Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

If you’re craving a lightning-fast, richly flavored dinner that delivers all the satisfaction of your favorite takeout, Chinese Beef and Broccoli is about to become your new weeknight hero. Tender beef and crisp-tender broccoli get tossed together in a luscious, garlicky brown sauce, creating an irresistible balance of savory, sweet, and umami. Whether you’re new to cooking Chinese stir-fries at home or already a fan, you’ll love how simple and customizable this dish is — and how it earns a spot in regular dinner rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of essential ingredients, Chinese Beef and Broccoli comes together in one pan, packing in maximum flavor with little fuss. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each component matters for making this quick classic shine.

• Flank steak: Choose this cut for its tenderness and flavor; slice thinly against the grain for the best bite.
• Soy sauce: Both in the marinade and sauce, it provides the unmatched savory base every great stir fry needs.
• Vegetable oil: Neutral and perfect for high-heat stir-frying, letting the aromatics and sauce stand out.
• Cornstarch: Helps velvety-soften the beef and slightly thickens the sauce for a glossy finish.
• Baking soda (optional): If you’re using tougher cuts like brisket or chuck, a pinch helps tenderize beautifully.
• Chicken or beef broth: This forms the saucy backbone and adds extra flavor punch.
• Dark soy sauce (optional): Adds rich color and extra depth; a little goes a long way.
• Brown sugar: A hint of sweetness balances the savory, elevating the whole dish.
• Broccoli: Fresh, bite-sized florets bring crunch, color, and a satisfying contrast to the tender beef.
• Garlic & ginger: The aromatic duo that makes Chinese Beef and Broccoli truly sing in your kitchen.

How to Make 

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by slicing your beef against the grain into thin strips or sticks — this tiny detail makes a huge difference in tenderness. Pop the beef into a bowl and coat it with soy sauce, vegetable oil, and cornstarch. If you’re using a tougher cut, go ahead and add the baking soda. Let the beef marinate while you prep everything else; just ten minutes unlocks so much flavor and tenderness.

Step 2: Mix the Stir Fry Sauce

While the beef soaks up flavor, whisk together the sauce: combine broth, soy sauce (regular and dark, if using), a splash of brown sugar, and cornstarch. Make sure there are no lumps, so the sauce thickens up silky smooth when it hits the pan. This quick, homemade sauce is what sets Chinese Beef and Broccoli apart from takeout!

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

Heat a splash of water in your largest skillet or wok — get it bubbling, then toss in your broccoli, clamp on a lid, and steam for just about a minute. The goal is bright green, super-crisp-tender florets. Scoop them out so they don’t overcook while you sear your beef.

Step 4: Sear the Beef

Now for the fun part: crank the heat, add a bit more oil, and lay those marinated beef strips in a single layer so they brown beautifully. Give them just 30 seconds undisturbed, then flip; you want a little char but still a blushing pink center for maximum juiciness.

Step 5: Add Aromatics

Scatter in your minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for just a few seconds. Their fragrance should explode immediately — this is when your kitchen starts to smell like your favorite restaurant. Don’t wait too long before moving ahead to the next step.

Step 6: Combine with Broccoli and Sauce

Bring back the steamed broccoli and give your sauce mixture another quick stir (so the cornstarch is fully dissolved). Pour it all into the skillet and stir everything together. Within a minute, the sauce will bubble and thicken, transforming the beef and broccoli into silky, glossy perfection.

Step 7: Serve It Up

Spoon everything onto a warm plate or bowl, making sure to drizzle all that luscious sauce over the top. Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli immediately, ideally over a generous scoop of steamed rice to soak up every last bit of the sauce.

How to Serve 

Garnishes

To make your Chinese Beef and Broccoli pop, finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few finely chopped scallions. These add a little crunch and a burst of color, making every bowl feel restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This dish is a natural partner for freshly steamed jasmine rice, but you could also go with brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for something lighter. A quick cucumber salad or some steamed dumplings on the side will round out your meal for a homemade takeout feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Pile your Chinese Beef and Broccoli atop a nest of hot noodles for a different texture, or serve it family-style on a big platter with extra broccoli and other stir-fried veggies. For meal prep, divide into individual containers with rice so you have satisfying lunches all week long!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chinese Beef and Broccoli will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen, so it’s almost better the next day. Be sure to cool leftovers completely before sealing to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

If you’re doubling up or have extra, Chinese Beef and Broccoli is freezer-friendly. Let it cool, then freeze in a tightly sealed, freezer-safe container for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce loose and glossy. The microwave works in a pinch, just use short bursts and stir between to prevent the beef from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Chinese Beef and Broccoli?

Absolutely! While flank steak is classic, skirt steak, sirloin, or other quick-cooking cuts work well. Tougher cuts like chuck or round roast benefit from a bit of baking soda in the marinade for extra tenderness.

What can I substitute for broccoli?

Try snap peas, carrots, bell peppers, or even asparagus for a twist. The beauty of Chinese Beef and Broccoli is how easy it is to get creative with vegetables based on what you love or have on hand.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and double-check that your broth is gluten-free. You’ll still enjoy all the signature flavor of Chinese Beef and Broccoli without the gluten.

Can I make this spicier?

Definitely! Stir a spoonful of chili oil or a dash of sriracha into the sauce, or serve with chili flakes on the side for some heat. The savory, sweet base pairs deliciously with spice.

Is it okay to meal prep Chinese Beef and Broccoli?

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is perfect for meal prep — it reheats wonderfully and pairs with rice or noodles for satisfying, ready-to-eat lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dinner that’s fast, flavorful, and a total crowd-pleaser, you truly can’t go wrong with Chinese Beef and Broccoli. Give it a whirl — it’s simple, versatile, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to have a plate at your table!

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