Sautéed Beef and Broccoli with Garlic-Sesame Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender strips of beef quickly sautéed with crisp broccoli florets in a savory garlic and sesame soy sauce glaze. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes blends broccoli florets, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak and sauté for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet. Add 4 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Add 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the skillet and pour the prepared soy sauce mixture over. Stir constantly for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli evenly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions before serving hot over steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Beef and Broccoli with Garlic-Sesame Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Beef and Broccoli with Garlic-Sesame Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Beef and Broccoli with Garlic-Sesame Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sautéed Beef and Broccoli with Garlic-Sesame Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sautéed Beef and Broccoli with Garlic-Sesame Sauce?

Chinese beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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