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Beef & Broccoli Meal Prep - Simple, Flavorful, and Ready for the Week

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds (680 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into bite-size florets (about 5–6 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado, canola, or vegetable), divided
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger in a pinch)
  • 3 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (adds depth; substitute hoisin if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1–2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
  • 3–4 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 4 cups cauliflower rice, sautéed
  • 8 ounces cooked rice noodles

Instructions

  • Slice the beef: Freeze the steak for 20–30 minutes to firm it up. Slice thinly against the grain, about 1/8–1/4 inch thick. Pat dry to remove excess moisture.
  • Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, beef broth, cornstarch, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Reserve 2 tablespoons of this mixture to briefly marinate the beef.
  • Marinate the beef: Toss the sliced beef with the reserved sauce. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes while you prep the broccoli and aromatics.
  • Prep the broccoli: Cut into small, even florets. Peel and slice the thick stem into thin matchsticks so nothing goes to waste.
  • Blanch or steam the broccoli: For crisp-tender broccoli, steam or blanch for 2 minutes, then drain. This step helps it stay bright and slightly firm after reheating.
  • Heat the pan: Use a large skillet or wok. Add 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Sear the beef in batches: Add half the beef in a single layer. Sear 1–2 minutes per side until browned but still slightly pink. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining oil and beef. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
  • Sauté aromatics: Lower heat to medium. Add garlic and ginger to the pan. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  • Add broccoli and sauce: Return broccoli to the pan. Whisk the sauce again (cornstarch settles) and pour it in. Cook 1–2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
  • Finish with beef: Add the seared beef and any juices back to the pan. Toss 30–60 seconds to coat and finish cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning with a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of sugar as needed.
  • Assemble meal prep bowls: Divide your base (rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles) into 4–5 containers. Top with beef and broccoli. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
  • Cool before sealing: Let the containers sit uncovered for 10–15 minutes so steam escapes. Then seal and refrigerate.