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Better Than Takeout Beef and Broccoli: The Ultimate Homemade Stir-Fry

Name: Better Than Takeout Beef and Broccoli: The Ultimate Homemade Stir-Fry
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for extra tender beef); 1/2 cup beef broth; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 4 cups broccoli florets; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 small onion, sliced; Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); Sesame seeds for garnish

Delicious homemade beef and broccoli stir-fry with tender beef and crisp broccoli in savory sauce

Craving that classic Chinese takeout favorite but want it fresher, healthier, and more delicious than the restaurant version? Look no further! This homemade beef and broccoli recipe delivers tender, juicy beef and perfectly cooked broccoli in a savory sauce that will make you forget all about takeout. With simple ingredients and easy techniques, you’ll create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

What makes this recipe truly special is our secret to incredibly tender beef and a sauce that balances sweet, savory, and umami flavors perfectly. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, this dish comes together quickly and consistently delivers amazing results.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for extra tender beef)

For the Sauce:

1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

For the Stir-Fry:

4 cups broccoli florets
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, sliced
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Sesame seeds for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips, about 1/4-inch thick. This is the most important step for tender beef! In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and baking soda if using. Mix well and let marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. Set aside. This sauce will be the star of the dish, so make sure everything is well combined.

Step 3: Blanch the Broccoli

Bring a pot of salted water to boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until bright green but still crisp. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This ensures your broccoli stays crisp-tender in the final dish.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the marinated beef in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned but not cooked through. Remove beef and set aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry Vegetables

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the sliced onion and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the blanched broccoli and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Step 6: Combine and Simmer

Return the beef to the skillet along with the prepared sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully. The sauce should be glossy and slightly thickened.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately over steamed rice. For best results, serve hot and enjoy the incredible homemade flavor that beats any takeout!

Expert Tips for Perfect Beef and Broccoli

The Secret to Tender Beef

Always slice beef against the grain to shorten the muscle fibers, making each bite incredibly tender. The cornstarch marinade creates a protective coating that prevents the beef from toughening during cooking.

Sauce Perfection

Don’t skip the hoisin and oyster sauce – they provide that authentic Chinese restaurant flavor. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it at the end.

Broccoli Brilliance

Blanching the broccoli first ensures it stays bright green and crisp-tender. If you prefer softer broccoli, you can skip this step and cook it longer in the stir-fry.

Make It Your Own

Add sliced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra vegetables. For spice lovers, increase the red pepper flakes or add sliced fresh chili peppers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Thaw frozen broccoli completely and pat dry before using. You may need to reduce cooking time slightly.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and ensure your other sauces are gluten-free.

What cut of beef works best?

Flank steak or sirloin are ideal, but any thinly sliced beef will work. The key is slicing against the grain!

This homemade beef and broccoli recipe proves that you don’t need to order takeout to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors. With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a sauce that’s truly better than any restaurant version, this dish will become a regular in your dinner rotation. Happy cooking!