beef and broccoli recipe

When I was in college, my tiny apartment kitchen saw more boxed mac and cheese than anything else. But once a week, I’d treat myself to takeout — always beef and broccoli. One night, after a long study session and no delivery budget in sight, I decided to recreate it myself. Turns out, it was shockingly doable! Juicy slices of steak, crisp-tender broccoli, and that savory brown sauce? Perfection — and way better than the soggy container version.

this Recipe

This is one of those easy college dinners that makes you feel like a rockstar in your own kitchen. Whether you’re just learning to stir-fry or need a break from ramen, this dish delivers rich, comforting flavor in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and easy to adapt for gluten-free roommates or picky friends.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe checks every box for college cooking. It’s fast, flavorful, and doesn’t require any fancy equipment — just a pan and a hungry appetite. Perfect for weeknights when your brain’s fried but your stomach’s not.

The bold, garlicky sauce clings to tender beef and bright broccoli, giving you that takeout-style satisfaction — but with fresher ingredients and lower sodium. If you’re craving easy college dinners that don’t taste like shortcuts, this one hits the spot.

It’s also totally customizable. Swap out proteins, go gluten-free, or double it up for leftovers. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’ll quickly become your go-to stir-fry.

Even better? Cleanup’s a breeze. So you can spend more time studying (or let’s be real, Netflixing) and less time scrubbing.

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Ingredient Overview

This dish brings together classic Chinese-American flavors in a way that’s cozy, bold, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of meal you can throw together on a Tuesday night, yet it tastes like something you’d splurge on at a restaurant. One of my top picks for easy college dinners.

• Flank Steak: Affordable and flavorful. Slice it thinly against the grain for that tender bite.

• Soy Sauce & Dark Soy Sauce: The base of the sauce — salty, umami, and delicious.

• Shaoxing Wine or Dry Sherry: Adds depth to the sauce. Sub with dry sherry to keep it gluten-free.

• Broccoli Florets: Bright, crunchy, and great for soaking up that savory glaze.

• Garlic & Ginger: Aromatic heroes that build rich, authentic flavor in just seconds.

• Cornstarch: Helps the sauce thicken and the beef get that glossy coating.

• Brown Sugar: A hint of sweetness to balance the boldness.

• Chicken Stock: Rounds out the sauce and keeps it silky.

• Peanut Oil: Traditional in stir-fries. Use vegetable oil if that’s what you’ve got.

Styling Tip: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced scallions for a quick, photogenic finish.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Slice and Marinate the Beef

Start by slicing your flank steak into thin strips against the grain — about ¼ inch thick. This helps the meat stay tender when cooked. In a bowl, mix the beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and peanut oil. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prep the rest. Marinating is key in easy college dinners to build flavor fast.

Step 2: Mix Up the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken stock, both soy sauces, brown sugar, Shaoxing wine (or sherry), and cornstarch. Set it aside. This deeply savory sauce is what gives this stir-fry its signature taste and makes it a go-to for easy college dinners with bold flavor.

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

Pour ¼ cup water into a large skillet and bring it to a simmer. Toss in your broccoli, cover the pan, and steam for just a minute until it turns bright green. Drain and set aside. Tip: Don’t overcook — you want that crisp bite!

Step 4: Sear the Beef

Heat oil in the same skillet until shimmering. Spread the marinated beef in a single layer and let it sear undisturbed for about 30 seconds. Flip and cook another 20 seconds. You’re going for that lovely charred edge — a hallmark of great easy college dinners.

Step 5: Add the Garlic and Ginger

Toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir quickly to release the aroma — just 15 seconds is all it takes to deepen the flavor and bring that classic stir-fry scent to life.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the steamed broccoli to the skillet. Give the sauce a quick stir (to re-dissolve the cornstarch) and pour it in. Stir everything together and cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and glazes the meat and broccoli beautifully.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the beef and broccoli over hot cooked rice and serve immediately. This is one of those easy college dinners that feels like a treat but comes together with weeknight speed.

Pro Tips

If you’re short on time (or motivation), prep your veggies and marinate the beef in the morning. This makes easy college dinners even faster to throw together after class.

Slice your beef as thinly as possible — partially freezing it for 10 minutes makes cutting a breeze. This ensures quick cooking and tender results, two hallmarks of good easy college dinners.

Swap peanut oil for vegetable or canola oil if you’re working with limited pantry staples — no flavor will be lost.

Don’t skip the cornstarch! It’s not just for thickening the sauce — it also gives the beef that silky, takeout-style texture that makes easy college dinners taste gourmet.

Leftovers reheat beautifully. Store them in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of water in a skillet. You can also wrap the stir-fry in warm tortillas for a fusion twist on lunch the next day.

And if you love fast skillet meals, you might also enjoy our chicken breast skillet recipes — ideal for weeknights.

Variations

Want to mix it up? Swap out beef for chicken or tofu for an equally satisfying twist. Chicken cooks even quicker, making this one of the most adaptable easy college dinners out there.

Gluten-free? You’re covered. Use tamari in place of soy sauce and dry sherry instead of Shaoxing wine — no flavor sacrificed.

Add more veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for a color-packed plate. These extras add crunch and help stretch the dish into more portions — a win for budget-conscious easy college dinners.

Short on rice? Spoon the stir-fry over noodles or even quinoa. I’ve even served it with cauliflower rice during finals week when I needed lighter meals.

Craving more low-effort meals with bold flavor? Try our crockpot bourbon chicken — it’s set-it-and-forget-it magic, especially for slow Sundays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

Serve this beef and broccoli over fluffy white rice, jasmine if you have it — the sauce soaks in beautifully. For a cozy night in, pair it with chilled iced green tea or a quick miso soup. It also goes great with a simple cucumber salad or edamame on the side if you’re feeling fancy.

If you’re prepping easy college dinners for a group, this recipe doubles easily and makes a colorful, delicious spread. I’ve even packed it into meal-prep containers with rice and some healthy snack recipes for midweek lunches. It’s the kind of meal that makes dorm or apartment living feel a little more like home.

Conclusion

This dish proves that flavorful, satisfying meals don’t require hours in the kitchen or a mile-long ingredient list. With just a skillet and a few pantry staples, you can whip up a dinner that feels like takeout — only better. That’s the heart of what I love about creating easy college dinners like this one: they remind us that comfort and joy can be stirred up in a single pan.

Whether you’re cooking solo, feeding roommates, or impressing your study group, this beef and broccoli is a celebration of flavor, simplicity, and that can-do kitchen spirit.
I hope you give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving something bold and delicious! It’s a favorite in my collection of easy college dinners, and I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Leave a comment below with your twist, or tag me in your dinner pics on pinterest — I adore seeing what you’re cooking up! Let’s keep inspiring each other, one meal at a time.

From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking!