Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

## The Case for Homemade Beef and Broccoli There is a reason beef and broccoli is one of the most popular Chinese takeout orders in America. The combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a glossy savory sauce is deeply satisfying in a way that few other quick dinners can match. The problem with takeout is the cost and the uncertainty about what goes into the sauce. Making it at home solves both issues and takes less time than waiting for a delivery driver. This recipe comes together in twenty minutes flat, and most of that time is active cooking. There is no marinating, no complicated prep, and no special equipment needed. A regular skillet works just as well as a wok, though if you have a wok, by all means use it. The high, sloped sides make tossing and stirring much easier. ## Slicing Beef the Right Way The single most important technique in this recipe is slicing the beef thinly against the grain. Look at the lines running through the meat and cut perpendicular to them. This shortens the muscle fibers and makes each bite tender rather than chewy. For even thinner slices, pop the steak in the freezer for twenty to thirty minutes before cutting. The firmer texture makes it much easier to get those paper-thin slices that cook quickly and stay tender. Do not be tempted to crowd the pan when searing the beef. Work in batches if needed. Overcrowding drops the temperature and causes the meat to steam rather than sear, giving you gray, rubbery beef instead of caramelized, flavorful strips. ## Making It on a Tight Budget Flank steak is not the cheapest cut at the butcher counter, but you only need one pound for four generous servings, which keeps the per-serving cost reasonable. Watch for sales and stock up when the price drops. You can also substitute with top round, chuck eye, or even thinly sliced chicken thighs when beef prices are high. Broccoli is one of the most nutritious and affordable vegetables available year round. Buy whole crowns and cut them into florets yourself rather than buying pre-cut bags, which cost significantly more per pound. The stems are edible too. Peel the tough outer layer and slice them into coins for extra vegetable volume at no added cost. ## Variations and Add-Ins Snow peas, snap peas, sliced bell peppers, or mushrooms all make excellent additions. Add them during the broccoli step, adjusting cooking time as needed. A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce adds a pleasant heat that complements the savory flavors nicely. For a thicker, richer sauce, increase the cornstarch to two tablespoons. For a lighter version, skip the brown sugar entirely and add a splash of rice vinegar for brightness instead. ## Storage Tips Leftover beef and broccoli keeps in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store the stir fry separately from the rice to prevent the rice from getting soggy. Reheat in a skillet over medium-high heat to maintain the texture. Microwaving works but the broccoli tends to lose its crispness. This dish does not freeze particularly well because the broccoli becomes mushy upon thawing, so plan to enjoy it fresh or as next-day leftovers.