Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
If there’s one takeout dish I’ve ordered more than any other in my life, it has to be Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe. It’s been my go-to comfort food for years—something I crave when I’m tired, when I’m celebrating, or even when I just want a meal that feels familiar and satisfying. There’s something about the tender beef, crisp broccoli, and glossy, savory brown sauce that hits every note of what a perfect stir-fry should be.
The first time I attempted to make this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe at home, I was honestly intimidated. I assumed the flavor came from some secret ingredient I didn’t have or a sauce only restaurants could create. But once I learned the basics—how to velvet the beef, how to layer sauces, how to achieve that signature silky texture—it became one of the easiest and most reliable dishes in my dinner rotation.
This homemade Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is incredibly flavorful, quick to make, healthier than takeout, and surprisingly customizable. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a delicious, restaurant-quality stir-fry that everyone at the table will love.
Let’s dive into the ingredients, process, and all the tips that make this dish stand out.
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Ingredients for Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
This classic Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe uses simple ingredients you can find at almost any grocery store. Chinese pantry staples like oyster sauce and soy sauce help create that rich, savory flavor.
For the Beef
- 1 pound flank steak or skirt steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or Shaoxing wine (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (or water in a pinch)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, adds sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Stir-Fry
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Optional Garnishes
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Chili oil
- Extra sauce on the side
How to Prepare Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
The key to a perfect Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is prepping everything before you start cooking. Stir-frying happens fast—having ingredients ready ensures a smooth, restaurant-quality dish.
Step 1: Slice and Marinate the Beef
Slice your steak thinly against the grain. This is crucial for tenderness.
In a bowl, combine:
- Soy sauce
- Cornstarch
- Rice vinegar or Shaoxing wine
- Sesame oil
Add the beef and toss to coat.
Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 1 hour).
This simple step, known as velveting, ensures the beef becomes soft and tender during cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Beef broth
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Brown sugar
- Cornstarch
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Sesame oil
- Black pepper
Set aside. This savory-sweet, glossy sauce is the heart of the dish.
Step 3: Blanch or Steam the Broccoli
You can do this two ways:
Option 1: Microwave Steam (Easiest)
Place broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl with 1–2 tablespoons water.
Cover and microwave for 2–3 minutes until just crisp-tender.
Option 2: Blanch in Boiling Water
Boil for 60 seconds, then drain and rinse with cold water.
This keeps the broccoli bright green and perfectly crisp for the stir-fry.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok on high heat.
Add half the beef and sear for 1–2 minutes.
Remove, add the second batch, and cook again.
Do NOT overcrowd the pan—this ensures browning instead of steaming.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Aromatics
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil.
Add garlic and ginger.
Sauté for 20–30 seconds until fragrant (but not burned).
Step 6: Combine Beef, Broccoli, and Sauce
Add the seared beef back to the pan.
Add broccoli.
Pour the sauce over everything.
Cook for 2–4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli beautifully.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Add:
- More soy sauce → for saltiness
- More sugar → for sweetness
- More sesame oil → for nuttiness
- Chili flakes → for heat
Serve immediately.
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is versatile and can be paired with many sides to create a full meal.
Best Ways to Serve
1. Steamed White Rice
Classic and perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
2. Fried Rice
Beef and broccoli pairs beautifully with vegetable or egg fried rice.
3. Brown Rice or Quinoa
A healthier, more fiber-rich option.
4. Noodles
Serve over:
- Lo mein
- Rice noodles
- Udon noodles
5. Cauliflower Rice
A great low-carb alternative.
Add-On Garnishes
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Chili oil
- Crunchy fried garlic
These toppings take the dish from great to unforgettable.
Tips for the Best Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is simple but benefits greatly from a few pro-level techniques.
1. Slice Beef Thinly and Against the Grain
This ensures tenderness and helps it cook quickly at high heat.
2. Velvet the Beef
Soy sauce + cornstarch + a splash of acid tenderizes the meat and creates that silky coating.
3. Use High Heat
A hot pan creates that signature stir-fry flavor.
4. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli
Keep it crisp—no mushy vegetables allowed.
5. Cornstarch Is Essential for the Sauce
It thickens the sauce and helps it cling to the beef and vegetables.
6. Prep All Ingredients Before Cooking
Stir-fry moves fast—have everything chopped, measured, and ready.
7. Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger
These aromatics are the backbone of Chinese flavor.
8. Add Water if Sauce Gets Too Thick
A splash of broth or water loosens the sauce easily.
9. Rest the Beef Briefly After Searing
It stays juicy and finishes cooking in the sauce.
Variations
One of the best things about this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some tasty variations to try.
1. Spicy Beef and Broccoli
Add:
- 1–2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
- Sriracha
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Chili oil drizzle on top
2. Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli
Add:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Extra garlic
- A splash of rice vinegar
This creates a sweet glaze similar to honey chicken from Chinese takeout.
3. Keto / Low Carb Version
- Replace sugar with monk fruit
- Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce
- Serve over cauliflower rice
4. Chicken or Pork Version
Swap the beef for thinly sliced:
- Chicken breast
- Pork tenderloin
Follow the same steps.
5. Mushroom Lovers’ Version
Add sliced mushrooms during the stir-fry step for extra umami.
6. Extra Veggie Version
Add:
- Snap peas
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Baby corn
- Bok choy
This makes the dish healthier and more colorful.
7. Gluten-Free Beef and Broccoli
Use:
- Tamari instead of soy sauce
- Gluten-free oyster sauce
Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free.
8. Sesame Beef and Broccoli
Add:
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
A nutty, aromatic twist.
FAQs
1. What’s the best cut of beef for beef and broccoli?
Flank steak is ideal because it’s tender and absorbs marinades well.
Other good options:
- Skirt steak
- Sirloin
- Flat iron
2. How do I keep the beef tender?
- Slice thinly
- Velvet with soy sauce + cornstarch
- Cook quickly over high heat
These 3 steps guarantee tender beef.
3. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just thaw and pat dry before stir-frying.
4. Can I make this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but it’s best cooked fresh.
Reheated stir-fry can be slightly less crisp.
5. Can I freeze beef and broccoli?
Yes—but the broccoli may soften.
Freeze without the broccoli for best texture, then add fresh broccoli when reheating.
6. Why is my sauce not thickening?
It needs to:
- Gently boil
- Include enough cornstarch
- Cook for 2–3 minutes
Add more cornstarch slurry if needed.
7. Is this dish healthy?
Yes! It’s high in protein, has plenty of vegetables, and contains less oil and sugar than takeout.
8. Can I make this without oyster sauce?
Replace it with:
- Hoisin sauce
- Extra soy sauce + pinch of sugar
- Vegetarian mushroom stir-fry sauce
9. How do I make this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe spicier?
Add chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or dried chilies to the stir-fry.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is one of those dishes that never disappoints. It’s fast, flavorful, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make at home—even easier than waiting for takeout. The combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and savory-sweet stir-fry sauce makes this recipe a guaranteed family favorite.
Whether you love it because it reminds you of your favorite restaurant meal, because it’s comforting after a long day, or because it’s a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, this homemade version captures everything you love about the classic dish and then some. Plus, the flexibility to adjust the sweetness, spice, or veggies means you can customize it exactly the way you like.
If you’re looking to expand your weeknight meal rotation with a dish that’s fast, satisfying, and packed with flavor, this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is the perfect place to start.