Name: Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain; 2 cups broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/2 cup beef broth; Cooked rice

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If you’ve ever craved a restaurant-quality meal that comes together quickly and tastes absolutely phenomenal, then you’re going to adore this Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe. It’s a perfect balance of tender, savory beef and crisp, vibrant broccoli tossed in a luscious, flavorful sauce that makes every bite irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this classic dish brings comfort and excitement to your table with each mouthwatering serving.

Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential to creating the authentic, mouthwatering flavor and satisfying texture that defines Chinese Beef and Broccoli. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of taste and bringing the dish to life.

1 pound flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain: This cut is tender and perfect for quick stir-frying, ensuring the beef stays juicy.
2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds a lovely crunch and a pop of green that brightens the dish.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: A neutral oil ideal for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic gives the dish a fragrant, savory kick that complements the beef perfectly.
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced: Ginger adds subtle warmth and a touch of zestiness.
1/4 cup soy sauce: The salty backbone that infuses deep umami into every bite.
2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Adds richness and a hint of sweetness that balances the savory elements.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce and give it that glossy, irresistible finish.
1 tablespoon sugar: A dash of sweetness to harmonize with the saltiness.
1/2 cup beef broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor, making the sauce luscious.
Cooked rice (for serving): A simple base that soaks up the sauce and makes each forkful complete.

How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by slicing your flank steak thinly against the grain; this technique keeps the beef tender when cooked. Then wash and break the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Mince your garlic and ginger to release their aromatic oils, which will flavor your oil and sauce beautifully.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and beef broth. Whisk until smooth so that the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This sauce is where all the magic happens, marrying salty, sweet, and savory notes into a silky coating for your beef and broccoli.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and stir-fry quickly for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s nicely browned but not overcooked. Then, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside. This step ensures your meat stays juicy and tender.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic, Ginger, and Broccoli

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to your hot pan. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until their fragrant aroma fills your kitchen. Next, add the broccoli florets and stir-fry them for about 3 minutes, aiming for crisp-tender perfection that keeps the vegetable bright and fresh.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked beef to the skillet with broccoli, pouring the sauce mixture over everything. Stir thoroughly to coat the ingredients evenly with the sauce. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken into a glossy, flavorful glaze that binds this dish together.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Once your Chinese Beef and Broccoli is bubbling and saucy, it’s ready to serve! Spoon it hot over steamed rice to soak up all those delicious juices, making each bite a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds over the top. These simple garnishes add a fresh crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that elevate your dish both visually and taste-wise.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, consider serving this dish with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice. A light cucumber salad or some simple spring rolls make lovely accompaniments that complement the richness of the beef and broccoli.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the beef and broccoli in lettuce cups for a handheld delight or pile it over cauliflower rice to keep things low carb. You can also plate it alongside stir-fried noodles for a heartier meal that still bursts with vibrant flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the beef tender and the broccoli crisp so you can enjoy the freshness of the dish even later.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the beef and sauce separate from the broccoli if you want to maintain the broccoli’s texture. Keep everything in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the beef and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat. Adding a splash of beef broth helps loosen the sauce and keeps the beef juicy without overcooking it.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking time, sirloin or ribeye slices work well too. Just make sure to slice thinly against the grain.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, you can use hoisin sauce or even a bit of soy sauce mixed with a pinch of sugar and fish sauce to mimic the flavor profile.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the beef for firm tofu or seitan, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The same sauce works beautifully with these plant-based proteins.

How do I keep the broccoli crisp and not mushy?

Stir-fry the broccoli quickly over high heat just until it turns bright green and is tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking by keeping your cooking time around 3 minutes and having all ingredients ready before starting.

Can I meal prep this dish for the week?

Definitely. It reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep. Keep rice separate to maintain its texture and reheat portions individually for fresh-tasting meals.

Final Thoughts

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is one of those dishes that never gets old. It’s quick, full of vibrant flavors, and truly satisfying every single time you make it. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and discover how easy it is to create a delicious, comforting meal that feels special no matter the occasion.

Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 18 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This classic Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender slices of flank steak and crisp broccoli florets coated in a savory sauce made with soy, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal served over steamed rice.

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Wash and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Mince the garlic cloves and fresh ginger finely to release their aromas.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and beef broth until smooth and well combined. Set aside to use later.
Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the sliced beef and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for approximately 3 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp, maintaining a slight crunch.
Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir well to coat all ingredients evenly.
Thicken Sauce: Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Serve: Serve the Chinese Beef and Broccoli hot over freshly cooked rice for a complete meal.

Notes

For best results, slice the beef thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
You can substitute flank steak with sirloin or skirt steak if preferred.
Adjust the amount of sugar based on your sweetness preference.
If you prefer gluten-free, opt for tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
For a spicier version, add red chili flakes or fresh chili slices while sautéing the garlic and ginger.
Make sure not to overcook the broccoli to keep it crisp and vibrant green.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-fry
Cuisine: Chinese