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skillet beef and broccoli - featured image

Easy Skillet Beef and Broccoli: Better Than Takeout

  • Author: Sarah Wasserman
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This quick and easy skillet beef and broccoli recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Tender flank steak, crisp-tender broccoli, and a glossy, savory-sweet sauce make it better than takeout.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (such as avocado or canola)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the beef: Place flank steak in the freezer for about 20 minutes to firm up. Slice against the grain into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, beef broth, and red pepper flakes (if using). In a separate small bowl, mix remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry.
  3. Sear the beef: Heat a large skillet over high heat until smoking hot. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Add half the beef strips in a single layer; sear undisturbed for 1 minute, then flip and sear 30 seconds. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining oil and beef.
  4. Cook the broccoli: Reduce heat to medium-high. Add broccoli florets to the skillet; stir-fry for 2 minutes until bright green with some charred spots. Add 2 tablespoons water, cover, and steam for 1 minute. Uncover and let any remaining water evaporate.
  5. Combine everything: Return seared beef to the skillet with broccoli. Pour sauce mixture over everything; stir to coat. Simmer for 2 minutes until sauce bubbles and slightly reduces.
  6. Thicken the sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry, then pour into the skillet. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  7. Finish and serve: Remove from heat. Drizzle with toasted sesame oil and stir. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Slice beef against the grain for tenderness. Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing; cook in batches. The cornstarch slurry is essential for a thick, glossy sauce. Prep all ingredients before starting to cook.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (without r
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 10
  • Sodium: 780
  • Fat: 14
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Carbohydrates: 18
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 32

Keywords: beef and broccoli, skillet beef and broccoli, easy beef and broccoli, better than takeout, quick stir-fry, weeknight dinner

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Find it online: https://flavorfullrecipes.com/easy-skillet-beef-and-broccoli-better-than-takeout/