HONEY GARLIC BEEF & BROCCOLI EASY

Craving that sweet and savory takeout taste without the takeout price (or the questionable ingredients)? Imagine sinking your teeth into tender strips of beef, glazed in a sticky, luscious honey garlic sauce, nestled amongst vibrant, perfectly crisp-tender broccoli florets. This Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli recipe delivers all that and more, promising a restaurant-quality meal ready in your very own kitchen faster than you can say “delivery fee.”

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Broccoli:

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup water

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Serving Suggestions:

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

Let’s Talk Beef: Choosing and Preparing Your Star Player

The beef is the heart of this dish, so let’s make sure you pick a good one! I usually go for flank steak or sirloin steak because they’re relatively affordable and slice up beautifully. The key is to slice the beef against the grain. You’ll see little lines running through the meat – those are the muscle fibers. Cutting *across* them shortens those fibers, making the beef much more tender. Trust me, it makes a HUGE difference.

Before you even think about slicing, pop your steak in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes. This firms it up and makes it way easier to get those super-thin slices. And don’t skip the cornstarch marinade! It creates a protective coating that helps the beef stay juicy and gives the sauce something to cling to.

Broccoli Bliss: Achieving the Perfect Bite

Nobody wants mushy, lifeless broccoli, right? The goal is crisp-tender – bright green and with a little snap. I find that a quick steam-fry is the best way to achieve this. You’ll start by sautéing the broccoli in a little oil, then add a splash of water and cover the pan. This creates steam that cooks the broccoli quickly and evenly.

Don’t overcrowd the pan, either! If you have too much broccoli in at once, it will steam instead of sauté, and you won’t get that nice, slightly charred flavor. If you’re making a big batch, work in two or three smaller batches.

Honey Garlic Sauce: The Sweet and Savory Symphony

This sauce is where the magic happens! It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. The key is to whisk everything together really well *before* you add it to the pan. This ensures that the cornstarch is fully dissolved, which will prevent lumps in your sauce.

Don’t be afraid to adjust the sauce to your liking. If you like it sweeter, add a little more honey. If you like it spicier, add a pinch more red pepper flakes. This is *your* dish, so make it your own!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Path to Honey Garlic Glory

Get Started: Prep is Key!

1. Prepare the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with cornstarch and soy sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside for at least 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Broccoli: Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.

Cooking Time: From Prep to Plate in Minutes!

1. Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender and bright green. Add 1/4 cup of water to the skillet, cover, and steam for another 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is crisp-tender. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef: Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Combine and Simmer: Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Bring it Together: Add the cooked beef and broccoli back to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly with the honey garlic sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until heated through.

Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli immediately over cooked white rice or brown rice.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
3. Enjoy your delicious and easy homemade meal!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting: Because We All Make Mistakes!

• Beef sticking to the pan? Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the beef. You can also try using a non-stick skillet.
• Sauce too thick? Add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.
• Sauce not thick enough? Whisk together a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce. Cook for a minute or two until thickened.
• Want to add more veggies? Sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots would all be delicious additions to this dish.

Make it a Meal: Side Dish Suggestions

This Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli is fantastic on its own, but a few simple side dishes can really round out the meal. Steamed rice is a classic choice, but you could also try quinoa or noodles. For a lighter option, consider a simple salad with a vinaigrette dressing.

Variations: Spice it Up or Dial it Down

This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to experiment! If you’re a spice lover, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick. For a sweeter flavor, try using a touch of maple syrup in place of some of the honey. You can also adjust the amount of garlic to your liking.

Beyond Beef & Broccoli: Exploring Other Asian-Inspired Delights

If you’re a fan of this Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli, you might also enjoy some other similar recipes. For a tasty chicken alternative, try Honey Garlic Chicken. If you’re craving something with a bit more heat, give Chinese Pepper Steak a try. There’s also an easy Chinese Pepper Steak version if you are short on time. And for a slow-cooker option, check out Crock Pot Beef & Broccoli. Finally, you could try Beef And Broccoli Lo Mein Noodles or Chinese Beef & Broccoli.

Storage and Reheating: Making the Most of Your Leftovers

Leftover Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent it from drying out.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Weeknight Dinner

There you have it – a simple, flavorful, and satisfying Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that the whole family will love. So ditch the takeout menu and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli

Alice Yowell

This Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal ready faster than delivery. Tender beef strips and crisp-tender broccoli florets are glazed in a sticky, luscious honey garlic sauce for a satisfying and easy weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian-inspired

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

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

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• ¼ cup water
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
• Cooked white rice or brown rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds, for garnish optional
• Chopped green onions, for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tbsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside for at least 15 minutes.
• Prepare the Broccoli: Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
• Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
• Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender and bright green. Add 1/4 cup of water to the skillet, cover, and steam for another 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is crisp-tender. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
• Cook the Beef: Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
• Combine and Simmer: Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Bring it Together: Add the cooked beef and broccoli back to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly with the honey garlic sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until heated through.
• Serve the Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli immediately over cooked white rice or brown rice.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
• Enjoy!

Notes

Beef sticking to the pan? Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the beef. You can also try using a non-stick skillet. Sauce too thick? Add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out. Sauce not thick enough? Whisk together a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce. Cook for a minute or two until thickened. Leftover Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent it from drying out. Add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for more veggie options.