Craving that rich, savory stir-fry magic from your favorite Chinese takeout spot? You can have it on your table in 30 minutes—and all in one pan! This Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe is sizzling with tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a glossy, garlicky sauce that clings to every bite. It’s satisfying, quick, and full of umami goodness. Trust me, this one’s a total weeknight winner and perfect if you’re into Healthy Dinner Recipes For Weight Losing or exploring more Chinese Cooking Recipes.
For more comforting beef dinners, check out our Hobo Casserole Ground Beef Recipe and this cozy Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes dish!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pan = minimal cleanup
- Ready in 30 minutes or less
- Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
- Tastes just like take-out, but healthier
- Easy to customize with your favorite veggies
- Great for those seeking Healthy Food Dishes or Fast Dinners
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dinner |
| Cuisine | Chinese-inspired |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
Ingredients
- Beef – Thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin works beautifully; it’s the star of the show in this Authentic Beef And Broccoli delight!
- Broccoli florets – Adds crunch and soaks up all that delicious sauce.
- Garlic and ginger – Aromatic essentials for that authentic flavor kick.
- Soy sauce – The savory base of our sauce.
- Oyster sauce – Adds deep, rich umami.
- Cornstarch – For thickening the sauce and velveting the beef.
- Brown sugar – Balances out the saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
- Sesame oil – Adds nutty depth and classic takeout aroma.
- Vegetable oil – For high-heat stir-frying.
- Water or beef broth – Helps steam the broccoli and loosen the sauce.
Scroll to the bottom for the full printable recipe card with exact measurements!
How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Prep the Beef
Slice your beef thinly against the grain. Toss it with soy sauce, a bit of cornstarch, and a splash of sesame oil. Let it marinate while you prep the veggies and sauce. Perfect prep for one of your new favorite Beef Dinner ideas.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a little cornstarch mixed with water. This will be your glossy, clingy dream sauce.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and sear until browned, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Add a splash more oil if needed, then toss in the broccoli. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, then add a few tablespoons of water or broth. Cover and let steam until bright green and crisp-tender.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the beef to the pan. Pour in your sauce and stir well to coat. Let it bubble and thicken for a couple minutes, until everything’s glossy and irresistible.
Pro Tips
- Slice your beef as thinly as possible for that tender, restaurant-style texture.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger—the flavor difference is huge!
- Don’t skip the cornstarch marinade step; it makes the beef so juicy.
Flavor Variations
- Swap the beef for chicken or tofu.
- Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for more color and crunch.
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes or sriracha.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice.
- It’s also delish over noodles or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- This dish easily joins the ranks of your go-to Fast Dinner Recipes.
Make-Ahead and Storage
You can slice and marinate the beef a day ahead to save time. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Leftovers
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The sauce might thicken in the fridge, so add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Freezing
Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to restore the sauce. Stir occasionally until hot.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just thaw and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
What cut of beef is best for stir-fry?
Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak are all great options.
Is oyster sauce necessary?
It adds a unique depth, but you can substitute with hoisin sauce or an extra splash of soy and brown sugar.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and double-check your oyster sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe is your new weeknight hero. It checks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, better-than-takeout, and cooked in just one pan. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers that taste amazing, this dish delivers every time. It’s one of those Healthy Dinner Recipes For Weight Losing that actually tastes indulgent. So grab those chopsticks (or a fork, no judgment!) and dive into this saucy, sizzling stir-fry magic. Looking for more Health Dinner Recipes or Chinese Cooking Recipes? This one’s your golden ticket.
Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slice beef thinly and toss with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Set aside to marinate while prepping other ingredients.
- Whisk together sauce ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, cornstarch mixed with water, and broth.
- Heat oil in a skillet or wok over high heat. Sear beef in a single layer for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add broccoli to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of water or broth, cover, and steam until tender-crisp.
- Return beef to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir until everything is coated and sauce is thickened, about 2-3 minutes.