If you have ever craved that perfectly balanced dish that brings tender, flavorful beef and crisp-tender broccoli together in a mouthwatering harmony, then this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table. The rich combination of savory sauces with the fresh crunch of broccoli creates a comforting yet vibrant meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. It’s quick to prepare, packed with bold flavors, and makes for a fantastic weeknight dinner that truly feels restaurant-quality right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe right depends on simple, essential ingredients that each add a unique layer of flavor and texture. From the tender flank steak to fragrant garlic and ginger, every component plays a vital role in building this delicious dish.
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain: This cut offers tenderness and absorbs marinade beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides that classic umami punch and salty depth.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet complexity that enhances beefiness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps tenderize the beef and creates a silky sauce texture.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Intense aroma that perfectly complements garlic and ginger.
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets: Brings crunch and vibrant green color for a fresh bite.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds pungent and aromatic notes.
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated: Offers warmth and a slight peppery zing.
- 1/4 cup beef broth: Provides a savory base for the sauce to develop richness.
- 2 tablespoons rice wine or dry sherry: Introduces subtle fragrance and balances flavors.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Balances the salty and savory ingredients with a touch of sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning to your preference.
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat: Adds a controllable kick of spice if you like things fiery.
How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by placing the thinly sliced flank steak into a medium bowl and tossing it with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. This marinade does double duty—it infuses the beef with savory flavor and helps keep it tender when cooked. Letting it rest for at least 15 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, making every bite juicy and full of taste.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large pan or wok. Quickly stir-fry the marinated beef just until browned—usually about 2 to 3 minutes. The key here is not to overcook, so the beef remains tender and flavorful. Once seared, remove it from the pan and set it aside. This step builds a caramelized crust on the meat, locking in those delicious juices.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
In the same pan, add the sesame oil. When it’s hot and shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir and cook just until the aroma fills your kitchen, usually no more than 30 seconds. This quick burst of fragrant spices lays down the complexity you’ll taste in each forkful.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp and vibrant green—not mushy. The broccoli provides a fresh counterpoint to the savory beef, keeping each bite lively and texturally interesting.
Step 5: Combine Sauce Ingredients
In a small bowl, mix together beef broth, rice wine (or dry sherry), and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Pour this flavorful sauce over the broccoli in the pan, which helps soften the broccoli further and infuses it with a slightly sweet, savory glaze.
Step 6: Return the Beef and Finish Cooking
Put the seared beef back into the pan and toss everything to combine. Allow it to cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and let the sauce thicken slightly. Now’s the time to season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. This final step melds all the ingredients into a perfectly cohesive, delectable dish.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Serve your homemade Chinese Beef and Broccoli hot over fluffy steamed rice or silky noodles to soak up that irresistible sauce, making each spoonful of this dish even more satisfying.
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions adds a wonderful burst of texture and visual appeal. These simple garnishes bring a fresh hint of flavor that complements the dish’s richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside perfectly steamed jasmine rice, which balances the bold flavors. Alternatively, try pairing it with garlic fried rice or lo mein noodles for a more indulgent meal. A simple cucumber salad or lightly pickled vegetables add crispness and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe wrapped in lettuce cups for a low-carb option that also adds a delightful crunch. Another creative idea is layering it in a bowl with baby bok choy or sautéed mushrooms to extend the veggie presence while keeping things vibrant and fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The beef maintains its tenderness, and the broccoli retains a nice bite when reheated properly.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. For best texture, freeze soon after cooking and consume within 1 month. When thawed carefully, this dish still tastes fantastic, although broccoli might soften slightly.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce and prevent drying out. Stir well to ensure even warming without overcooking the beef or broccoli.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for tenderness and flavor absorption, sirloin or ribeye sliced thinly against the grain can also work well in this recipe.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the oyster sauce you use does not contain gluten.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh broccoli tends to stay crisper and better retains its vibrant color. If using frozen, avoid thawing before cooking to reduce mushiness.
How spicy is this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe?
It is not inherently spicy, but adding red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil can easily bump up the heat to your liking.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Definitely, just make sure not to overcrowd your pan when stir-frying. Cook in batches to maintain the best texture and caramelization.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich yet fresh, simple yet packed with flavor. It’s a guaranteed winner for quick weeknight dinners or impressing friends with your homemade Chinese cooking skills. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A quick and flavorful Chinese Beef and Broccoli stir-fry featuring tender flank steak marinated in savory sauces, cooked with crisp broccoli florets, garlic, and ginger, all tossed in a rich, slightly sweet sauce. This dish takes only 25 minutes and is perfect served over rice or noodles for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Stir-fry 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 thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly to coat each piece evenly and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors and tenderize the meat.
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is just browned but not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add sesame oil and allow it to heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring quickly. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until they become tender-crisp, maintaining a slight crunch and vibrant color.
- Add Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, rice wine or dry sherry, and sugar. Pour this sauce mixture over the broccoli in the pan, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine Beef and Broccoli: Return the cooked beef to the pan. Stir everything together and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to fully heat the beef and to let the sauce thicken. Season the dish with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
- Serve: Serve the hot beef and broccoli stir-fry immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Do not overcook the beef during the initial stir-fry to keep it juicy and tender.
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth to make it lighter.
- Adjust the sugar quantity for sweeter or less sweet sauce according to your preference.
- Red pepper flakes add heat but are optional; omit for a milder dish.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor as broccoli may become soggy if reheated.
