Craving a savory and satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? This beef and broccoli recipe is a classic Asian-inspired dish that combines tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s no surprise that the easy beef and broccoli recipe is trending across the U.S., with Google Trends showing high interest in states like Wyoming, Vermont, and Alaska. Whether you’re searching for a healthy beef and broccoli option or a quick weeknight dinner, this beef and broccoli stir-fry will become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into this crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or use sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 1 small onion, sliced (optional, for added depth)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- For the Beef and Broccoli Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar (or substitute with honey for a healthier option)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- For Serving:
- Cooked white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice (for a low-carb healthy beef and broccoli option)
- Sesame seeds or chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef and Broccoli Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). This beef and broccoli sauce recipe is the secret to achieving that restaurant-style flavor. Set aside.
- Marinate the Beef (Optional): For an even more tender beef and broccoli stir-fry, marinate the sliced flank steak in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch for 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet or wok, warm 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the broccoli, onion (if using), garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp and vibrant green—a perfect texture for this Asian beef and broccoli dish.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the beef back into the skillet. Pour the prepared beef and broccoli sauce over the mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
- Serve: Plate your quick beef and broccoli dinner over a bed of rice or your preferred grain. Top with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added color and flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 15g (excluding rice)
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg (can be reduced with low-sodium soy sauce)
Why Beef and Broccoli Is So Popular: Insights from Google Trends
The beef and broccoli recipe has been a hit across the U.S., with Google Trends showing steady interest over the past year and spikes in searches around March 2024 and November 2024. Wyoming leads the pack with a search interest score of 100, followed by Vermont (91) and Alaska (85). It seems folks in colder regions are turning to this warm, comforting beef and broccoli stir-fry to cozy up during chilly months. Related searches like ground beef and broccoli stir-fry and “healthy ground beef recipes” also highlight a growing demand for versatile and nutritious variations of this dish.
Tips for the Perfect Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- Tender Beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure a tender bite in your easy beef and broccoli recipe. Freezing the beef for 15-20 minutes before slicing makes this step easier.
- Broccoli Texture: Don’t overcook the broccoli—it should be bright green and slightly crisp for the best healthy beef and broccoli experience.
- Make It Healthier: Swap white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice, and use low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on sodium in this quick beef and broccoli dinner.
- Meal Prep: This Asian beef and broccoli dish reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep. Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to three days.
Variations to Try
- Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry: As seen in Google Trends, using ground beef is a popular, budget-friendly alternative that cooks even faster.
- Spicy Beef and Broccoli: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a fiery twist on this beef and broccoli recipe.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef for tofu or mushrooms to create a plant-based version of this healthy beef and broccoli dish.
Delicious Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 1 small onion, sliced (optional, for added depth)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey for a healthier twist)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Cooked white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice (for serving)
- Sesame seeds or chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef and broccoli sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
- Marinate the beef (optional): For extra tender beef, marinate the sliced flank steak in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch for 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
- Cook the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the broccoli, onion (if using), garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp and vibrant green.
- Combine and simmer: Return the beef to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli, stirring to coat evenly. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
- Serve: Serve your beef and broccoli stir-fry over a bed of rice or your preferred grain. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- Tender Beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure a tender bite. Freezing the beef for 15-20 minutes before slicing makes this easier.
- Broccoli Texture: Don’t overcook the broccoli—it should be bright green and slightly crisp for the best texture.
- Make It Healthier: Swap white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice, and use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.
- Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it a great option for weekly meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 12g4g (estimated, from the beef and oil)
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g (estimated, from vegetable oil and sesame oil)
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g (excluding rice)
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 0mg (estimated, based on flank steak)
Keywords: beef and broccoli recipe, easy beef and broccoli recipe, healthy beef and broccoli, beef and broccoli stir-fry, ground beef and broccoli stir-fry, Asian beef and broccoli, quick beef and broccoli dinner, beef and broccoli sauce recipe
Conclusion
This beef and broccoli recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. With its tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and savory beef and broccoli sauce, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and nutritious. The popularity of this Asian beef and broccoli stir-fry in states like Wyoming and Vermont shows just how much people love its hearty flavors, especially during colder months. Whether you’re whipping up a quick beef and broccoli dinner for your family or trying a ground beef and broccoli stir-fry variation, this recipe is sure to impress.
FAQ: Your Beef and Broccoli Questions Answered
What’s your favorite way to enjoy beef and broccoli—over rice, noodles, or something else?
I love serving this beef and broccoli stir-fry over fluffy white rice—it soaks up the savory beef and broccoli sauce perfectly! If you’re looking for a lighter option, cauliflower rice works great for a healthy beef and broccoli meal. Some readers also enjoy it over noodles, like lo mein or rice noodles, for a fun twist.
Have you tried any variations, like using ground beef or adding extra veggies?
Absolutely! A ground beef and broccoli stir-fry is a fantastic variation that’s quick and budget-friendly, as noted in Google Trends searches. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to boost the nutrition and color in your Asian beef and broccoli dish.
Are there other Asian-inspired dishes you’d like to learn how to make at home?
If you enjoyed this easy beef and broccoli recipe, you might love trying other Asian-inspired dishes like chicken teriyaki, vegetable lo mein, or sweet and sour pork. These recipes share a similar balance of savory and sweet flavors that make the beef and broccoli recipe so irresistible.