Sautéed Beef and Broccoli with Garlic-Soy Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender strips of beef and broccoli florets quickly sautéed and coated in a savory garlic-soy glaze for a classic stir-fry experience. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs broccoli florets, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, 3 tbsp water, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional). Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 cups broccoli florets and sauté for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove broccoli and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet and add 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Return broccoli to the skillet and pour the prepared soy sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli.
  5. Step 5: Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and broccoli. Serve immediately with steamed rice if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Beef and Broccoli with Garlic-Soy Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Beef and Broccoli with Garlic-Soy Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep broccoli florets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Beef and Broccoli with Garlic-Soy Glaze?

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-Soy Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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-Soy Glaze?

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.