Name: Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; ½ cup beef broth; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided; 3 cups broccoli florets; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced; ½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional); cooked white rice for serving

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If you’re looking for a fast and crave-worthy meal that delivers restaurant-level flavor with minimal fuss, Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a must-try recipe that you’ll come back to again and again. This brilliant dish matches juicy, tender beef with fresh, vibrant broccoli, all wrapped up in a luscious, savory-sweet sauce you can practically make in your sleep. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or simply obsessed with classic takeout favorites, Chinese Beef and Broccoli brings bold flavors and vibrant colors to the table, capturing the heart of Chinese home cooking in every bite.

Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Chinese Beef and Broccoli, a handful of straightforward, flavorful ingredients truly make magic happen. Each one plays a vital role, working together to build layers of savory, aromatic, and slightly sweet notes that create this signature stir fry.

Flank steak, thinly sliced: Slicing against the grain ensures melt-in-your-mouth beef with every bite.
Soy sauce: This foundational seasoning gives a deep, salty umami that infuses both beef and sauce.
Oyster sauce: Adds a uniquely savory, caramel-like richness that sets Chinese Beef and Broccoli apart from other stir fries.
Cornstarch: Acts as a marinade tenderizer and helps thicken the sauce so it beautifully coats every ingredient.
Rice vinegar: Balances out the salty-savory flavors with a welcome tartness.
Brown sugar: A hint of sweetness deepens the sauce and rounds off the sharp edges.
Beef broth: Adds body to the sauce and boosts the meaty flavor overall.
Vegetable oil: Neutral oil perfect for high-heat stir-frying that lets the star flavors shine.
Broccoli florets: Crisp-tender broccoli provides color, texture, and a fresh contrast to the beef.
Garlic, minced: For that irresistible aroma that makes everyone ask “What’s cooking?”
Fresh ginger, minced: Adds warmth and zing to brighten the dish.
Sesame oil (optional): Just a tiny drizzle for authentic, nutty aroma at the very end.
Cooked white rice: A fluffy, simple base that soaks up every drop of flavor.

How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by whisking together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and beef broth in a medium bowl. Add the thinly sliced flank steak, tossing well to coat every piece in this glossy, savory marinade. Let the beef soak up those flavors for at least 15 minutes—though if you have more time, up to an hour will make it even more tender and tasty.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Broccoli

Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until they turn bright green and just start to soften. The broccoli should be crisp yet tender—a perfect contrast to the rich sauce. Scoop the broccoli onto a plate and set aside for now.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to your pan, swirling to coat. Lay the marinated beef in a single layer and let it cook, undisturbed, for 1–2 minutes per side. This ensures gorgeous browning and juicy, tender strips. You’re looking for a sizzle and the beginnings of a golden crust—don’t move the beef around too much so it can really caramelize.

Step 4: Add Aromatics

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This quick step infuses the oil and beef with deep Chinese flavor—just the smell of it will make everyone hungry.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked broccoli to the pan and toss everything together with the beef and aromatics. Pour in any remaining marinade and let it all bubble together for another 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and turns silky. If you’re a sesame lover, finish with a drizzle of sesame oil for even more authenticity.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon the finished Chinese Beef and Broccoli over hot, fluffy white rice. Every bite is saucy, savory, and totally irresistible.

How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Garnishes

Finish your Chinese Beef and Broccoli with a scattering of sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a few red chili flakes for a pop of color and gentle heat. These little touches make the dish so much more inviting and add a hint of crunch or zing with every spoonful.

Side Dishes

This classic stir fry is delicious on its own, but you can round out your meal with sides like steamed jasmine rice, simple fried rice, or delicate egg drop soup. Even quick stir-fried baby bok choy or snap peas make a perfect companion to the rich, savory beef and snappy broccoli.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Chinese Beef and Broccoli in individual rice bowls for an easy dinner party presentation, or load it into lettuce wraps for a fresh, crunchy alternative to rice. For a family-style meal, pile everything onto a big platter and let everyone help themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Chinese Beef and Broccoli has cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep wonderfully for up to 3 days, making it a lifesaver for quick lunches or a head-start on dinner later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Chinese Beef and Broccoli for up to 2 months. For best texture, cool the stir fry completely, then spoon into freezer-safe containers. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat Chinese Beef and Broccoli in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each, until hot and steamy again.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! Flank steak is classic thanks to its tenderness, but skirt steak or sirloin work well too. Just remember to slice thinly and against the grain for that signature texture in Chinese Beef and Broccoli.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Absolutely. Simply swap the regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and double-check your oyster sauce label to make sure it’s gluten-free.

What vegetables can I add or substitute?

While broccoli is the star of Chinese Beef and Broccoli, you can toss in snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, or even mushrooms for extra color and crunch. Just stir-fry firm veggies first before returning the beef to the pan.

How do I keep the beef extra tender?

Marinating the beef with cornstarch softens the fibers, but for an even more tender bite, give it a bit more time in the marinade—up to an hour works wonders.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! If you’re cooking for a crowd, feel free to double all the ingredients, but stir fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure everything browns beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you love the comfort of your favorite takeout but crave something fresher and more satisfying, I can’t encourage you enough to try Chinese Beef and Broccoli at home. It’s fast, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to make any night feel special. Once you’ve tasted just how easy and rewarding homemade Chinese Beef and Broccoli is, it will absolutely earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

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4.8 from 6 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 delicious and savory dish that combines tender slices of beef with vibrant broccoli in a flavorful sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade:

1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
½ cup beef broth

Stir-Fry:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
3 cups broccoli florets
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
cooked white rice for serving

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Instructions

Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and beef broth. Add sliced beef, coat well, and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Stir-Fry: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet. Stir-fry broccoli until tender, then set aside. Add remaining oil, brown beef, add garlic and ginger, then return broccoli. Pour in remaining sauce, cook until thickened. Drizzle with sesame oil.