Beef And Broccoli For One

Who says you can’t enjoy a delicious, restaurant-style meal right at home, and just for you? Enter our single serve Beef and Broccoli For One – a simple, quick, and incredibly flavorful dish that transforms your dinner into a special occasion.

Picture tender slices of beef and fresh, crunchy broccoli, all coated in a rich, savory stir-fry sauce. It’s a classic dish made perfectly portioned for one, proving that a satisfying meal doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. This recipe is all about bringing that takeout favorite to your table in less than 30 minutes, using a single pan for a fuss-free cleanup.

this Recipe

Explore more single serving Asian-inspired flavors with our selection of dishes, including Kung Pao Chicken, Pepper Steak, Mongolian Beef, and Shrimp Fried Rice.

Ingredients

Notes and Substitutions

This section provides a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this easy Beef and Broccoli recipe. For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

• Fresh Ginger: It adds a warm, spicy flavor to any dish. If fresh ginger isn’t available, you can substitute with 1/8 tsp of ground ginger. Consider using fresh ginger for this recipe and then explore its versatility in our other dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala, Thai Shrimp Soup, and a refreshing Green Smoothie. It’s a great way to make the most of this and other ingredients by trying various recipes from our website.
• Garlic: Key for aroma and flavor, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
• Soy Sauce: Provides the salty, umami depth. I like using low-sodium soy sauce so I can better control the salt content of the dish. For a gluten-free alternative, use Tamari.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the flavors with sweetness. Honey or maple syrup are great substitutes. If you don’t have brown sugar, consider making a small batch with our brown sugar recipe.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce.
• Flank Steak: Lean and flavorsome, but sirloin or chuck steak can be used too. If you have a little extra meat leftover, consider using it in Carne Asada or Steak Fajitas.
• Olive Oil: In my Beef and Broccoli recipe and all others needing olive oil, I use extra virgin olive oil, the least processed and highest quality type. It retains the authentic olive flavor and more nutrients. While it’s my preferred choice, light olive oil is a suitable substitute.
• Broccoli Florets: The star vegetable, but feel free to add bell peppers or snap peas for variety. If you have leftover broccoli, you love using it in a Broccoli Salad or in Chicken Divan.
• Sesame Seeds: Add a nutty crunch. Optional but recommended.

How To Thinly Slice Flank Steak For Beef And Broccoli

1. Freeze the steak for 20 minutes before slicing. This will make the steak easier to slice and will help to prevent it from tearing. If you don’t have time to freeze the steak, you can still slice it thinly. However, it will be a little more difficult and the steak may tear more easily.
2. Use a sharp knife. A sharp knife will make it easier to slice the steak thinly and evenly.
3. Slice against the grain. This will help to tenderize the steak and make it easier to chew.
4. Hold the steak with one hand and slice it with the other. Use a sawing motion to slice the steak thinly.
5. Cut the steak into strips that are about 1/4-inch thick. This is the ideal thickness for Beef and Broccoli.

How To Make Beef And Broccoli For One

These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make this easy Beef and Broccoli recipe. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

1. Prep the Steak: To simplify slicing, first place the steak in the freezer for 20 minutes. Then, slice it into 1/4-inch strips and set them aside.

2. Create the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, water, brown sugar, cornstarch, and pepper. Stir well and set aside.

3. Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1/2 tablespoon of oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli florets, cover with a lid, and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, occasionally turning the florets until they are crisp-tender. Then, transfer the broccoli to a plate and cover to keep warm.

4. Sear the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Once hot, place the beef in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through.

5. Simmer the Sauce: Add the prepared sauce to the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens. If needed, thin the sauce with a tablespoon or two of water.

6. Combine and Heat: Return the broccoli to the pan, stirring to combine everything well.

7. Serve: Dish out over cooked rice and enjoy your homemade Beef and Broccoli.

Expert Tips

• Read through the entire recipe and the Ingredient Notes section of the post and gather your ingredients. We provide a lot of information within the body of this recipe post to ensure that your Beef and Broccoli comes out perfectly every time. This dish comes together quickly so it’s a good idea to fully understand the recipe and have everything ready before beginning.
• Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready to go – stir-frying is a fast process!
• Slice Against the Grain: Cut the beef against the grain for tender, easy-to-chew slices.
• Cooking the Beef: For a perfect sear, use medium-high heat.
• Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness by adding a bit more water if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Looking for ways to serve Beef and Broccoli? Here are some ideas:

• Serve Over Rice: A bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice makes a classic pairing.
• Noodle It Up: Swap rice with buttered noodles for a twist.
• Extra Greens: Toss in extra veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for more nutrition and color.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of light red wine, like Pinot Noir, complements the dish beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve made this easy Beef and Broccoli stir fry recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Please rate the recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Snapped a photo? Tag us on Instagram; we’d be thrilled to see your creation!

Beef And Broccoli For One

5 from 6 votes

By: Joanie Zisk

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Total: 25 minutes mins

Servings: 1 serving

SaveSaved Pin Print

Prepare a delicious, single serving Beef and Broccoli in less than 30 minutes! This easy, one-pan dish offers a hearty, flavorful meal with little effort.

Equipment

• 10-inch skillet

Ingredients 

USMetric

 

1x2x

• ▢ 1 (6 to 8 ounce) flank steak

Stir Fry Sauce Ingredients

• ▢ ¼ teaspoon freshly grated ginger , loosely packed
• ▢ 1 clove garlic , minced
• ▢ 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• ▢ 2 tablespoons water
• ▢ 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ▢ 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• ▢ ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

For the beef and broccoli

• ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil , divided
• ▢ 1 cup broccoli florets
• ▢ ½ teaspoon sesame seeds

To serve

• ▢ 1 cup cooked rice (optional)

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions 

Prep the steak

• To simplify slicing, first place the steak in the freezer for 20 minutes. Then, slice it into 1/4-inch strips and set them aside.

Make the sauce

• In a small bowl, mix together ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, water, brown sugar, cornstarch, and pepper. Stir well and set aside.

Cook the broccoli

• Heat 1/2 tablespoon of oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli florets, cover with a lid, and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, occasionally turning the florets until they are crisp-tender. Then, transfer the broccoli to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Sear the beef and simmer the sauce

• Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Once hot, place the beef in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through.
• Add the prepared sauce to the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens. If needed, thin the sauce with a tablespoon or two of water.
• Return the broccoli to the pan, stirring to combine everything well.

Serve

• Dish out over cooked rice and enjoy your homemade Beef and Broccoli.

Notes

• Read through the entire recipe and the Ingredient Notes section of the post and gather your ingredients. We provide a lot of information within the body of this recipe post to ensure that your Beef and Broccoli comes out perfectly every time. This dish comes together quickly so it’s a good idea to fully understand the recipe and have everything ready before beginning.
• Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready to go – stir-frying is a fast process!
• Slice Against the Grain: Cut the beef against the grain for tender, easy-to-chew slices.
• Cooking the Beef: For a perfect sear, use medium-high heat.
• Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness by adding a bit more water if needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 597kcal, Carbohydrates: 20g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 164g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 16g, Cholesterol: 147mg, Sodium: 1123mg, Potassium: 1046mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 13g, Vitamin A: 567IU, Vitamin C: 81mg, Calcium: 63mg, Iron: 1mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Receive Our Latest Single Serving Recipes!

Sign Up for the weekly One Dish Kitchen Newsletter!!