Chinese Beef And Broccoli
This Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and delicious take on a classic favorite. Juicy, tender beef is stir-fried with crisp broccoli in a rich, savory sauce that’s slightly sweet, garlicky, and full of umami. It’s easy to make in just one pan and comes together faster than takeout! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles. Plus, you can customize it with different proteins or spice levels. Once you try it, you’ll never look back at store-bought again!
Ingredients
Ingredients for Chinese Beef and Broccoli
For the Beef:
- 1 lb 450g flank steak – Thinly sliced against the grain (can also use sirloin or ribeye)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch – Helps tenderize the beef and thicken the sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce – Adds flavor and helps marinate the meat
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil – For cooking
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce – Regular soy sauce works too but low-sodium keeps it from being too salty
- 1/4 cup beef broth – Adds depth; can substitute with water
- 2 tbsp brown sugar – Balances the salty and savory flavors
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce – Adds richness optional, but highly recommended
- 1 tbsp cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced – Fresh garlic is best for bold flavor
- 1 tsp grated ginger – Optional but adds a fresh slightly spicy kick
For the Broccoli:
- 3 cups broccoli florets – Fresh is best but frozen works (just thaw and pat dry first)
- 1 tbsp water – Helps steam the broccoli
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil – For stir-frying
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes – If you like a little heat
- Sesame seeds – For garnish
- Chopped green onions – Adds extra flavor and color
Instructions
How to Cook Chinese Beef and Broccoli: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Follow these simple steps, and in no time, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal right in your kitchen!
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain. This keeps it tender and easy to chew.
- Marinate the beef by tossing it with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes while you prep everything else.
- Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. If using frozen, make sure it’s thawed and patted dry.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, oyster sauce, cornstarch, garlic, and ginger.
- Set the sauce aside. It will be the magic that ties everything together.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the broccoli and 1 tbsp water, then cover with a lid. Let it steam for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
- Add another 1 tbsp oil to the pan and turn the heat to high.
- Spread the beef out in a single layer and let it sear for 30 seconds before stirring. This gives it a nice brown crust.
- Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is just cooked through.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
- Pour in the prepared sauce and stir quickly.
- Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
- Toss the broccoli back into the pan and stir everything together. Let it cook for another minute to soak up the flavors.
- Remove from heat and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds or green onions if you like a little extra flair.
- That’s it! Grab your chopsticks (or a spoon—no judgment here) and enjoy every bite.
Notes
- Slice beef thinly against the grain for the best texture.
- For extra crispy broccoli, stir-fry it separately before adding it to the sauce.
- Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more or less cornstarch.
- Like it spicy? Add red pepper flakes or sriracha!