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Lean Beef & Broccoli Power Bowls - A Simple, Satisfying Weeknight Meal

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

Ingredients
  

  • Lean beef: 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced across the grain
  • Broccoli: 4 cups florets (about 1 large head)
  • Aromatics: 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
  • Green onions: 3 stalks, thinly sliced (whites and greens separated)
  • Neutral oil: 2 tablespoons (avocado, canola, or grapeseed)
  • Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari: 1/4 cup
  • Beef or chicken broth: 1/3 cup (low sodium)
  • Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon
  • Honey or maple syrup: 2 teaspoons
  • Toasted sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
  • Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons (plus 1 teaspoon for optional marinade)
  • Red pepper flakes or sriracha: To taste
  • Black pepper: Freshly ground
  • Base for bowls: 3 cups cooked brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
  • Optional garnishes: Toasted sesame seeds, lime wedges, extra green onions

Method
 

  1. Cook the base: Prepare brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice according to package directions. Keep warm.
  2. Slice the beef: Freeze the steak for 15 minutes to firm it up, then slice thinly against the grain. Pat dry. Toss with a pinch of salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch for a quick velvet texture (optional but recommended).
  3. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, broth, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Set aside.
  4. Prep aromatics: Mince garlic and ginger. Separate green onion whites and greens.
  5. Blanch or steam broccoli: Steam florets for 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender, or blanch in boiling water for 1 minute and drain. Set aside.
  6. Sear the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add half the beef in a single layer. Sear 1–2 minutes per side until browned but still pink in the center. Remove, repeat with remaining beef using another 1/2 tablespoon oil. Do not overcrowd.
  7. Sauté aromatics: Lower heat to medium-high. Add remaining oil if needed. Cook garlic, ginger, and green onion whites for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
  8. Add broccoli and sauce: Return broccoli to the pan. Give the sauce a quick stir and pour it in. Stir until it thickens and coats the broccoli, about 1–2 minutes.
  9. Finish with beef: Add the seared beef and any juices back to the pan. Toss to coat and warm through, 1 minute. Adjust seasoning with more soy, vinegar, or heat as needed.
  10. Assemble: Spoon your base into bowls. Top with beef and broccoli. Garnish with green onion tops, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime if you like.