Tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich, garlicky sauce come together in this beef and broccoli skillet — ready in under 30 minutes. A comforting, sizzling meal that fills the kitchen with cozy, savory aroma.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Broccoli Skillet
Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. This skillet version gives you all the rich flavor of a stir-fry without the fuss.
- Ready in about 25 minutes start to finish
- One skillet — minimal cleanup
- Tender strips of beef with fresh, crunchy broccoli
- Perfect weeknight dinner you’ll crave again and again
Want another easy one-pan wonder? Try this comforting Creamy One-Pan Chicken Dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need for beef and broccoli skillet
You only need simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients to make this skillet shine.- Beef sirloin — 1 pound, thinly sliced
- Broccoli florets — 4 cups (about 2 medium heads)
- Soy sauce — 1/3 cup
- Beef broth — 1/2 cup
- Cornstarch — 1 tablespoon
- Brown sugar — 2 tablespoons
- Garlic — 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger — 1 teaspoon, grated
- Vegetable oil — 2 tablespoons
- Sesame oil — 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper — to taste
- Cooked rice — for serving
Step-by-Step Instruction for beef and broccoli skillet
Follow these easy steps for perfect texture and deep, savory flavor every time.
1. Slice the Beef Thin
Start with slightly frozen sirloin to make cutting easier. Slice against the grain for tenderness and quick cooking.
2. Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, cornstarch, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Set aside — this will become your rich, glossy stir-fry sauce.
3. Heat Your Skillet
Add vegetable oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high until shimmering. You want it hot enough to sear quickly.
4. Sear the Beef
Add half the beef and sear for about 2 minutes per side until lightly browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches for even browning. Remove and repeat with the rest.
5. Cook the Broccoli
Add a splash of water to the hot skillet with the broccoli florets. Cover and steam-sauté for about 3–4 minutes, just until bright green and crisp-tender.
6. Combine Everything
Return the beef to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir. As it simmers, the sauce will thicken and coat every bite with that signature glossy finish.
7. Finish with Sesame Oil
Drizzle sesame oil over the top and toss gently for a restaurant-style aroma and depth of flavor.
8. Serve Hot
Spoon your beef and broccoli skillet over rice or noodles and serve immediately. Every bite should be tender, savory, and full of comfort.
Pro Tips for Success
- Slice the beef while it’s slightly frozen for paper-thin strips.
- Avoid overcooking broccoli — crisp-tender is key.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in another teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water.
- For extra flavor, marinate the beef 15 minutes before cooking.
- Double the sauce if you like extra drizzle over rice.
Serving Ideas
Serve this beef and broccoli skillet over warm jasmine rice or lo mein noodles. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or crushed red pepper for a kick.
It also pairs beautifully with lighter sides — try something fresh and balanced like our Classic Beef and Broccoli for inspiration on presentation and flavor harmony.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. The beef stays tender, and the broccoli keeps its bite — perfect for next-day lunches.
Variations You Can Try
Want to change things up? Try one of these delicious twists:
- Add bell peppers or snap peas for more crunch.
- Swap beef for chicken, pork, or tofu.
- Use spicy chili oil or sriracha for a bold heat.
- Toss in udon or soba noodles instead of rice.
Feeling adventurous? This Quick Firecracker Shrimp is another sizzling skillet idea that brings a kick to your dinner table.
Beef and Broccoli Skillet
Ingredients
Method
- Slice beef thinly against the grain.
- Whisk soy sauce, broth, cornstarch, sugar, garlic, and ginger together.
- Heat oil in skillet; sear beef in batches until browned.
- Steam-sauté broccoli for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Return beef to skillet and pour in sauce. Stir until thickened.
- Finish with sesame oil and serve over rice.
Nutrition
Notes
Did you make this recipe? Share a photo and tag us — Follow us at @chopped-beef_official for more
Share a photo and tag us — Follow us at @chopped-beef_official for moreFrequently Asked Questions
How to cook beef broccoli step by step?
Start by slicing beef thin, whisking the sauce, and searing the beef until browned. Cook the broccoli until bright green, then return beef to skillet with sauce. Simmer until thickened and serve.
What is the secret to good beef and broccoli?
Use thinly sliced beef, high heat, and a balanced sauce of soy, garlic, and ginger. Keep broccoli crisp-tender, not mushy, and add sesame oil at the end for aroma.
Should broccoli be cooked before adding to stir fry?
No — it’s best cooked briefly in the skillet. Add a bit of water, cover, and steam for 3–4 minutes before mixing with the sauce and beef.
How long to fry broccoli on the stove?
About 3–5 minutes over medium-high heat. The color should be bright green with a slight crunch — that’s when it’s perfect.
Conclusion
This beef and broccoli skillet is everything you want in a weeknight dinner — fast, flavorful, and satisfying. In just one pan, you’ll have tender beef, crisp veggies, and a glossy, garlicky sauce that feels like takeout — but fresher.
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