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Spicy Takeout Beef and Broccoli Recipe

May 21, 2024
Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

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Savor the bold flavors of this Spicy Takeout Beef and Broccoli recipe, a homemade twist on a takeout classic. Tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory, spicy, + slightly sweet sauce make this dish irresistible.

Spicy Takeout Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Enjoy the bold flavors of our Spicy Takeout Beef and Broccoli recipe, a quick and delicious homemade take on a classic favorite. Tender beef strips and crisp broccoli are tossed in a savory, spicy sauce with garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is easy to make and packed with flavor. Skip the takeout and savor this satisfying meal right at home! Completely Gluten-free + Dairy-free.

Up close shot of beef and broccoli in a blue plate.

I've been having so much fun recreating some of our family's favorite takeout dishes, and I’m really excited to share this Spicy Takeout Beef and Broccoli recipe with you. This beef + broccoli stir-fry is a classic that's surprisingly easy to make at home. With tender beef strips, crunchy broccoli, and a delicious, umami-packed sauce, it comes together so quickly. It’s perfect with steamed rice or quinoa, and I know you're going to love it as much as we do!

If you love easy takeout meals that taste just as good as the real thing, then you’ve got to try my Takeout Orange Chicken, General Tso’s Chicken, or my favorite Healthy Weeknight Shrimp Fried Rice next!

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Ingredients on a brown wood table.

Why You Will LOVE This Spicy Takeout Beef and Broccoli Recipe

  • Quick + easy to make
  • Perfect for satisfying weeknight dinners
  • Tender, flavorful beef strips with crisp, fresh broccoli in a luxuriously rich, savory + spicy sauce.
  • Healthier than takeout
  • Easily customizable spice level
Chopped meat on a cutting board with a knife.

How To Make Spicy Takeout Beef and Broccoli

It's really as simple as prepping the beef, cutting up the broccoli, and making the savory, umami, and slightly sweet sauce! See the recipe card below for the full breakdown. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Ingredients

BEEF + BROCCOLI:

  • Flank steak or beef sirloin. Sliced into ½-inch strips (You can slice them into 1-inch pieces for a thicker bite, if desired)
  • Broccoli florets.
  • Extra virgin olive oil or sesame oil. Feel free to pick whichever flavor you prefer.
  • Garlic cloves. Fresh garlic minced adds a nice garlicky flavor to this dish.
  • Minced ginger. Provides a spicy, slightly sweet flavor
  • Tamari sauce or soy sauce. These sauces add a salty, umami flavor. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
  • Organic beef stock or water. Adds moisture and helps create the base for the sauce. Beef stock adds more flavor compared to water.
  • Rice vinegar. You can also use apple cider vinegar.
  • Raw organic honey. You can also use maple syrup or organic brown sugar. My fave honey is from Nate's Organic.
  • Cornstarch + water. This helps to thicken up the sauce.
  • Red pepper flakes. For some heat!
  • Sesame seeds. For garnish.
Cooked beef and broccoli in a white skillet with a wooden spoon.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS BEEF DISH!

Here, I’ve curated a list of baking + cooking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite dishes, especially with this Spicy Takeout Beef and Broccoli recipe. Everything from my fave pans to cutting boards, knives, baking pans, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Two blue plates on beef and broccoli on a brown wood table with a fork.

What To Serve With Spicy Takeout Beef and Broccoli?

Pair this tasty Spicy Takeout Beef and Broccoli with steamed basmati or brown rice, or try coconut rice for a flavor that perfectly balances the spiciness. My favorite way to enjoy this is actually with some fluffy quinoa. But garlic noodles, stir-fried veggies or even cauliflower rice would also be amazing!

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for this recipe, but be sure to thaw + drain it well to avoid excess water in your stir fry, which can dilute the sauce. After thawing, pat it dry with paper towels. While frozen broccoli is convenient, fresh broccoli will give the best texture and a more vibrant color, adding a delightful crunch to the dish.

Two blue plates of beef and broccoli with a fork.

What Is The Best Type Of BEEF for Stir Fry?

For a tasty beef + broccoli stir fry, you want beef that's tender, flavorful, and cooks quickly. Here are some great options:

  • Flank steak ---- Packed with flavor and tender if you slice it thinly against the grain.
  • Sirloin steak ---- A versatile and tender choice that's pretty lean.
  • Skirt steak --- Similar to flank steak, with a great balance of flavor and tenderness.
  • Ribeye --- Marbled with fat for awesome flavor + tenderness, though a bit pricier.
  • Filet mignon --- Super tender + perfect for a fancy stir fry, but on the expensive side.
  • Top round --- Affordable + lean, but marinating helps make it tender and tasty.

