If you’ve ever craved that perfect balance of tender meat and vibrant greens from your favorite takeout spot, you’re in for a treat with this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that pairs the umami-rich beef with crisp-tender broccoli, all coated in a luscious savory sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this recipe captures the essence of authentic Chinese flavors with simple ingredients and approachable steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a standout Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe. Each element plays an essential role—from the marinade that tenderizes the beef to the fresh broccoli that adds a satisfying crunch and color that pops on your plate.
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain: This cut cooks quickly and stays tender when sliced properly.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings that classic salty, deep flavor that’s the backbone of the dish.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet complexity to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and keeps the beef juicy during cooking.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Ideal for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Imparts a toasty aroma that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets: Provides that fresh crunch and a burst of green goodness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses an irresistible fragrant punch.
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated: Adds warmth and slight zing to balance the savory notes.
- 1/4 cup beef broth: Creates a luscious sauce base that ties everything together.
- 2 tablespoons rice wine or dry sherry: Enhances depth and subtle sweetness in the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Balances the saltiness and sharpness with a hint of sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning to your preference.
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat: Add a kick if you like a bit of spice.
How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by combining your thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl. This simple marinade is critical—it tenderizes the beef and infuses it with flavor, guaranteeing that every bite is succulent and savory. Give everything a good toss, making sure each slice is well-coated, and let it rest for at least 15 minutes to soak in all those delicious notes.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef pieces and stir-fry rapidly until the meat is just browned, about 2 to 3 minutes. Cooking the beef quickly on high heat locks in juices, keeps it tender, and gives you those coveted caramelized edges. Once done, transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside—don’t worry, it’ll reunite with the broccoli soon enough.
Step 3: Aromatics Come Alive
In the same pan, drizzle in sesame oil, which brings that familiar nutty aroma to the dish. Once warm, toss in your minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Stir these fragrant aromatics for about 30 seconds until they bloom their flavors—this step is magical and sets the stage for the rest of the dish.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes. The goal here is tenderness with a slight crispness that makes every bite energizing and satisfying. The vibrant green hue will brighten your plate and balance perfectly against the rich beef.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, rice wine (or dry sherry), and sugar until combined. Pour this mixture over the cooked broccoli in the pan—this combination will infuse the veggies while building a glossy, flavorful sauce.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Return the beef to the pan and stir everything thoroughly. Let the ingredients simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef and broccoli beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Serve your masterpiece hot over a bed of steamed rice or alongside noodles. The warm, fragrant sauce hugging each piece of beef and broccoli will delight your taste buds and offer the quintessential comfort of a homemade Chinese classic.
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds can enhance both the appearance and flavor. These small touches introduce additional texture and a burst of freshness that makes your Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe even more enjoyable.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice to soak up the sauce or with lo mein noodles for a heartier meal. For a vegetable side, steamed dumplings or a crisp Asian cucumber salad can provide refreshing contrast and balance to the warm, rich beef and broccoli.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef and broccoli in lettuce wraps to add crunch and a hand-held element. Alternatively, presenting it in a decorative wok or a rustic wooden bowl can make your meal feel more authentic and inviting—perfect if you’re hosting friends or family gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, allow it to cool fully and transfer it into a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, although the broccoli’s texture might soften slightly after thawing. To minimize texture loss, briefly steam fresh broccoli when reheating if desired.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the beef’s tenderness and reawaken the flavors. You might want to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwave reheating if you can, as it sometimes overcooks the beef and makes the broccoli mushy.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
Flank steak is ideal due to its flavor and texture, especially when thinly sliced against the grain. Other lean cuts like sirloin or skirt steak can work well, but avoid tougher or fatty cuts to keep the dish tender.
Can I use frozen broccoli for this dish?
While fresh broccoli is preferred for its crisp texture and bright flavor, frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch. Just be mindful to reduce cooking time slightly to avoid mushiness.
Is oyster sauce necessary?
Oyster sauce adds depth and a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness of soy sauce. If you’re allergic or prefer to skip it, substituting with hoisin sauce or a vegetarian mushroom sauce can provide a similar savory note.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Adding red pepper flakes during the final cook or incorporating a drizzle of chili oil will bring a spicy kick. You can also serve it with sliced fresh chilies on the side for guests to customize their heat level.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe stores well and reheats nicely, making it a great option for meal prep. Keep the rice or noodles separate until ready to eat to maintain optimal texture.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is a heartfelt celebration of simple, bold flavors that come together effortlessly to create a comforting dish you’ll want to make again and again. It’s approachable for cooks of all levels and endlessly satisfying at the dinner table. I hope you’ll have as much joy cooking and eating it as I do sharing it with friends and family.
Print
Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe features tender flank steak stir-fried with fresh broccoli florets in a savory sauce made from soy, oyster sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger. A quick and delicious dish perfect for a weeknight dinner, combining the perfect balance of flavors and textures with a hint of sweetness and optional heat.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Cooking Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry it for about 2-3 minutes until it is just browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add sesame oil. When hot, add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring continuously for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant to release their aroma.
- Cook Broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until they become tender-crisp, maintaining a bright green color and slight crunch.
- Add Sauce: In a small bowl, mix beef broth, rice wine or dry sherry, and sugar. Pour this sauce mixture over the broccoli in the pan, coating the vegetables evenly.
- Combine Beef and Broccoli: Return the cooked beef to the pan with broccoli and sauce. Mix everything well and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes to warm through and allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
- Serve: Serve the beef and broccoli hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce and oyster sauce with gluten-free alternatives.
- Cut beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Do not overcook broccoli; it should remain crisp-tender.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on preferred spice level.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
