Name: Better-Than-Takeout Beef with Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain); 3 tablespoons cornstarch (divided); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup beef broth; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 4 cups broccoli florets; cooked white rice (for serving)

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Every once in a while, you crave that perfect, saucy, ultra-savory dish you usually order from your favorite Chinese spot. But what if I told you that Better-Than-Takeout Beef with Broccoli is not only easy to whip up at home but also guaranteed to make you reach for seconds? With tender slices of beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a glossy, garlicky sauce, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a weeknight showstopper that’s honestly even more satisfying than your local takeout. With just a little chopping and some quick stir-frying, you’ll have a fresh, flavor-packed meal faster than delivery could ever manage.

Better-Than-Takeout Beef with Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Better-Than-Takeout Beef with Broccoli lies in its straightforward ingredients—each element brings something essential to the table, whether that’s depth of flavor, color, or unbeatable texture. Don’t skip a thing if you want maximum restaurant-style impact at home!

Flank steak: Thinly sliced against the grain for super tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites every time.
Cornstarch: Divided between marinating the beef and thickening the sauce for that signature glossy finish.
Vegetable oil: Neutral and perfect for high-heat stir-frying, giving everything a beautiful sear without overpowering flavors.
Broccoli florets: Fresh, vibrant, and just sturdy enough to stay slightly crisp while soaking up the sauce.
Low-sodium soy sauce: The seasoning backbone—go for low-sodium so you can control the salt and let the other flavors shine.
Beef broth: Adds savory depth and rounds out the sauce with a hint of richness.
Brown sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the salty and savory notes—don’t worry, it won’t make the dish sugary.
Oyster sauce: Umami bomb! This is what gives classic beef and broccoli its irresistible undertone.
Sesame oil: Just a couple of teaspoons, but it lends beautiful nuttiness and aroma.
Garlic: Minced fresh for bite and fragrance—you want that little punch in every mouthful.
Fresh ginger: Grated for subtle heat and complexity; it gives the sauce its signature zing.
Rice vinegar: A splash brightens and balances the richness.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Totally optional, but highly recommended if you enjoy a gentle kick.
Cooked white rice: Fluffy and warm, the perfect bed to soak up every last bit of sauce—don’t forget it!

How to Make Better-Than-Takeout Beef with Broccoli

Step 1: Marinate and Prep the Beef

Start by tossing your thinly sliced flank steak with two tablespoons of cornstarch in a medium bowl. This quick marination step is key for that signature velvety texture you get in restaurant stir-fries; the cornstarch creates a lovely coating that keeps the beef tender and helps it crisp up in the hot pan. Let it rest while you prep your sauce—the wait is worth it!

Step 2: Mix the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together your soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, oyster sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes (if using), and the remaining tablespoon of cornstarch. This blend is where all the magic happens—it’s savory, sweet, aromatic, and packs just a touch of heat. Whisk until smooth and set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the marinated beef in a single layer, letting each piece get beautifully caramelized. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side—resist the urge to stir immediately. Once browned and just cooked through, transfer the beef to a plate and keep it handy.

Step 4: Steam the Broccoli

In that same skillet, add your broccoli florets with a splash of water. Cover the pan and let the broccoli steam for 2 to 3 minutes. You’re looking for vibrant, bright green florets that are just tender but still have a little crunch. No mushy broccoli allowed in Better-Than-Takeout Beef with Broccoli!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the seared beef to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour in your whisked sauce and give everything a good stir, making sure the meat and veggies are thoroughly coated. Simmer for a couple of minutes; the sauce will thicken and become impossibly glossy, clinging to every bite.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Spoon generous helpings of beef and broccoli over bowls of fluffy white rice, making sure to drizzle over every last drop of sauce. Dig in immediately for the best experience—this dish is all about that sizzling-hot, straight-from-the-wok freshness!

How to Serve Better-Than-Takeout Beef with Broccoli

Garnishes

Finish your Better-Than-Takeout Beef with Broccoli with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a scattering of sliced green onions for a fresh burst of color and crunch. A drizzle of extra sesame oil adds a gorgeous shimmer and that unmistakable aroma everyone loves.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines alongside simple, fluffy steamed white rice—but if you’re feeling ambitious, serve with jasmine rice or even brown rice for extra wholesomeness. Add a side of steamed dumplings, veggie spring rolls, or a crisp Asian salad for a full takeout-style spread without the delivery fee.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make dinner a little special? Serve your Better-Than-Takeout Beef with Broccoli in a shallow bowl with chopsticks on the side. For a fun twist, pile the stir-fry into lettuce cups or nestle it alongside rice in a bento-style lunchbox for a satisfying midday meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is never guaranteed!), let the beef and broccoli cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days, and keep the rice in a separate container to prevent it from getting soggy.

Freezing

Better-Than-Takeout Beef with Broccoli can be frozen, but for best results, freeze the beef and broccoli separately from the rice in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick and easy meal later on.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce looks a bit thick. Microwave reheating also works—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring often so everything warms evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While flank steak is the classic choice for Better-Than-Takeout Beef with Broccoli, sirloin or skirt steak work beautifully, too. Just be sure to slice thinly and always cut against the grain for maximum tenderness.

What’s the best way to keep the broccoli bright and green?

The key is to steam your broccoli just until it turns a vivid green and is tender-crisp. Overcooking will dull the color and leave the texture mushy, so use a timer and keep an eye on those florets!

Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?

If you’re allergic or simply don’t have oyster sauce, hoisin sauce or vegetarian mushroom stir-fry sauce make good substitutes. Each will slightly change the flavor profile but will still bring plenty of umami goodness.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas are all great additions, giving your Better-Than-Takeout Beef with Broccoli extra color, texture, and nutrients. Just slice them thinly so they cook quickly alongside the broccoli.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free variety (like tamari) and double-check your oyster sauce, as some brands contain wheat. With these simple swaps, you can enjoy all the flavors without the gluten.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, once you try this Better-Than-Takeout Beef with Broccoli at home, you’ll be wondering why you ever waited for delivery! It’s quick, deeply flavorful, and so easy to customize. I hope you’ll give it a try—you just might start a new weeknight tradition.

Better-Than-Takeout Beef with Broccoli Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Better-Than-Takeout Beef with Broccoli recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make alternative to your favorite Chinese takeout dish. Tender slices of flank steak are stir-fried with fresh broccoli and a savory sauce, creating a flavorful meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef:

1 pound flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
3 tablespoons cornstarch (divided)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup beef broth
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

4 cups broccoli florets
cooked white rice (for serving)

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Instructions

Prepare the Beef: In a medium bowl, toss sliced flank steak with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until evenly coated. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, and remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove beef and set aside.
Steam the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add broccoli and a splash of water, cover, and steam for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
Combine and Serve: Return the beef to the skillet, pour in the sauce, and stir to coat. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through. Serve hot over white rice.