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Teriyaki Beef & Broccoli Skillet - Fast, Flavorful, Weeknight Favorite

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Beef: 1 to 1.25 pounds flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak, very thinly sliced against the grain
  • Broccoli: 4 cups small florets (fresh preferred; frozen works in a pinch)
  • Oil: 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola, avocado, or vegetable)
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Ginger: 1 tablespoon fresh, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground in a pinch)
  • Soy sauce: 1/3 cup (use low-sodium if preferred)
  • Brown sugar: 3 tablespoons, packed (or use honey)
  • Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon (or apple cider vinegar)
  • Sesame oil: 1 to 2 teaspoons, to finish
  • Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons, plus 2 tablespoons water for slurry
  • Red pepper flakes: Pinch, optional for heat
  • Green onions: 2, thinly sliced, for garnish
  • Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon, toasted, for garnish
  • Cooked rice or noodles: For serving
  • Salt and pepper: To season, as needed

Method
 

  1. Prep the beef: Freeze the steak for 15–20 minutes to firm it up. Slice very thinly against the grain. Pat dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Make the teriyaki sauce: In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). In a separate small cup, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry and set aside.
  3. Blanch or steam broccoli (optional, for extra-crisp results): Steam florets for 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender, then drain well. If skipping this step, plan to cook broccoli a bit longer in the skillet.
  4. Heat the skillet: Set a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and swirl to coat.
  5. Sear the beef in batches: Add half the beef in a single layer. Sear 1–2 minutes per side until just browned. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining oil and beef. Do not overcook.
  6. Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add a splash more oil if the pan looks dry. Add garlic and ginger (if you reserved some) and cook 20–30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up browned bits.
  7. Cook the broccoli: Add broccoli to the pan. Stir-fry 2–3 minutes (longer if not pre-steamed) until crisp-tender.
  8. Add sauce and thicken: Pour in the teriyaki mixture and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook 30–60 seconds until the sauce turns glossy and thickens slightly.
  9. Return beef and finish: Add the beef and any juices back to the pan. Toss to coat. Drizzle with sesame oil, taste, and adjust with a splash of soy or a pinch of sugar if needed.
  10. Serve: Top with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or noodles.