Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Easy Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe (Better Than Takeout)

There’s something so comforting about a big plate of Chinese beef and broccoli. It’s the kind of dish that’s flavorful, filling, and comes together in under 30 minutes, which makes it a weeknight dinner hero. Juicy strips of beef coated in a savory, garlicky sauce paired with crisp-tender broccoli is the perfect balance of protein and veggies. The best part? You don’t need a fancy wok or hours in the kitchen—this recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking to recreate your favorite takeout meal at home or just want a quick and healthy dinner idea, this beef and broccoli recipe is going to be a keeper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s fast, delicious, and customizable. The sauce is rich with soy, garlic, and ginger, giving that classic restaurant-style flavor without being overly salty. You can make it with pantry-friendly ingredients and fresh produce, which means no last-minute grocery store runs. It’s also versatile—you can serve it over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice if you’re keeping things low-carb. Plus, it tastes just as good (if not better) the next day, so it’s great for meal prepping lunches.

Recipe Details

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ½ cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for balance)
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Kitchen Equipment Required

• Large skillet or wok
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Beef and Broccoli

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, broth, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced beef and cook for 2–3 minutes until browned but not overcooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Add broccoli to the same pan with a splash of water. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
4. Return the beef to the pan and pour in the sauce. Toss everything together until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli, about 2 minutes.
5. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Success

• Slice beef thinly against the grain for tender bites.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli—it should stay slightly crisp.
• Make the sauce before you start cooking so you can work quickly once the pan is hot.
• For extra flavor, marinate the beef in half the sauce for 20 minutes before cooking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the wrong cut of beef: Stick with flank or sirloin. Tougher cuts won’t give you that tender texture.
• Skipping cornstarch: This helps thicken the sauce and gives the beef a silky coating.
• Overcrowding the pan: Cook in batches if needed to keep the beef from steaming instead of searing.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Mushy broccoli will ruin the dish’s balance.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Swap: Try chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of beef.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots work beautifully.
• Sauce Adjustments: Add chili flakes or sriracha for heat, or swap oyster sauce for hoisin if you prefer a sweeter profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

How to Store and Meal Prep

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked beef and broccoli for up to 2 months, but the broccoli may lose some of its crispness.
• Meal Prep: Portion beef and broccoli with rice into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Serve beef and broccoli over fluffy white rice, jasmine rice, or lo mein noodles. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of sriracha for a restaurant-style finish. For a family-style dinner, pair it with egg rolls, wonton soup, or fried rice to make it a complete Chinese takeout night at home.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just thaw and pat dry before cooking so it doesn’t water down the sauce.

What’s the best beef for stir fry?
Flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin are the best cuts because they’re tender when sliced thin.

Do I need a wok to make this?
Nope. A large skillet works just fine. A wok just makes tossing easier.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Chinese beef and broccoli recipe proves you don’t need takeout to enjoy a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal. With tender beef, crisp veggies, and a rich sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food without the delivery bill. Once you make this at home, you’ll never look at your takeout menu the same way again.