Recipe

Bold Broccoli Beef

A fast, saucy broccoli beef with crisp-tender florets and a tangy, creamy pan sauce that clings to every bite (without turning gloopy).

By Matt Campbell

•

4.8

A skillet of broccoli beef with glossy tangy creamy sauce, crisp-tender broccoli florets, and sliced beef, served over steamed rice on a kitchen counter

Jump to Recipe

If classic broccoli beef is your weeknight security blanket, this is the version that shows up wearing a leather jacket. We are talking crisp edges on the beef, broccoli that still has some bite, and a sauce that hits all the right notes: savory, gingery, garlicky, tangy, plus a little creamy richness so it feels restaurant-level without asking you to buy twelve specialty ingredients.

The secret is a simple move: we build a bold stir-fry sauce, then swirl in a quick creamy finish right at the end. No heavy cream bath, no mystery. Just a glossy, clingy coating that makes you want to keep “testing” bites straight from the pan.

Thinly sliced flank steak on a cutting board next to broccoli florets, garlic, ginger, and small bowls of sauce ingredients

Why It Works

Fast flavor build: A quick sauce with soy, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger hits salty and tangy fast, then thickens into that takeout-style gloss.
Creamy, not heavy: A small amount of softened cream cheese (or Greek yogurt off heat) adds body and richness without turning the dish into alfredo territory.
Real stir-fry texture: Beef gets seared in batches for browned edges, and broccoli is steamed quickly so it stays bright and crisp-tender.
Flexible heat: Chili crisp or red pepper flakes let you dial it from family-friendly to “wake up your taste buds.”

Pairs Well With

Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
Garlic noodles or ramen
Quick cucumber salad with sesame and vinegar
Pan-fried dumplings or egg rolls

Storage Tips

Keep It Tasty Tomorrow

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, which is honestly not a bad problem to have.

Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium-low with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, but stir halfway so the beef stays tender.

Freeze: You can freeze it for up to 2 months, but broccoli will soften after thawing and the creamy sauce may separate slightly. Reheat gently and whisk in a splash of broth or water to smooth it out.

Common Questions

What cut of beef works best?

Flank steak is my go-to because it cooks fast and stays beefy. Sirloin is a little more tender and great too. Slice thinly against the grain either way.

How thin should I slice the beef?

Aim for about 1/8-inch slices. If you can see the knife through it, you are in the right zone.

How do I slice beef thinly without losing my mind?

Pop the steak in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes. It firms up just enough to make clean, thin slices easier.

Is this really “velveting”?

This is a quick velvet-style coating: cornstarch and a little soy (plus optional baking soda) for tenderness and that classic stir-fry texture. Traditional velveting can involve egg white and a quick blanch, but this weeknight version gets you most of the payoff with less fuss.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes. Use tamari (or certified gluten-free soy sauce) and use a certified gluten-free oyster sauce (it is widely available). If you cannot find it, substitute vegetarian mushroom stir-fry sauce for a similar savory depth.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

Two options: (1) Greek yogurt for a tangy finish, but stir it in off the heat to prevent curdling. (2) 1 tablespoon mayo whisked in at the end for gloss. Do not boil after adding it.

My sauce got too thick. Help.

Add water or broth 1 tablespoon at a time over low heat until it loosens up. Taste again and adjust salt with a tiny splash of soy if needed.

How do I keep broccoli bright green?

Steam it quickly until crisp-tender, then get it into the sauce just long enough to coat and warm through. Overcooking is the only real enemy here.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, but creamy sauces can get a little grainy after thawing. Reheat gently and whisk in a splash of broth or water to bring it back together.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Large skillet or wok (12-inch is ideal)
Small bowl and whisk (for sauce)
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons and cups
Tongs or a spatula
Optional: microplane for ginger and garlic

I started making broccoli beef when I was in my “I can absolutely recreate takeout at home” era, which is a bold claim for someone who also routinely forgets to start the rice on time. The first few tries were fine, but the sauce always felt one-note: salty, sweet, done. One night I added extra rice vinegar for punch, then swirled in a little cream cheese because I wanted that glossy, clingy restaurant vibe. It turned into the kind of pan sauce that makes you pause mid-bite and do the quiet nod like, okay, wow. Now it is my go-to when I want comfort food that still tastes bright and sharp around the edges.

Bold Broccoli Beef

(4.8 Reviews)

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Total Time 27 minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

For the beef

1 1/4 lb flank steak or sirloin, sliced very thin (about 1/8-inch) against the grain
1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch (for beef coating)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1/4 tsp baking soda (optional, helps tenderize)
2 tbsp + 1 tsp neutral oil (avocado, canola, or grapeseed), divided

For the broccoli

4 to 5 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
2 to 3 tbsp water (for steaming in the pan)

For the tangy, creamy sauce

1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth)
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 to 2 tsp chili crisp or 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
2 oz cream cheese, softened (about 1/4 cup), cut into small pieces
1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (slurry for sauce)
2 scallions, thinly sliced (optional)
Toasted sesame seeds, for serving (optional)

Note: If you want it extra tangy, add another 1 to 2 teaspoons rice vinegar at the very end and taste as you go.

Instructions

Quick velvet-style beef: In a bowl, toss sliced beef with cornstarch (for beef coating), soy sauce, sesame oil, and baking soda (if using). Let it sit while you mix the sauce, about 10 minutes.
Whisk the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili crisp (if using). Chili crisp varies in salt and heat, so go to taste. In a separate tiny bowl, mix the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water).
Steam the broccoli: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high. Add 1 tsp of the neutral oil, then add broccoli and 2 to 3 tbsp water. Cover and steam 2 to 3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Transfer broccoli to a plate.
Sear the beef in batches: Add 1 tbsp of the remaining oil to the hot pan. Add half the beef in a single layer and let it sear 60 to 90 seconds without moving. Stir and cook another 30 to 60 seconds until mostly cooked. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining beef, adding the last 2 tsp oil as needed. Do not overcook it here, it finishes in the sauce.
Build the sauce: Lower heat to medium. Pour in the sauce mixture and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer.
Thicken: Stir the cornstarch slurry again, then drizzle it into the simmering sauce while stirring. Cook 30 to 60 seconds until glossy.
Make it creamy: Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese pieces and stir until melted and smooth. If it looks too thick, splash in a tablespoon or two of broth or water.
Toss and finish: Add broccoli and beef back to the pan and toss just until coated and hot, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust with a splash more vinegar for tang, soy for salt, or chili crisp for heat.
Serve: Serve immediately over rice or noodles, with extra sauce spooned on top because that is the point.

Broccoli beef being tossed in a skillet with a glossy tangy creamy sauce using tongs

Nutrition information is estimated.

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