5-Ingredient Beef and Broccoli

Name: 5-Ingredient Beef and Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced; 4 cups broccoli florets; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy Recipes

I love making simple yet delicious meals, and this 5-Ingredient Beef and Broccoli recipe is one of my all-time favorites. The dish balances savory flavors with tender beef and vibrant broccoli, all while using minimal ingredients. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back dinners. With just five key ingredients, I can whip up this quick meal without any fuss, keeping our taste buds excited and our evenings stress-free.

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2026-02-05T17:37:27.632Z

When I first tried this 5-Ingredient Beef and Broccoli recipe, I was amazed at how such simplicity could result in such depth of flavor. By using high-quality beef and fresh broccoli, the dish bursts with freshness while the quick cooking method keeps everything tender and juicy. I love to serve it over rice or noodles, as they soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully.

One helpful tip I've learned is to flash-cook the broccoli separately before adding it to the beef to maintain its vibrant color and crunch. This technique elevates the dish visually and texturally, making each bite even more enjoyable!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes
Packed with nutritious ingredients for a well-rounded meal
Flavorful sauce that ties everything together perfectly

Ingredient Insights

The key to a great Beef and Broccoli dish lies in the quality of the beef. I recommend using beef sirloin because it’s both tender and flavorful. You should slice it thinly against the grain to ensure each piece cooks quickly and remains tender. If you don't have sirloin on hand, you can substitute flank steak, but be mindful to slice it even thinner since it's a bit tougher.

Broccoli is just as essential as the beef in this recipe. When selecting broccoli, look for vibrant green florets with firm stalks. Avoid any yellowing, which indicates it’s past its prime. To ensure even cooking, try to cut the florets into similar sizes. This helps them maintain a delightful crunch while still cooking through in the short stir-frying time.

Cooking Techniques

When stir-frying, high heat is your best friend. You want to achieve a good sear on the beef, which locks in moisture and flavor. Keep your skillet or wok very hot, and don’t overcrowd the pan; otherwise, the beef will steam instead of sear. If you're cooking a larger batch, consider cooking the beef in batches to prevent this issue.

Don’t underestimate the power of garlic in this dish. Adding it after returning the beef to the skillet ensures that it doesn't burn, which can lead to a bitter taste. You want it to soften and become fragrant—this should happen in a minute or so. Combining it with the soy sauce will infuse your dish with a savory depth that brightens the entire meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
4 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking for a smoother process!

Instructions

Prepare the Beef

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Broccoli

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil and the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes, until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender.

Combine Ingredients

Return the beef to the skillet, then add the minced garlic and soy sauce. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until everything is heated through and the flavors meld.

Serve

Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles and enjoy your quick meal!

Feel free to adjust the soy sauce quantity to suit your taste!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of ginger or a sprinkle of sesame seeds when serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Beef and Broccoli recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can slice and marinate the beef in soy sauce for up to 24 hours in advance. Just remember to keep it refrigerated. The broccoli can also be prepped ahead of time—just wash and cut it, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

If you have leftovers, store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating is best done in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to help rejuvenate the broccoli and beef without drying them out.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Traditionally, this dish is served over steamed rice or noodles, but you can also get creative with your base. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are excellent alternatives for a healthier twist. Consider topping it with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added texture and flavor.

If you're looking to explore variations, try adding different vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for color and nutrition. You could also experiment by incorporating a teaspoon of ginger alongside the garlic for additional warmth and depth of flavor, enhancing the overall dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well, just make sure to thaw and drain it before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for beef?

You can use chicken, tofu, or even shrimp as a substitute for beef in this recipe.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can marinate the beef and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save on prep time.