Better Than Takeout Broccoli Beef

Tender slices of sirloin steak and crisp-tender broccoli are coated in a savory, slightly sweet stir-fry sauce with fresh garlic, ginger, mirin, and just enough sambal for a gentle kick. This easy Broccoli Beef comes together quickly and is delicious served over steamed rice for a better-than-takeout dinner at home.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian inspired

Keyword beef and broccoli, better than takeout, broccoli beef, broccoli beef recipe, easy beef stir fry, easy weeknight dinner, sirloin steak recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Servings

Calories 339kcal

Equipment

Large skillet or wok
Small mixing bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk
Tongs or spatula
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups
Sharp chef's knife
Cutting board

Ingredients

Beef Silkening Marinade

1½ pounds sirloin steak sliced very thin against the grain
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon reduced-sodium tamari
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch

Broccoli

2 large broccoli crowns cut into florets (about 6 cups)
½ cup water

Sauce

¼ cup reduced-sodium tamari
¼ cup coconut water
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
1 tablespoon mirin
2 teaspoons coconut sugar
1 teaspoon tomato paste
½ teaspoon sambal
½ teaspoon rice vinegar
1½ teaspoons cornstarch

For Cooking and Garnishing

2 tablespoons avocado oil
Sesame seeds for garnish
Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

Marinate the Beef

Add the thinly sliced sirloin, water, tamari, sesame oil, and cornstarch to a bowl. Toss well to evenly coat the beef. Let marinate for 15–20 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the tamari, coconut water, ginger, garlic, mirin, coconut sugar, tomato paste, sambal, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth and set aside.

Steam the Broccoli

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and ½ cup water. Cover and steam for 3–4 minutes.
Remove the lid and continue cooking for 1–2 minutes, until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Beef

Increase the heat to high and add the avocado oil to the skillet.
Add the marinated beef in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.

Finish the Stir-Fry

Give the sauce another good stir, then pour it into the skillet with the beef.
Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Return the broccoli to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for about 30–60 seconds, just until the broccoli is coated and heated through.
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Notes

Slice the beef thinly: For the most tender beef, slice the sirloin very thin against the grain. Slightly chilling or partially freezing the steak makes it much easier to slice.
Don't skip the silkening marinade: The combination of water, tamari, sesame oil, and cornstarch helps keep the beef tender and gives it that silky texture you expect from restaurant-style stir-fry.
Keep the broccoli crisp: Steaming it separately keeps it bright green and crisp-tender instead of allowing it to overcook while the beef and sauce are finishing.
Control the heat: ½ teaspoon sambal gives this dish a subtle kick without making it overly spicy. If you prefer more heat, add a little extra at the table.
Whisk the sauce again: Cornstarch settles quickly, so give the sauce a good stir immediately before adding it to the skillet.
Don't overcrowd the pan: If necessary, cook the beef in two batches. Crowding the pan causes the beef to steam instead of sear.
Serve immediately: This beef and broccoli is best while the sauce is glossy and the broccoli still has plenty of bite.

Nutrition