BEST BEEF AND BROCCOLI BOWL

Craving that savory, slightly sweet, and utterly satisfying takeout classic but without the takeout guilt? This Beef And Broccoli Bowl recipe delivers all the deliciousness you desire, made right in your own kitchen with fresh ingredients and a whole lot of love. Get ready to ditch the delivery apps because this recipe is about to become your new weeknight go-to – trust me, you’ll be amazed at how easy and flavorful it is!

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Broccoli:

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)

For Serving:

• Cooked white or brown rice
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Beef:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and cornstarch.
2. Add the sliced beef to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. This mixture acts as a marinade and tenderizer, ensuring your beef is perfectly juicy.
3. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Cooking the Broccoli:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the broccoli florets and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are bright green and slightly tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.

Cooking the Beef:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in the same skillet or wok over high heat.
2. Add the marinated beef to the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding).
3. Cook the beef for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the beef, as it will become tough.
4. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Pour the sauce into the same skillet or wok that you cooked the beef in.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

Combining and Serving:

1. Add the cooked beef and broccoli back to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
3. Serve the Beef And Broccoli Bowl immediately over cooked white or brown rice.
4. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Beef And Broccoli Bowl

Want to take your Beef And Broccoli Bowl to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks:

• Slice the Beef Thinly: This is crucial for tender beef. Partially freezing the flank steak for about 30 minutes makes it much easier to slice thinly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the beef, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding lowers the temperature of the pan and steams the beef instead of searing it, resulting in less flavor and a tougher texture.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes to suit your preferences. If you like a sweeter sauce, add a bit more brown sugar. If you prefer a saltier sauce, add a bit more soy sauce. And if you want a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes.
• Use Fresh Broccoli: While frozen broccoli can work in a pinch, fresh broccoli will give you the best flavor and texture.
• Steam the Broccoli: If you prefer softer broccoli, you can steam it for a few minutes before adding it to the skillet. This will help it cook more quickly and evenly.

Variations to Spice Things Up!

One of the best things about this Beef And Broccoli Bowl recipe is how easily you can customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the mix, such as carrots, bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or serve with a drizzle of sriracha.
• Use Different Protein: If you’re not a fan of beef, you can easily substitute chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Add Noodles: Serve the Beef And Broccoli over noodles instead of rice for a heartier meal.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Bowl

While this Beef And Broccoli Bowl is delicious on its own, here are a few ideas for serving it alongside other dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal:

• Serve with Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: These classic appetizers pair perfectly with Beef And Broccoli.
• Add a Side of Wonton Soup: A warm bowl of wonton soup is a comforting and flavorful addition to the meal.
• Make it a Family-Style Feast: Serve the Beef And Broccoli alongside other Asian-inspired dishes, such as Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli or Chinese Pepper Steak, for a fun and interactive dining experience.

Crockpot Convenience: Slow Cooker Beef And Broccoli

Looking for an even easier way to enjoy this classic dish? Try making it in your crockpot! This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without a lot of effort. Simply combine all of the ingredients (except for the broccoli) in your crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the broccoli during the last 30 minutes of cooking time to prevent it from becoming too mushy. You can find a great Crock Pot Beef & Broccoli recipe here!

If you enjoy slow cooker meals, you might also like exploring some Crockpot Recipes Beef Stew options for those chilly evenings. The slow cooking process really tenderizes the beef and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Ground Beef Casserole Recipes: A Comfort Food Alternative

While we’re talking about beef, let’s not forget about the versatility of ground beef! If you’re looking for another easy and satisfying meal, consider trying some Ground Beef Casserole Recipes. These are perfect for feeding a crowd and can be easily customized to your liking. You can find plenty of inspiration online or in your favorite cookbook. Or, if you want something totally different but equally comforting, try out this Cheeseburger Soup. It’s a fun twist on a classic comfort food!

Healthy Eating: Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes

If you’re trying to incorporate more healthy meals into your diet, be sure to check out some Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes. This dietary approach emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. It’s a delicious and sustainable way to improve your overall health. While this Beef and Broccoli Bowl isn’t strictly Mediterranean, you can easily adapt it by using lean cuts of beef, plenty of broccoli, and serving it with brown rice or quinoa.

Why This Recipe Works: My Honest Opinion

Okay, friends, let’s get real. There are a million Beef and Broccoli recipes out there. What makes this one stand out? For me, it’s the balance of flavors and the ease of preparation. The sauce is perfectly balanced – not too sweet, not too salty, just right. And the beef is incredibly tender thanks to the simple marinade. Plus, it all comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. I also appreciate that it’s easily customizable to my family’s preferences. Sometimes I add extra veggies, sometimes I make it spicier, and sometimes I even use chicken instead of beef. It’s a winner every time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about this Beef And Broccoli Bowl recipe:

• Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but it will be softer than fresh broccoli. Be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before cooking.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the beef and broccoli ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
• Can I freeze this recipe? Yes, you can freeze this recipe, but the broccoli may become a bit mushy after thawing. For best results, freeze the beef and sauce separately from the broccoli.
• What kind of rice should I use? You can use any kind of rice you like! White rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, and basmati rice all work well.

More Delicious Asian-Inspired Recipes

If you loved this Beef And Broccoli Bowl, you might also enjoy these other delicious Asian-inspired recipes: If you’re looking for another great beef and broccoli option, definitely check out this Chinese Beef & Broccoli recipe – it’s always a hit!

• General Tso’s Chicken
• Kung Pao Chicken
• Shrimp Fried Rice

These recipes are all easy to make at home and are sure to satisfy your cravings for Asian cuisine.

Final Thoughts: Your Kitchen, Your Rules

So there you have it – my foolproof recipe for the BEST Beef And Broccoli Bowl! I truly hope you give it a try and make it your own. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun. Don’t be afraid to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste. And most importantly, enjoy the process! Happy cooking, my friend!

Best Beef and Broccoli Bowl

Alice Yowell

This Beef and Broccoli Bowl recipe delivers a savory, slightly sweet takeout classic made at home with fresh ingredients. It’s an easy and flavorful weeknight meal that rivals takeout, offering a balanced sauce and tender beef thanks to a simple marinade.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Medium bowl
• Large Skillet or Wok
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup beef broth
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce optional
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds, for garnish optional
• Chopped green onions, for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
• Add the sliced beef to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the broccoli florets and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are bright green and slightly tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in the same skillet or wok over high heat.
• Add the marinated beef to the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding).
• Cook the beef for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
• In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup beef broth, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (if using), 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using).
• Pour the sauce into the same skillet or wok that you cooked the beef in.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
• Add the cooked beef and broccoli back to the skillet with the sauce.
• Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
• Serve the Beef And Broccoli Bowl immediately over cooked white or brown rice.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Notes

For tender beef, slice it thinly. Partially freezing the flank steak for about 30 minutes makes it easier to slice. Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef. Adjust the sauce to your taste by adding more brown sugar for a sweeter sauce, soy sauce for a saltier sauce, or red pepper flakes for a spicier dish. Fresh broccoli is recommended, but frozen broccoli can be used if thawed and drained. You can steam the broccoli for a few minutes before adding it to the skillet for softer broccoli. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage. When freezing, it’s best to freeze the beef and sauce separately from the broccoli to prevent the broccoli from becoming mushy.