Chinese Beef and Broccoli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

August 27, 2025

By : Quinto

Tender beef stir-fried with fresh broccoli in a glossy garlic soy sauce, served over white rice.

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a takeout favorite you can easily recreate at home. Tender slices of beef are stir-fried with crisp broccoli in a savory garlic-ginger soy sauce. This quick, flavorful recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering that restaurant-style taste in less than 30 minutes.

In this guide, you’ll learn why this dish is so loved, how to cook it step by step, and tips for making the sauce rich and glossy every time. Whether served with steamed rice or noodles, Chinese Beef and Broccoli will surely become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Takeout Flavor – Classic Asian-inspired taste at home.
  • Healthy Balance – Protein-packed beef with fresh broccoli.
  • Family Favorite – Loved by both kids and adults.
  • Simple Ingredients – Mostly pantry staples.
  • Customizable – Adjust sauce sweetness, spice, or add veggies.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
  • 2 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water for slurry)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Slice beef thinly and cut broccoli into bite-size florets.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, beef broth, and sesame oil. Set aside.
  3. Blanch Broccoli: Bring a pot of water to boil, cook broccoli for 2 minutes until bright green, then drain.
  4. Cook the Beef: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Stir-fry beef slices for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
  5. Add Aromatics: In the same pan, sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Combine: Return beef and broccoli to pan, pour in sauce, and toss well. Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce.
  7. Check Doneness: Cook another 2–3 minutes until sauce is glossy and coats everything.
  8. Serve & Enjoy: Plate hot with steamed rice or noodles.

How to Serve

  • Plating Tips: Serve in a wide bowl, drizzle extra sauce on top, and garnish with sesame seeds or scallions.
  • Side Pairings: Steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles.
  • Leftover Uses: Wrap in tortillas for an Asian beef wrap, or serve cold over salad.
  • Beverage Pairing: Green tea, jasmine tea, or a crisp white wine.

Additional Tips

  • Slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
  • Don’t overcook broccoli—it should stay crisp.
  • Use a hot wok or skillet for best stir-fry texture.
  • Add mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots for variety.

Variations

  • Spicy Version: Add chili paste or extra red pepper flakes.
  • Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Low-Sodium: Opt for reduced-sodium soy sauce and broth.
  • Vegetarian Twist: Swap beef for tofu or tempeh.

Storage & Freezing

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Up to 2 months (sauce may need re-thickening).
  • Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth for best texture.

Special Equipment

  • Wok or large skillet
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Small mixing bowl

Conclusion

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a flavorful, quick, and family-friendly dish that brings the taste of takeout straight to your kitchen. With its glossy sauce, tender beef, and crisp broccoli, it’s sure to satisfy every craving for Chinese food at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but thaw and pat dry before stir-frying to avoid excess water.

What’s the best beef cut for this recipe?

Flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin work best when sliced thin.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prep the beef and sauce ahead; stir-fry just before serving.

How do I keep the beef tender?

Marinate briefly and avoid overcooking; quick high-heat stir-fry works best.

Print
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Tender beef stir-fried with fresh broccoli in a glossy garlic soy sauce, served over white rice.

Chinese Beef and Broccoli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

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Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a takeout favorite made easy at home—savory, glossy sauce coating tender beef and crisp broccoli in just 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain

3 cups broccoli florets

3 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)

2 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)

2 tbsp vegetable oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

1/2 cup beef broth (or water)

1 tsp sesame oil

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Slice beef thinly and cut broccoli into bite-size florets.

2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, beef broth, and sesame oil.

3. Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain.

4. Heat oil in a wok, stir-fry beef for 2–3 minutes, then remove.

5. Sauté garlic and ginger in the same pan for 30 seconds.

6. Return beef and broccoli to pan, pour in sauce, toss well.

7. Add cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce and stir for 2–3 minutes.

8. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Slice beef against the grain for tenderness.

Don’t overcook the broccoli—keep it vibrant and crisp.

Use high heat for stir-frying to lock in flavors.

  • Author: Quinto
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Fry
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Article by Quinto

Quinto is a passionate home cook who shares simple, flavorful recipes to inspire joy in every kitchen.

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