Easy Beef and Broccoli (Quick, Saucy & Better Than Takeaway)

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Total: 25 minutes | Serves: 4
Best For: Weeknight dinners, quick meals, homemade takeaway

A Quick Beef and Broccoli Dinner

This easy beef and broccoli recipe combines thin slices of tender beef with crisp broccoli and a simple savoury sauce. Everything cooks quickly in one pan, making it a great option when you want something filling on the table without spending the whole evening in the kitchen.

Serve it over freshly cooked rice and you've got the kind of dinner that disappears quickly. It's simple enough for a weeknight but still has that saucy, comforting takeaway-style flavour that makes everyone happy to see dinner arrive.

Ingredients for Beef and Broccoli

• 500 g beef rump, sirloin or stir-fry beef

• 1 large head broccoli, cut into small florets

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated

• 2 tablespoons water

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon cornflour

• ½ cup water

Optional:

• Sliced spring onions

• Sesame seeds

• Steamed rice, for serving

• Extra vegetables such as capsicum or carrot

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Slice the beef. Cut the beef into thin strips against the grain. This helps keep the meat tender once cooked.

2. Make the sauce. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornflour and water to a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and set aside.

3. Heat the pan. Heat a large frying pan or wok over high heat. Add the vegetable oil.

4. Cook the beef. Add the beef in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Work in two batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.

5. Remove the beef. Transfer the browned beef to a plate while you cook the broccoli.

6. Cook the broccoli. Add the broccoli and 2 tablespoons of water to the same pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring regularly, until bright green and just tender.

7. Add the aromatics. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for around 30 seconds until fragrant.

8. Return the beef. Add the cooked beef and any juices back into the pan.

9. Add the sauce. Give the sauce another quick stir, then pour it over the beef and broccoli.

10. Simmer until glossy. Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli.

11. Serve immediately. Spoon over warm rice and finish with spring onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Helpful Tips

• Slice the beef against the grain for more tender pieces.

• Keep the pan hot and avoid overcrowding it, otherwise the beef can steam instead of brown.

• Cut the broccoli into similar-sized florets so they cook evenly.

• Mix the sauce again immediately before adding it because cornflour naturally settles at the bottom.

Why This Recipe Works

• Ready in around 25 minutes.

• Uses simple supermarket ingredients.

• Everything cooks in one pan for easier cleanup.

• Thinly sliced beef cooks quickly and stays tender.

• The homemade sauce is savoury, glossy and easy to prepare.

• Broccoli can be supplemented with whatever vegetables need using up in the fridge.

• Makes an easy homemade alternative to ordering takeaway.

Explore More Family-Friendly Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also love:

• Easy Beef Stir Fry (Quick, Tender & Family-Friendly)

• Chicken Fried Rice (Quick, Easy & Better Than Takeout)

• Easy Chicken Stir Fry (Simple Sauce, Family-Friendly)

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Alofa Tunoa shares budget-friendly recipes, family meals, one-pan dinners, and Pacific Island inspired food rooted in Samoan culture and faith-filled home cooking.

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