Description
Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli
Craving takeout? Skip the restaurant and make this quick and easy beef and broccoli at home! Adapted from P.F. Chang’s Mongolian Beef, this dish is full of rich umami flavors with tender flank steak, fresh broccoli, and a savory soy sauce glaze. It’s the perfect family dinner that’s ready in just 20 minutes and rivals your favorite takeout spot. Whether you’re a busy cook or simply love recreating your favorite dishes, this one is sure to become a regular on your table.
1 to 1.25 lbs flank steak, thinly sliced
¼ cup cornstarch
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
2 tbsp sesame oil, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 tsp ginger
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
½ cup water
¾ cup dark brown sugar
4-6 cups broccoli florets
2-3 green onions, sliced
Directions:
1. Toss steak in cornstarch and set aside.
2. Heat oils, garlic, and ginger in saucepan. Add soy sauce, water, and sugar; simmer until thick.
3. Sear steak in skillet, add broccoli, and drizzle with sauce. Cook until tender.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Kcal: 783 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Steak: Thinly slice 1 to 1.25 lbs of flank steak against the grain. Place the slices in a bowl, add ¼ cup cornstarch, and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 4 cloves of minced garlic, and 1-2 tsp ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce, ½ cup water, and ¾ cup dark brown sugar. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat.
3. Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the cornstarch-coated beef in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Remove beef and set aside.
4. Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp sesame oil and 4-6 cups of broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. Add a splash of water, cover, and steam for 2-3 more minutes until tender-crisp.
5. Combine: Return the beef to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss to coat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and glossy.
6. Garnish and Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and top with sliced green onions.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best served immediately over a bed of steamed white rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, try it with cauliflower rice. A simple side of cucumber salad or steamed dumplings can complete the takeout-style meal experience.
How-to Summary
Coat sliced flank steak in cornstarch. Prepare a savory-sweet sauce by simmering soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Sear the beef, then stir-fry broccoli in the same pan. Combine everything with the sauce, heat through, and garnish with green onions. Serve hot over rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, skirt steak or sirloin are excellent alternatives. Just ensure you slice them thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
How can I make this gluten-free? Substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Always check your other ingredients, like the cornstarch, for gluten-free certification.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? You can mix the sauce and slice the beef and vegetables ahead of time, but for best texture, cook everything just before serving.
Why coat the beef in cornstarch? The cornstarch creates a light crust during searing, helps thicken the final sauce, and gives the beef a velvety, restaurant-quality texture.
My sauce isn’t thickening. What should I do? Create a quick slurry by mixing 1 tsp of cornstarch with 1 tbsp of cold water. Stir this into the simmering sauce and cook for an additional minute.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing the beef, as this will steam the meat instead of creating a proper sear. Do not skip slicing the steak against the grain, or it will be tough. Be careful not to overcook the broccoli; it should remain vibrant green and crisp. Finally, ensure your sauce simmers long enough to thicken properly and coat the ingredients.
Conclusion
This Better-Than-Takeout Beef and Broccoli recipe proves you can create a flavorful, satisfying restaurant-style meal in your own kitchen in about 20 minutes. With its tender beef, perfectly cooked broccoli, and rich, umami-packed sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will save you money and delivery time. Mastering this simple technique opens the door to endless homemade stir-fry possibilities.