Name: Beef And Broccoli - Easy Lunch Recipes Made Better
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1/2 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain; 1/2 tablespoon baking soda; 1 tablespoon water; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1/2 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry); 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 tablespoon neutral oil; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 tablespoon neutral oil for stir-frying; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tablespoon ginger, minced; 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1/2 teaspoon dark soy sauce; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)

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Let’s be honest—some days, I just want a warm bowl of something that feels like comfort food without spending an hour hovering over a stove. That’s where this beef and broccoli recipe steps in. It’s one of those easy lunch recipes that hits the spot without turning your kitchen into a disaster zone. The beef is tender, like really tender, and the sauce? Oh, the sauce is savory, garlicky, slightly sweet and clings to every bite like it knows exactly what it’s doing. I’ve played around with a bunch of easy Chinese recipes, but this one stays in my back pocket for those evenings when I’m craving Chinese dinner recipes but don’t want to order takeout again. Plus, it makes for a great dinner for two—or let’s be real—lunch leftovers the next day that you’ll actually look forward to. Whether you’re in the mood for something similar to easy broccoli and cheese soup or digging through broccoli soup recipes for inspiration, this dish will scratch that itch. It’s quick, full of flavor, and just enough effort to feel like you cooked something legit without needing a nap afterward.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Beef And Broccoli Recipe
3) Ingredients for Beef And Broccoli
4) How to Make Beef And Broccoli
5) Tips for Making Beef And Broccoli
6) Making Beef And Broccoli Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Beef And Broccoli
8) Try these main course dishes next!
9) Beef And Broccoli Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

What cut of beef works best for stir fry?
Why does baking soda make beef so tender?
Can I use frozen broccoli for this dish?
What’s the trick to that glossy Chinese sauce?

2) Easy Beef And Broccoli Recipe

When I need easy lunch recipes that still taste like something I put effort into, I always reach for this beef and broccoli. It’s fast, full of flavor, and way better than that lukewarm takeout I regret ordering far too often.

This recipe comes together fast. The marinade takes only a few minutes to whisk, and the sauce coats every bite like it was born to. You don’t need a wok or a fancy skillet, just one pan and a good stir. The beef gets that tender texture you usually only find in restaurants, thanks to a little trick I’ll show you.

What I like most is how adaptable it is. You want more sauce? Double it. No Shaoxing wine? Dry sherry works. This kind of flexibility is what makes easy lunch recipes like this one a keeper. And that sauce? It’s close to magic when it hits the hot pan.

3) Ingredients for Beef And Broccoli

Flank Steak: This cut slices beautifully and cooks up quickly. Make sure to cut it against the grain for the best texture.

Baking Soda: Just a small amount tenderizes the beef. It may sound odd, but it works wonders.

Water: Used to mix with the baking soda and help the beef absorb the marinade evenly.

Soy Sauce: Brings salt and depth. Regular soy sauce does the job, but low-sodium is fine too.

Oyster Sauce: Adds that deep, slightly sweet umami that clings to every bite.

Shaoxing Wine: This Chinese cooking wine adds richness. Dry sherry makes a decent swap.

Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce and helps the beef sear with a little crust.

Sugar: Balances the salty notes with a subtle sweetness.

Neutral Oil: Any light oil like canola or vegetable will work. You’ll use it for stir-frying.

Broccoli Florets: Bright, crunchy, and fast to cook. Blanch them quickly to keep them vibrant.

Garlic: Adds that unmistakable punch. Use fresh and mince it fine.

Ginger: Sharp and slightly spicy, it wakes up the entire dish.

Dark Soy Sauce: It’s thicker and richer than regular soy. You only need a little.

Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the sauce and adds savory depth.

Cornstarch Slurry: Mix cornstarch with water and pour it in last to make everything glossy.

4) How to Make Beef And Broccoli

Step 1: Toss the sliced beef with baking soda and water. Let it rest for about 15 minutes. Rinse well and pat dry with a towel.

Step 2: Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, wine, cornstarch, sugar, and oil. Coat the beef in this marinade and set aside for a few minutes.

Step 3: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Blanch the broccoli for 30 to 45 seconds until it brightens. Drain and let it sit.

Step 4: In a large pan, heat oil over medium-high. Sear the marinated beef in batches so it doesn’t crowd. Cook just until browned, then pull it out.

Step 5: In the same pan, sauté garlic and ginger until you can smell them. Add the broccoli and return the beef to the pan.

Step 6: Stir in the soy sauces, oyster sauce, broth, and sugar. Let it bubble for a minute or two.

Step 7: Pour in the cornstarch slurry. Stir until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat and broccoli. Serve warm.

5) Tips for Making Beef And Broccoli

Slice the beef thin, and always against the grain. This keeps each bite tender. The baking soda trick might raise an eyebrow, but once you try it, you’ll never skip it again. Just don’t overdo it. A little goes far.

If your pan looks crowded, cook the beef in batches. You’ll get better browning and avoid steaming it. And when stir-frying, keep the heat high. You want things to move fast and stay hot.

Want more sauce? Make extra slurry and broth. The sauce is honestly the best part, and it doubles down on that easy lunch recipes energy we love. Warm rice on the side makes it a full meal.

6) Making Beef And Broccoli Ahead of Time

I like this dish fresh from the pan, but it holds up surprisingly well. If you’re prepping ahead, store the sauce and cooked components separately. Combine them right before eating.

The beef stays tender, and the sauce thickens again with just a quick reheat. I usually keep everything in airtight containers and warm it all in a pan rather than the microwave. It keeps the texture better.

Easy lunch recipes don’t always reheat well, but this one does. Just keep the broccoli from getting soggy by undercooking it slightly if you plan to eat it later in the week.

7) Storing Leftover Beef And Broccoli

Pop leftovers in a sealed container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll keep for about three days. Any longer and the broccoli softens more than I’d like.

If you need to reheat, skip the microwave if you can. Use a skillet on medium heat and add a splash of broth or water. It brings the sauce back to life and helps keep everything juicy.

Recipes like this work well for meal prep. You get a solid serving of protein and greens in one go. I’ll pack it with jasmine rice or toss it in a wrap when I need something quick.

8) Try these main course dishes next!

9) Beef And Broccoli Recipe