame Seeds
• Sliced Green Onions

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp sesame oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and grated ginger. Toss well to coat and set aside to marinate for at least 5 minutes while you prep other ingredients. This quick marinade adds flavor and helps tenderize the beef.
2. Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, 2 tbsp soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/2 tsp sesame oil. Set aside. Ensuring the cornstarch is fully dissolved prevents lumps.
3. Prepare for Stir-Frying: Heat your wok or large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. The pan should be hot enough that a drop of water evaporates quickly.
4. Sear the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the hot pan in a single layer. Try not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to get a good sear. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until browned but not cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside.
5. Stir-Fry Aromatics & Broccoli: To the same pan, add the 2 cloves of minced garlic (and sliced onion, if using). Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and 1-2 tablespoons of water (this helps steam the broccoli slightly for a tender-crisp texture). Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp and bright green. You want it vibrant, not mushy!
6. Combine & Thicken: Return the seared beef to the pan with the broccoli. Give the stir-fry sauce a quick re-whisk (as the cornstarch may have settled) and pour it over the beef and broccoli. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and coats everything nicely.
7. Serve Immediately: Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (a tiny bit more soy sauce or a pinch of sugar can make a difference).
8. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve your delicious homemade Beef and Broccoli hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. Pat yourself on the back for making takeout magic!

Recipe Notes:

• Slicing the Beef: For the most tender beef, slice it very thinly against the grain. Partially freezing the beef for about 20-30 minutes makes it much easier to slice thinly. Look for the lines (grain) in the muscle and cut perpendicular to them.
• Broccoli Preference: If you prefer very tender broccoli, you can quickly blanch the florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then drain well and add them in step 5, reducing stir-fry time slightly. For a slight char, skip the water in step 5 and stir-fry a minute or two longer, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
• Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water or beef broth at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can make a small slurry of 1/2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp cold water and stir it in during the last minute of cooking, simmering until thickened.
• Spice it Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic in step 5, or a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the stir-fry sauce mixture.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like sliced bell peppers (any color), carrots (julienned or thinly sliced), snap peas, or snow peas along with the broccoli. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they are tender-crisp.
• Ingredient Swaps: Flank steak, sirloin, skirt steak, or even thinly sliced chuck tender work well. Hoisin sauce can be used instead of oyster sauce for a slightly sweeter, different umami flavor profile. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
• Wok vs. Skillet: A wok is ideal for stir-frying due to its high, sloping sides, which help with tossing and even heat distribution. However, a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is great) will also work perfectly. The key is to get it nice and hot before adding ingredients.
• Don’t Overcrowd: When searing the beef and stir-frying the vegetables, work in batches if necessary, especially if your pan isn’t very large. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature, causing the ingredients to steam rather than sear or stir-fry, impacting texture and flavor.
• Storage & Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth, or in the microwave until warmed through. The broccoli may soften upon reheating, but it will still be delicious!

There you have it – an incredibly quick, flavorful, and satisfying Speedy Skillet Beef and Broccoli that’s perfect for any night of the week! This recipe will quickly become a favorite for its minimal effort and maximum taste. We hope you enjoy this delicious, better-than-takeout dish! Happy cooking!