Beef and broccoli sauce is easy to make and tastes amazing. It’s a perfect mix of salty and sweet that makes your meal delicious. You can cook it quickly and enjoy a tasty dinner with your family anytime.
Why We Love This Beef and Broccoli Sauce
- It’s packed with bold, balanced flavor.
- Comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved.
- Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
When you’re short on time but still want something homemade, this sauce has your back. It coats every piece of beef and broccoli with richness, transforming even leftovers into something crave-worthy.
Ingredients
Soy Sauce – The base of your beef and broccoli sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. Regular soy sauce can make the dish too salty, especially when combined with oyster sauce.
Beef Broth – Adds depth and richness to your beef and broccoli sauce. I recommend using beef broth over water for full-bodied flavor. Avoid using vegetable broth—it won’t give the same savory profile.
Oyster Sauce – Essential for authentic flavor. This thick, slightly sweet sauce gives your beef and broccoli sauce its signature taste. There’s no true substitute for oyster sauce in this recipe.
Brown Sugar – Balances the salty and savory notes of your beef and broccoli sauce. Do not skip it—it enhances the overall harmony of the flavors without making the dish overly sweet.
Cornstarch – This is what thickens the beef and broccoli sauce and gives it that glossy, restaurant-style finish. Do not substitute with flour—it won’t provide the same smooth texture.
Sesame Oil – Adds a nutty, aromatic note to your beef and broccoli sauce. A little goes a long way. It’s not recommended to use other oils in its place.
Rice Vinegar – Brightens the sauce and balances richness. Apple cider vinegar may be used in a pinch, but rice vinegar keeps the flavor more traditional.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Sauce
Whisk the Sauce Together
In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Whisk until fully smooth and lump-free. This base is the heart of your dish, so make sure everything’s blended.
Sear the Beef
Heat your neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the sliced beef. Let it sear without moving for a couple of minutes to get a good crust, then stir until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Steam the Broccoli
Add a splash of water to the same pan and toss in your broccoli. Cover with a lid and let it steam for 2-3 minutes until it’s vibrant green and just tender. Drain any excess water if needed.
Combine and Finish
Return the beef to the pan and pour the sauce mixture over everything. Stir well to coat. As the sauce heats, it will thicken into a glossy glaze. Within 2 minutes, you’ll have a fully coated, flavor-packed dish ready to serve.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sauce Every Time
Slice your beef against the grain to keep it tender.
Use fresh garlic and ginger, not powdered, for a more authentic taste.
Mix cornstarch thoroughly to avoid clumps.
Steam the broccoli lightly, so it stays bright and slightly crisp.
If you love extra sauce, double the batch—you’ll thank yourself later.
Delicious Variations to Try
Sauce Swaps
Replace oyster sauce with hoisin sauce for a sweeter twist.
Add Sriracha or chili garlic paste to spice it up.
Protein Alternatives
Try thin-sliced chicken, tofu, or shrimp instead of beef.
Veggie Add-Ins
Toss in snap peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots for added color and crunch.
Best Ways to Serve Beef and Broccoli Sauce
Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice.
Mix into lo mein or udon noodles for a hearty noodle bowl.
Spoon into meal prep containers for a week’s worth of satisfying lunches.
Pair with egg rolls or dumplings to complete the meal.
This sauce adapts to your routine, your taste, and your schedule—making it a dinner winner time and again.
FAQs About Beef and Broccoli Sauce
What is beef and broccoli sauce made of?
The classic sauce includes soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. It’s a blend of savory and sweet flavors designed to cling beautifully to beef and veggies.
Can I make beef and broccoli sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can mix the sauce and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Just stir well before using as ingredients may settle.
How do I thicken beef and broccoli sauce?
Cornstarch is your thickening friend here. Make sure it’s fully dissolved in the sauce mixture before cooking to avoid lumps.
What cut of beef works best with this sauce?
Flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin are excellent. Slice them thin and against the grain for the most tender result.
Is beef and broccoli sauce gluten-free?
Not by default. Swap soy sauce with gluten-free tamari and make sure all your other sauces are certified gluten-free.
Beef and Broccoli Sauce
Equipment
- Wok or Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
For the Stir-Fry
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin sliced thin against the grain
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil like canola or vegetable
Instructions
- Whisk the Sauce Together: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Whisk until smooth and lump-free.
- Sear the Beef: Heat neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced beef and let sear undisturbed for 2 minutes. Stir and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Steam the Broccoli: In the same pan, add a splash of water and the broccoli. Cover and steam for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender. Drain any excess water.
- Combine and Finish: Return the beef to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir to coat. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze, about 2 minutes.