Description
This Sesame Beef and Broccoli recipe features tender slices of beef flank steak stir-fried with bright green broccoli florets in a sticky, flavorful sesame sauce. Served over steamed rice and garnished with sliced green onions, this dish is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
The Basics:
- 1 lb. beef flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 1-inch knob fresh peeled ginger, grated or sliced
- 1.5 cups uncooked white rice or brown rice (or a bag of cauliflower rice)
- Thinly sliced green onions for serving
The Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (or substitute with coconut sugar)
- 1 tablespoon sambal oelek
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (substitute with white vinegar if needed)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Beef Prep: Freeze the beef flank steak for 30 minutes to 1 hour to make slicing easier. Slice against the grain into very thin strips. Toss the beef strips with a generous pinch of coarse salt and let them rest while preparing the other ingredients. This step enhances flavor and texture.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together low sodium soy sauce, water, brown sugar, sambal oelek, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch until well combined and smooth.
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the rice according to the package instructions, either white or brown rice, or cook cauliflower rice as a low-carb option.
- Stir Fry the Beef: Heat a large heavy skillet over medium heat and add a splash of vegetable oil. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, place the beef strips in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to develop a nice brown crust, then flip and cook the other side until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Broccoli: In the same skillet, add another splash of oil. Add the broccoli florets and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green. Optionally, add a splash of water to steam the broccoli slightly for tenderness. Remove broccoli from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Combine: Reduce the heat to low and let the pan cool slightly. Add a final splash of oil, then the grated ginger and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir constantly until it thickens into a sticky glaze. Return the beef and broccoli to the pan and toss gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the sesame beef and broccoli over the cooked rice. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Freezing the beef before slicing makes it easier to cut thin, uniform strips which improves texture.
- You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a less refined option.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust sambal oelek to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
- Add a splash of water when cooking broccoli to steam for softer texture without overcooking.
- Serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
