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This easy beef and broccoli recipe is one of our favorite easy dinners to make and it all comes together in around 20 minutes!
So, we had actually planned to have this easy beef and broccoli recipe with some sticky rice, but we had a little adventure that kept me out of the pantry. And by adventure I mean, I’m a total chicken was way too scaredy pants to risk getting the rice out.
We made this recipe last Friday and while I was getting everything ready our oldest daughter had the task of pulling everything out of the pantry so we could wipe down the shelves and reorganize. Suddenly she screamed that there was mold and she wasn’t touching anything. I couldn’t imagine that there was so I walked over and there were these little brown things in the shape of sprinkles. I immediately thought we had a mouse and would not dare go in the pantry until Cade came home.
The sad thing about mice is that both Cade and I don’t like them. Cade had a bad run with his brother in law and baby mice that has totally ruined him and I just can’t stand the little critters. So, I made beef and broccoli and we totally skipped the rice. Cade came home and checked things out… the mouse poop ended up being seeds from our Dave’s Killer Bread and I was pretty much a total fool. We all had a good laugh and I learned my lesson, cleaning out the pantry more than just 3 times a year is a must to avoid future awkward moments.
Can You Eat Broccoli Stems?
Broccoli has two main edible parts, the florets — the dark green forest-y tops which are actually undeveloped flower buds — and the stalk.
Many people do not eat the stalk, but the stalk is actually good, and good for you.
Gram for gram, the stems contain slightly more calcium, iron and Vitamin C than the floret.
Can You Freeze Broccoli?
Broccoli stems and florets must be blanched before freezing.
This 3 minute quick-boil keeps the broccoli from becoming bitter when frozen.
What is A Flank Steak?
Flank steak is lean and flavorful, and should be thinly sliced against the grain when carving.
Flank steak may also be called London broil or skirt steak.
Easy Beef and Broccoli
Easy Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 1/4 teaspoons Ground Ginger
- 1 teaspoon Chili Paste, or 1 teaspoon sweet chili sauce
- 1 Pinch Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/2 Cup Chicken Stock
- 3/4 Cup Soy Sauce, low sodium
- 1/3 Cup Honey
- 3 Tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar
- 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar, packed
- 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons Water
For the Dish
- 2 Steaks, trimmed, and sliced thin (any steak will do, or you can even use 1 flank steak)
- Salt and Pepper for seasoning
- Olive Oil for Beef by Star Fine Foods, regular canola or olive oil will work see note
- 1 Head of Broccoli, steamed and seasoned with salt and pepper.
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add all of the ingredients except the cornstarch and water.1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil, 2 Garlic Cloves, 1 1/4 teaspoons Ground Ginger, 1 teaspoon Chili Paste, 1 Pinch Red Pepper Flakes, 1/2 Cup Chicken Stock, 3/4 Cup Soy Sauce, 1/3 Cup Honey, 3 Tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar, 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
- Heat until boiling.
- In a small dish, whisk together the cornstarch and water and slowly, while whisking the sauce, pour in the cornstarch.2 Tablespoons Cornstarch, 2 Tablespoons Water
- Continue to whisk and bring back to a boil.
- Turn down to a simmer and allow to cook for 5-8 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium high heat.
- Season the meat with salt and pepper.Salt and Pepper for seasoning, 2 Steaks
- Add a drizzle of olive oil and add the meat, making sure not to crowd the pan.Olive Oil for Beef by Star Fine Foods
- Cook the meat for about a minute or two, turn over and cook for an additional minute or until almost completely cooked. (Overcooking the meat or cooking until well done in the pan will result in dry and chewy meat with less flavor.)
- Place on a plate and tent with foil while the sauce finishes.
- Add the beef and sauce together, tossing to coat, as well as the broccoli if you wish, or just add the broccoli to the bowl.1 Head of Broccoli
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Trying to keep things out of the fryer? This baked sesame chicken is a healthier favorite!
Our reader favorite recipe!!
I made it with beef the first time, but it can be adapted to anything! I have a pescetarian boyfriend and it’s also really good with fried tofu or shrimp. That sauce is so versatile.
Oh I love that it worked well with the fried tofu! I’ll have to try that!
First time making beef and broccoli. Very easy and good, I might cut the sugar down just a bit because I like to follow a Paleo like diet.
Thanks Stacey! Keep me posted on how it goes.
If you don’t have low sodium soy sauce can you just use less of regular soy sauce?
Unfortunately it still ends up a bit too salty for our family, but it may not bother you.
if you don’t have light soy sauce you can just make your own by boiling a bit of water and soy sauce until they combine (it takes only a few minutes) and then let it cool down. That’s at least how I make mine (to make one cup: a quarter water (maybe actually a bit more), 3/4 soy sauce; adjust the amount of water to taste).
That’s so great to know! Thank you!
Our family enjoyed the meal. Next time we make it, we’ll reduce the soy sauce amount. Otherwise, it’s two thumbs up on our end!
Thanks Duane!
This beef looks great.
Thank you for the idea.
Why would u be scared of a mouse? Skunk, yes! Lion, tiger, yes!
Because I’m a chicken and they are gross. Haha. I have no good reason.
Y r women scRed of mice? Skunks, lions, tigers, rhinos…they scare me.
That beef and broccoli looks so good!
What a fabulous dinner! I love beef and broccoli!
Thanks for the giveaway! And this dish looks fab! 🙂
Thanks Ashley!