Growing up in Texas with a Mexican mamá and an American dad, weeknight dinners were always a fusion of cultures—and speed was key. But when I worked in a Michelin 5-star kitchen in D.C., I learned that quick didn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. That’s exactly why Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli is one of my go-to recipes: sweet, savory, ready in 30 minutes, and my kids practically beg for seconds.
I still remember the first time I made this dish at home after a long catering shift. My five kids were scattered across the living room, homework spread everywhere, the dog pacing for his dinner. I threw thin-sliced beef into a hot skillet, heard that sizzle, and instantly felt the stress of the day melt. By the time the glossy garlic-honey sauce coated the beef and broccoli, the air smelled like comfort itself.
What is Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli?
Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli is a quick stir-fry featuring tender strips of beef, crisp broccoli florets, and a silky sauce made from honey, garlic, and soy sauce. The honey balances the savory notes, while garlic brings warmth, and soy sauce adds depth. It’s a classic take-out favorite you can make healthier and faster at home—no mystery ingredients, no excess oil.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli
- Fast & family-friendly – Dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Balanced flavor – Sweet, savory, and garlicky all in one bite.
- Pork-free & alcohol-free – Perfect for a variety of dietary needs.
- Customizable – Swap beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Better than takeout – Fresher, lighter, and more affordable.
Tips for Making the Best Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli
- Slice beef thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
- Use a hot wok or skillet so the meat sears quickly without steaming.
- Blanch broccoli before stir-frying to lock in that bright green color.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed.
- Thicken the sauce with cornstarch slurry for that glossy restaurant finish.
How to Make Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli
This recipe follows a quick-cook method: prep everything before heating the pan, because once you start, it moves fast.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (avocado, canola, or sunflower)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the sauce – In a small bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the broccoli – Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry broccoli for 2–3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Remove and set aside.
- Sear the beef – Add remaining oil to the pan. Stir-fry beef in a single layer for 2–3 minutes until just browned.
- Combine & coat – Return broccoli to the pan. Pour sauce over and toss until everything is coated and the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
- Serve – Plate over steamed rice or noodles and enjoy immediately.
You Must Know
- Prep is key – Have all ingredients chopped and ready before heating the pan.
- The sauce cooks fast – Don’t walk away once you pour it in.
- High heat = better flavor – Quick searing keeps beef tender.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli
- Marinate beef in half the sauce for 15 minutes before cooking for extra depth.
- Use fresh garlic, not powdered—it makes a world of difference.
- For added heat, toss in red pepper flakes or sliced chili.
- Swap broccoli for broccolini if you like longer, more elegant stems.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat – Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer – Not recommended, as broccoli can lose texture after thawing.
Helpful Notes
- To keep this gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
- A non-stick skillet works, but a stainless steel or carbon steel wok gives better browning.
- You can double the sauce if you like extra over your rice.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Kenji López-Alt swears by velveting beef—tossing it with cornstarch and a splash of oil before stir-frying—to keep it ultra-tender.
- Martin Yan recommends blanching vegetables in salted water for both flavor and color.
- Ching-He Huang suggests finishing with a drizzle of sesame oil for aroma.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking beef—it turns tough fast.
- Skipping the blanch step for broccoli—it can turn dull and mushy.
- Using low heat—this steams the beef instead of searing it.
FAQs – Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs work beautifully. Adjust cooking time to avoid drying out.
2. What cut of beef is best?
Flank steak or sirloin—both are tender and slice well against the grain.
3. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) during the last 2 minutes.
4. Is it gluten-free?
Yes—if you use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce.
5. Can I make it ahead?
Prep ingredients ahead, but cook just before serving for best texture.
6. How do I keep broccoli bright green?
Blanch in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, then shock in ice water.
7. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely—bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas are great additions.
8. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli is proof that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to taste amazing. It’s a dish that bridges my busy family life with my fine-dining background—balanced, beautiful, and quick. Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, this is one stir-fry you’ll return to again and again.
Print
Honey Garlic Beef & Broccoli
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tender strips of beef meet crisp broccoli in a sweet, savory garlic-honey sauce for a quick weeknight dinner the whole family loves.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry broccoli for 2–3 minutes until bright green. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil to the pan. Stir-fry beef for 2–3 minutes until browned.
- Return broccoli to the pan. Pour sauce over and toss until everything is coated and sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
For best results, slice beef against the grain for tenderness and blanch broccoli before stir-frying for vibrant color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Honey Garlic Beef, Beef & Broccoli, Stir Fry, Quick Dinner, Asian Beef Recipe
