If you’re craving a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for company, this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe will absolutely win you over. It’s a classic stir-fry that brings tender slices of beef, crisp broccoli, and a glossy, savory sauce together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re a takeout enthusiast or just discovering the joys of homemade Asian dinners, this dish delivers that irresistible restaurant taste in just 30 minutes. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a true staple in my kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s magical about the Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is just how simple, yet essential, each ingredient is. Every element plays a starring role in building flavor, texture, and a vibrant plate that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Flank steak or sirloin: Thinly sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness and quick cooking.
- Cornstarch: Helps the beef achieve that velvety, restaurant-style coating and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Vegetable oil: Neutral flavor and high smoke point perfect for stir-frying at high heat.
- Broccoli florets: Brings a pop of green color and a satisfying crunch to every bite.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for an aromatic boost that infuses the oil and sauce.
- Fresh ginger: Adds a subtle zing that wakes up the entire dish.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The salty backbone of the sauce, keeping things balanced and not too overpowering.
- Oyster sauce: Lends depth and a signature umami flavor that makes this dish so addictive.
- Hoisin sauce: A hint of sweetness and complexity, rounding out the sauce.
- Brown sugar: Balances the salty and savory notes with a gentle touch of sweetness.
- Beef broth: Adds savory richness and helps the sauce cling to every piece of beef and broccoli.
- Sesame oil: Just a splash gives a toasted nutty finish that’s unmistakably delicious.
How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Beef
Start by tossing your thinly sliced beef with cornstarch in a bowl. This step is the secret to that velvety, tender texture you love in restaurant stir-fries. Let it sit while you prep the rest of your ingredients, giving the cornstarch time to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, beef broth, and sesame oil until smooth. This sauce is the heart of the Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe, creating that signature glossy, clingy coating for your stir-fry.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sear the beef in a single layer, working in batches if needed, for just 1–2 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a quick sear to lock in juices and flavor. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Aromatics
Add the remaining oil to your skillet, then toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds. The aroma alone will have everyone wandering into the kitchen to see what’s cooking!
Step 5: Steam the Broccoli
Add broccoli florets to the pan along with a splash of water. Cover and steam for 2–3 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and tender-crisp. This technique keeps the broccoli vibrant and just the right amount of crunchy.
Step 6: Finish the Stir-Fry
Return the seared beef to the skillet, pour in your prepared sauce, and stir everything together. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats each piece of beef and broccoli with irresistible shine. Serve hot over a bed of steamed rice for the ultimate Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe experience!
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions instantly elevates the look and taste. For extra zing, add a touch of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of chili oil just before serving.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine or brown rice is the classic pairing, letting the luscious sauce soak into every grain. If you’re looking to round out the meal, try serving alongside egg rolls, simple stir-fried greens, or a light Asian cucumber salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe in lettuce cups as a low-carb option, or pile it high over noodles for a heartier bowl. Little touches like serving in a large platter family-style or in individual bowls with chopsticks add that special restaurant flair at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next day’s lunch something to look forward to!
Freezing
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe freezes beautifully. Let the dish cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For the tastiest results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick and satisfying meal on the go.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin are ideal for tenderness and flavor, you can use skirt steak or even thinly sliced ribeye. Just be sure to slice against the grain for the best texture.
Is this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Always double-check your labels to ensure all ingredients fit your dietary needs.
Can I substitute chicken or tofu?
Definitely. Thinly sliced chicken breast or firm tofu work wonderfully as alternatives, absorbing all the flavors of the sauce while keeping the integrity of the dish.
How do I get my broccoli perfectly tender-crisp?
The key is to steam it for just 2–3 minutes with a splash of water and a lid on the pan. This method keeps the broccoli vibrant and prevents it from overcooking.
What’s the best way to slice beef for this recipe?
Pop your beef in the freezer for 20 minutes before slicing; it firms up and makes it much easier to cut thin, even slices against the grain, ensuring tenderness in every bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring that irresistible takeout flavor home, look no further than this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe. It’s quick, satisfying, and just bursting with bold, comforting flavors. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes a new weeknight favorite in your house, too!
Print
Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe features tender slices of flank steak stir-fried with crisp broccoli florets in a savory, slightly sweet sauce made from soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, it can be served over steamed rice and easily adapted to be gluten-free.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Coat the Beef: In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons cornstarch until evenly coated to help create a tender, crispy texture when cooked. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In another bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, beef broth, and sesame oil until smooth and well combined.
- Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned, working in batches if necessary. Remove beef from pan and set aside.
- Cook Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan, then add minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Steam the Broccoli: Add broccoli florets and about 2 tablespoons of water to the pan. Cover and steam for 2–3 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp, maintaining its vibrant color and slight crunch.
- Combine and Finish: Return the seared beef to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything together. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli evenly.
- Serve: Serve the beef and broccoli hot over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, marinate the beef in a tablespoon of soy sauce and cornstarch for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute chicken or tofu for the beef to vary the protein.
- This dish reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep and leftovers.
- Use gluten-free soy and hoisin sauces to adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (without rice)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
