This Lemon Garlic Steak and Broccoli Skillet is a quick meal bursting with flavor! Tender steak meets bright lemon and zesty garlic, all cooked with fresh broccoli.
It’s like a party for your taste buds, and the best part? It cooks in one pan! I love how easy the cleanup is—just toss everything in and you’re done!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: I recommend using sirloin or flank steak for their tenderness and flavor. If you’re in a hurry or on a budget, you can also use skirt steak or even chicken for a lighter option!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are ideal for this dish, but if they’re not available, frozen broccoli works too. Just adjust the cooking time, as frozen broccoli cooks faster!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you only have garlic powder, you can use about 1/4 teaspoon. However, I always prefer the fresh stuff for that punchy flavor.
Lemon juice and zest: Fresh lemons provide zestier flavors. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work, but use less since it’s more concentrated—about 1-2 tablespoons should do.
How Do You Get the Steak Just Right?
Getting steak perfectly cooked can be tricky, but here’s how to do it:
- Start by slicing your steak thinly against the grain. This helps it remain tender.
- Use high heat to quickly brown the meat; this locks in the juices.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed. This lets it brown properly!
- Once it’s browned, take it out of the pan to prevent overcooking while you cook the broccoli.
This method will give you delicious, succulent steak every time! Enjoy the bright lemon and garlic flavor that ties it all together. Happy cooking!
Lemon Garlic Steak and Broccoli Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) steak (such as sirloin or flank), thinly sliced into strips
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup beef broth (or water)
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal can be prepared in about 20 minutes. You’ll spend roughly 5 minutes getting everything ready, and then it takes around 15 minutes to cook everything in the skillet. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Steak:
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the thinly sliced steak. Season the steak with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until it’s browned all over. Once browned, transfer the steak to a plate and set it aside.
2. Sautéing the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s heated, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until you can smell the amazing garlic aroma. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Cooking the Broccoli:
Now, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir them well to coat them with the garlic oil. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender. You want it to be crisp, so don’t overcook!
4. Bringing It All Together:
Next, return the cooked steak to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour in the beef broth and lemon juice, then sprinkle the lemon zest over everything. Stir well to combine. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Final Touches:
Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Once you’re satisfied, garnish your dish with fresh, chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the lemon garlic steak and broccoli hot directly from the skillet. This meal is not only simple and quick to prepare, but it’s also flavorful and absolutely delicious! Enjoy every bite!
This recipe truly showcases the rich flavor of steak enhanced by the freshness of lemon and garlic, paired with crunchy broccoli—just a perfect one-pan dinner for any night!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Skillet?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can easily swap in other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or even asparagus. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to achieve the desired tenderness.
What Can I Use Instead of Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken broth or vegetable broth works perfectly as substitutes. Alternatively, you can use water mixed with a bit of soy sauce for added flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep some ingredients ahead of time. Slice the steak, chop the garlic, and broccoli, and even mix the lemon juice and zest the night before. Just cook it all together when you’re ready!
