20-Minute Beef and Broccoli

A Quick, Flavorful, and Nutritious Stir-Fry That Brings Takeout to Your Table in Under Half an Hour

In today’s fast-paced world, finding the time to cook a delicious and satisfying dinner can feel like a challenge. That’s where this 20-Minute Beef and Broccoli recipe shines. It combines tender slices of beef with crisp-tender broccoli florets in a savory, umami-packed sauce that tastes like your favorite Chinese takeout—without the wait, the extra calories, or the hidden ingredients.

Save it!

Beef and broccoli has long been a staple in Chinese-American cuisine, beloved for its perfect harmony of flavors and textures: the rich, slightly sweet soy-based sauce coats the beef and broccoli in a way that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. However, traditional recipes often call for marinating and slow cooking, which can be time-consuming.

This version skips the long marinating and simmering, instead using simple techniques and high-quality ingredients to deliver that same fantastic flavor in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or new to stir-frying, this recipe will guide you through every step to ensure juicy, tender beef and vibrant broccoli, all coated in a luscious sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you want a fast weekday dinner, a crowd-pleasing meal for guests, or a simple way to enjoy homemade takeout at home, this recipe delivers flavor, nutrition, and speed in one satisfying dish. It proves that you don’t need to sacrifice quality or taste when time is limited.

Get ready to impress yourself—and your family—with a 20-minute beef and broccoli that’s juicy, vibrant, and bursting with flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions: 20-Minute Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Tools

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak, thinly sliced against the grain

• 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil with high smoke point)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

For the Sauce:

• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional but recommended)

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• ½ cup water or beef broth

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Tools:

• Sharp knife and cutting board

• Large bowl for marinating

• Wok or large skillet

• Measuring spoons and cups

• Small bowl for mixing sauce

• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

1. Slice the Beef Thinly:
   Using a sharp knife, slice the beef thinly against the grain into strips about ¼-inch thick. Cutting against the grain ensures tender bites.

2. Optional Tenderizing (Velveting):
   For extra tenderness, you can marinate the beef for 10–15 minutes in a mixture of 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. This step helps create a silky texture but can be skipped for faster prep.

Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli

1. Wash and Cut:
   Wash broccoli and cut into bite-sized florets.

2. Blanch the Broccoli:
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 1-2 minutes until bright green and just tender-crisp. Immediately drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking and preserve color. Drain again and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar (or honey), toasted sesame oil, cornstarch, and water (or beef broth) until smooth.

Step 5: Cook the Beef

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.

2. Add half of the beef in a single layer and sear without stirring for about 1-2 minutes to get a good caramelized edge.

3. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until beef is mostly cooked but still tender. Remove beef to a plate.

4. Repeat with remaining beef and remove to plate.

Step 6: Stir-Fry Aromatics

1. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.

2. Add minced garlic and ginger, stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.

Step 7: Combine Beef and Broccoli

1. Return all cooked beef to the pan.

2. Add blanched broccoli.

3. Stir the prepared sauce again to reincorporate cornstarch and pour over beef and broccoli.

Step 8: Thicken Sauce and Finish

1. Stir continuously over medium heat for 2-3 minutes as the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

2. Taste and adjust seasoning—add salt, pepper, or more soy sauce if needed.

3. Optional: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for heat.

Step 9: Serve

1. Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite grain.