This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is truly my go-to for nights when I want a quick, delicious, and comforting meal that never disappoints. Succulent slices of beef mingle with vibrant broccoli florets in a velvety, savory sauce that rivals any restaurant takeout. It comes together faster than you’d imagine, bursting with the bold, classic flavors you crave. Whether you’re a stir fry fan or just looking for a weeknight winner, this dish is bound to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation!

Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s all about nailing those simple but key ingredients—the beauty of this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is that every component pulls its weight in flavor, tenderness, and visual appeal. Take a peek at what you’ll need, plus a quick tip for each to help you get the best results.

Flank steak or sirloin (1 pound, sliced thin): Choose a tender cut and always slice against the grain for melt-in-your-mouth beef.
Soy sauce or tamari (2 tablespoons): Adds that essential, salty umami; tamari keeps things gluten-free if needed.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): This little secret gives the beef its signature silky coating and helps thicken the sauce.
Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Neutral and ideal for high-heat stir-frying.
Broccoli florets (4 cups): Go for fresh, bite-sized pieces; they soak up the sauce beautifully and stay crisp-tender.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic transforms the aroma and depth—absolutely a must!
Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Just a hint of grated ginger lifts and brightens your entire stir fry.
Beef broth or water (¼ cup): A splash of liquid steams the broccoli and softens the veggies perfectly.
Soy sauce or tamari (¼ cup, for sauce): This goes into the savory sauce, so don’t skip or skimp!
Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings a deep, slightly sweet complexity that defines classic takeout flavor.
Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Just enough to balance the salty and savory notes in the sauce.
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Infuses the sauce with a fragrant, nutty finish—use toasted for extra depth.
Cornstarch mixed with water (1 tablespoon each, optional): Mix if you love your sauce extra thick and glossy.

How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by tossing your thinly sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. This quick marinade works wonders to tenderize the meat while adding that signature savory flavor and velvet texture you find in restaurant stir fries. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes while you prep the rest of your ingredients—you’ll appreciate the difference in every bite!

Step 2: Whisk the Sauce

Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and the optional cornstarch mixture in a small bowl. Stir until all the brown sugar is dissolved. This sauce is basically your flavor bomb, so don’t skip or rush this step—the balance of salty, sweet, and savory is what makes this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe truly crave-worthy.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or roomy wok over medium-high heat. Spread the marinated beef in a single layer to ensure even searing. Let them sizzle for about 2–3 minutes per side until they’re beautifully browned but still tender. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed for perfect results. Once done, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Broccoli

In the same pan, add the rest of your oil. Toss in the fresh broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, just until their green color turns vivid and they’re beginning to soften but still have some snap. This keeps the broccoli crisp-tender and bursting with color—a true hallmark of Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe.

Step 5: Add Aromatics and Steam

Quickly stir in your garlic and ginger, letting their fragrance bloom without burning. Pour in the beef broth or water, cover the pan, and allow the broccoli to steam for another 2 minutes. This trick makes the florets perfectly tender while absorbing all the garlicky, gingery goodness.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the seared beef to the pan, pour in your whisked sauce, and toss everything thoroughly so the beef and broccoli are well coated. Give it another 1–2 minutes over heat, letting the sauce thicken and glisten. And there you have it—the ultimate Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe, piping hot and ready for your dinner table!

How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or finely sliced green onions for an eye-catching finish. A light drizzle of extra sesame oil or a grind of black pepper can also bring a fresh, aromatic touch to each serving. These simple toppings make your Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe look and taste restaurant-special!

Side Dishes

You can never go wrong with a bowl of fluffy steamed jasmine rice—it’s the ultimate canvas for soaking up all that luscious sauce. For a little extra, try serving with simple garlic noodles, sautéed bok choy, or even a side of vegetable fried rice. These sides keep the meal balanced and satisfying while letting the Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe shine front and center.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the usual: serve the Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe on a large platter for sharing, nestled in lettuce wraps for a fresh, hand-held spin, or even atop crispy chow mein noodles for a change of texture. Don’t be shy about playing with presentation—the bold, glossy sauce and bright veggies make for a stunning plate, however you set it out!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Properly kept, your Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or a revisit later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze for future meals, portion it out and make sure it’s sealed tight to prevent freezer burn. The beef and broccoli will keep well for up to 2 months. Tip: For best texture, undercook the broccoli just a touch before freezing so it doesn’t go mushy when reheated.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the beef or soften the broccoli too much. Stir gently but thoroughly—you’ll be amazed how delicious your Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe tastes the second time around!

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! Flank steak is a classic, but sirloin, skirt steak, or even thinly sliced ribeye work beautifully. The key is to slice your beef thinly, always against the grain, for the best texture in your Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe.

Is oyster sauce necessary for this recipe?

Oyster sauce gives a signature depth and subtle sweetness, but if you need a substitute, you can use more soy sauce with a dash of hoisin and a pinch of sugar. It won’t be quite the same, but your Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe will still taste fantastic.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the beef for tofu or tempeh (pan-fried until golden) and use mushroom or vegetable broth. Opt for a vegetarian oyster sauce (made from mushrooms) to keep the savory flavor profile intact.

How can I make this recipe lower in sodium?

Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, and consider reducing the oyster sauce slightly. Taste the sauce before adding more salt, as the flavors are plenty bold in this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe!

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to toss in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots for extra color and crunch. This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is super versatile—make it your own by adapting the veggie mix to your taste and what’s in your fridge.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a fast, truly satisfying dinner that brings the magic of takeout right to your kitchen, give this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe a try. It’s bold, fresh, and sure to earn a spot in your family’s favorites. Gather your ingredients and get ready to stir fry your way to pure mealtime happiness!

Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish that you can easily recreate at home. Tender slices of beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce come together to make a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

For the beef:

1 pound flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain)
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)

For the sauce:

¼ cup soy sauce or tamari
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)

Additional:

4 cups broccoli florets
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
¼ cup beef broth or water

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Instructions

Marinate the beef: Toss the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Let marinate for 15–20 minutes.
Prepare the sauce: Whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
Cook the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok. Sear the marinated beef for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the broccoli: In the same pan, add the remaining oil and sauté broccoli for 2–3 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, and beef broth. Cover and steam for another 2 minutes.
Combine everything: Return the beef to the pan, pour in the sauce, and toss to coat. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

To keep the beef tender, slice it thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking.
For a lower-sodium version, use reduced-sodium soy sauce.
You can add bell peppers or snap peas for extra veggies.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Chinese-American