5 Tips For The Tastiest Sauce

After a few mishaps, I perfected this sauce to hit all the right notes – sweet, savory, and utterly delicious. Here's how to make sure your stirfry sauce is AMAZING:

Use fresh ingredients --- Fresh garlic, ginger, and other aromatics make a big difference in flavor.

Use high-quality beef stock or broth instead of water for a richer, deeper flavor.

To thicken your sauce mix cornstarch with water to thicken your sauce. This helps it cling to the beef and broccoli, making every bite flavorful. To thin out the sauce simply add more broth or water.

Always taste your sauce as you prepare it and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preferences.

A few drops of sesame oil + sesame seeds to serve, it boosts the flavor with a nice nutty aroma.

Beef and broccoli in two plates with a fork.

Spicy Takeout Beef + Broccoli Q + A's

How to store?

Any leftovers can be kept in a tightly sealed container and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Reheat over the stovetop or microwave until heated through when ready to serve.

How to make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish GF, just ensure that all sauce ingredients (including using Tamari sauce instead of soy sauce) are GF-friendly and the best alternative to cornstarch is arrowroot starch.

Can i use another sweetener?

You can always substitute the honey with maple syrup, organic cane sugar, organic brown sugar, or Agave.

How can I control the spice level of this beef and broccoli stir fry?

Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste. Start with a small amount and add more if you like it spicier.

What if my sauce is too thick?

Thin it out by gradually adding water, broth, or soy sauce/tamari. Stir and heat gently until you reach the desired consistency.

What if my sauce is too thin?

If the sauce is too thin, mix a bit more cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce. Simmer until it thickens.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water in your stir fry. Fresh broccoli will give the best texture.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms would all be tasty additions.

Up close shot of beef and broccoli in a blue plate.

More Delicious Homemade 'Takeout' Recipes

Now that you love this Spicy Takeout Beef and Broccoli recipe, give these other dinner recipes that your entire family will love a try next:

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this Spicy Takeout Beef and Broccoli recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagramand hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

Up close shot of beef and broccoli in a blue plate.

Spicy Takeout Beef and Broccoli Recipe

May 21, 2024
No ratings yet
Enjoy the bold flavors of our Spicy Takeout Beef and Broccoli recipe, a quick and delicious homemade take on a classic favorite. Tender beef strips and crisp broccoli are tossed in a savory, spicy sauce with garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is easy to make and packed with flavor. Skip the takeout and savor this satisfying meal right at home! Completely Gluten-free + Dairy-free.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

BEEF + BROCCOLI:

  • 1 lb. Flank steak or beef sirloin top London, sliced into ½-inch strips (You can slice them into 1-inch pieces for a thicker bite, if desired)
  • 3-4 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil or sesame oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • ½ cup Tamari sauce or soy sauce
  • ½ cup organic beef stock or water
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (You can also use apple cider vinegar)
  • ¼ cup raw organic honey (You can also use maple syrup or organic brown sugar)
  • 2 Tbsps cornstarch + 4 Tbsps water
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

PREP THE STEAK OR BEEF:

  • Start by patting dry the steak or beef on both sides with paper towels. Generously season the sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Slice into ½-inch thin strips.
  • In a deep skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the steak or beef pieces and sear the steak/beef on the first side for 4-5 minutes or until a brown crust has formed and using tongs, turn them onto their opposite sides-------searing for another 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

TO MAKE THE SAUCE + ASSEMBLE:

  • In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the Tamari or soy sauce, beef stock, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes and whisk everything together until it begins to boil. Reduce heat to low-medium and let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes or so, stirring occasionally. Add the broccoli and allow them to cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
  • In a bowl or cup, mix together the cornstarch and water, until combined and "milk-like" in consistency. Add in the cornstarch mixture into the sauce, stirring until it begins to thicken.
  • Add in the seared steak/beef pieces and toss them until coated along with the broccoli, cooking for another 2-3 minutes or until fully cooked through and sticky. Garnish with sesame seeds.
  • Remove from heat and serve immediately with your favorite side of Basmati rice, Brown rice, or noodles.
  • Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

  • STORAGE: Any leftovers can be kept in a tightly sealed container and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Reheat over the stovetop or microwave until heated through when ready to serve.
  • GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: To make this dish GF, just ensure that all sauce ingredients (including using Tamari sauce instead of soy sauce) are GF-friendly and the best alternative to cornstarch is arrowroot starch and flour is GF flour. 
  • SWEETENER: You can always substitute the honey with maple syrup, organic cane sugar, organic brown sugar, or Agave.

Nutrition

Calories: 28kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 232mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 62mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg

DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?

Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea

Xx, Shanika in script writing

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