If you’re craving that irresistible blend of tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and glossy, savory sauce you get from your favorite takeout spot, the Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner. This dish brings together classic flavors with just the right balance of salty, sweet, and umami, all ready in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, it’s a sure-fire crowd-pleaser that’s both dazzlingly delicious and surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the most wonderful things about the Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is how it transforms simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients into something truly special. Each component brings its own character, from the rich savoriness of the sauces to the pop of green from the broccoli.
- Flank steak (1 pound, thinly sliced against the grain): This cut cooks up tender and juicy, especially when sliced thinly for quick stir-frying.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps velvet the beef, creating that silky, restaurant-style texture while thickening the sauce.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Delivers depth and saltiness, anchoring the sauce with classic umami flavor.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a rich, slightly sweet undertone and complexity to the overall dish.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice for balance.
- Sesame oil (2 teaspoons): Infuses the stir-fry with nutty aroma and authentic flavor—don’t skip it!
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the savory notes and enhances caramelization.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering the other flavors.
- Broccoli florets (3 cups): Crisp, green, and vibrant—they soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds punchy aroma and extra flavor depth.
- Beef broth or water (1/2 cup): Forms the base of the sauce and keeps everything juicy.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Gives you that final control over seasoning—it’s all about balance.
- Sesame seeds and green onions (optional, for garnish): These are the finishing touches that make your dish look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by tossing your thinly sliced flank steak with cornstarch and a tablespoon of soy sauce in a medium bowl. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 to 20 minutes. This step works wonders—softening the meat and infusing it with flavor, while the cornstarch gives that signature velvety texture you love in Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe dishes.
Step 2: Mix Up the Sauce
While the beef is marinating, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and beef broth in a small bowl. This quick, flavorful sauce is the secret weapon for that glossy finish and craveable taste, so take a moment to make sure everything is blended well.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Broccoli
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry them for three to four minutes until they’re bright green and just tender—still with a bit of crunch. Once done, transfer the broccoli to a plate and set it aside. This keeps the broccoli perfectly crisp when you add it back later.
Step 4: Brown the Beef
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Arrange the marinated beef in a single layer and let it sear for two to three minutes without moving it—this helps develop a rich, caramelized crust. Flip the pieces and cook for another one to two minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing at this point!
Step 5: Add Garlic and Broccoli, Then Sauce
Sprinkle the minced garlic over the sizzling beef and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Return the broccoli to the pan, then pour in your prepared sauce. Toss everything together, making sure the sauce coats every bite. Let it simmer for two to three minutes until it thickens up and glazes the beef and broccoli beautifully.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Season the stir-fry with salt and pepper to your liking. If you want, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a snazzy finish. Serve your Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe hot over a bed of steamed rice, and get ready for smiles all around the table.
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of thinly sliced green onions truly elevate the presentation and add bursts of flavor and color. If you like a little heat, a scattering of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil can also give the Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe a spicy kick.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry is classic over fluffy steamed jasmine rice, but it also pairs beautifully with brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter twist. If you want to go all out, serve it alongside spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or a crisp Asian slaw to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe in lettuce cups for a fresh, low-carb take. You can also spoon it over noodles or pile it into a bento box for an eye-catching lunch. It’s just as wonderful as part of a family-style dinner spread, letting everyone help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making each bite just as satisfying (if not more!) the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to two months. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. The broccoli may lose some crunch, but the flavors will still be fantastic.
Reheating
To reheat, simply add the leftovers to a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring gently until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each, to avoid overcooking the broccoli or drying out the beef.
FAQs
What cut of beef works best for Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe?
Flank steak is the classic choice because it cooks up quickly and stays tender when sliced thinly against the grain. If you can’t find flank, skirt steak or sirloin are great alternatives.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the soy sauce for tamari and make sure your oyster and hoisin sauces are labeled gluten-free. You’ll have an equally tasty Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe that everyone can enjoy.
Is it possible to use chicken or tofu instead of beef?
Definitely! The stir-fry technique and sauce work beautifully with thinly sliced chicken breast or firm tofu. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for your protein of choice.
How do I keep the broccoli vibrant and crisp?
Don’t overcook it! Stir-frying for just a few minutes keeps it green and gives it that satisfying bite. For extra tender broccoli, you can blanch it quickly before stir-frying.
Can I double the Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Just be sure to cook the beef in batches so it browns instead of steaming. Double all the sauce ingredients, and you’ll have plenty to coat every piece perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about whipping up a Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe at home—it’s fun, fast, and unbelievably rewarding. Once you try it, I have a feeling it’ll become a permanent star in your dinner rotation. So gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a homemade takeout classic tonight!
Print
Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This classic Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender flank steak is marinated and cooked with crisp broccoli florets in a savory sauce made from soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces, accented with garlic and sesame oil. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish delivers delicious, takeout-style flavors that pair perfectly with steamed rice.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking Oils and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced flank steak with cornstarch and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes to tenderize and coat the beef.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and beef broth. Set this flavorful sauce mixture aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they turn bright green and become just tender. Remove broccoli from the pan and set aside.
- Sear the Beef: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Spread the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes until browned on one side. Flip and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Combine: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the broccoli to the pan and pour in the sauce mixture. Toss everything together to coat well, then simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the beef and broccoli.
- Season and Garnish: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish the dish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Blanch the broccoli for 1 minute before stir-frying if you prefer a softer texture.
- Substitute tamari sauce for soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers reheat well and are perfect for meal prep lunches or dinners.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (without rice)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
