Beef and broccoli is a timeless and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight! With just a few ingredients and a simple method, this homemade version is not only healthier than takeout but also bursting with delicious flavors. Tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and a savory sauce come together in a satisfying dish that’s ready in no time.
If you love the classic beef and broccoli from your favorite Chinese takeout, why not recreate it at home? This recipe is all about making it simple, fast, and full of flavor. You don’t need a wok or any fancy equipment to achieve that delicious restaurant-style dish.
What You’ll Need
To make this Chinese beef and broccoli stir-fry, you’ll need a few basic ingredients:
- Rice – For serving, the perfect base for this flavorful stir-fry.
- Beef – Flank steak or skirt steak is ideal, as it’s tender and quick to cook.
- Broccoli – Fresh and crunchy broccoli florets bring that classic texture.
- Soy Sauce – A savory component for the base of the sauce.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Aromatics – Garlic and ginger are essential for a fragrant stir-fry.
These ingredients are common in Chinese cooking and come together to create a mouthwatering dish.
Choosing the Right Beef Cut
For this dish, the best beef cut is flank steak. Its tenderness and quick cooking time make it perfect for stir-fries. Another great option is skirt steak, but if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, try cuts like sirloin or even chuck steak. Avoid pricier cuts like ribeye or strip steak, as they are too rich and don’t give you the ideal texture for stir-frying.
How to Transform a Tough Cut of Beef into Tender Perfection
Working with tougher cuts like chuck or round roast? No problem! The trick is using a bit of baking soda in your marinade. This method, commonly used in Chinese restaurants, helps tenderize the meat. Simply sprinkle half a teaspoon of baking soda over the beef, mix it into your marinade, and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This will make the beef extra juicy and tender once cooked.
Other Vegetable Alternatives
While broccoli is the star of this dish, you can easily swap in other veggies for a unique twist. Try mixing in carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers to add color and crunch. If you’re using quicker-cooking vegetables, such as snow peas or thinly sliced bell peppers, add them halfway through the broccoli’s cooking time. This keeps them crisp and prevents them from overcooking.
Get Everything Ready
Before starting to cook, make sure you have everything ready to go:
- Beef – Sliced and marinated with soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Broccoli – Chopped into florets.
- Sauce – A mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar.
- Aromatics – Minced garlic and grated ginger in a bowl.
Having everything prepped ahead of time ensures you can cook efficiently and keep the stir-fry moving smoothly.
The Friendly Face-Off: Wok vs. Skillet
While a wok is often the go-to for stir-frying, a skillet can do the job just as well, especially for home cooks with electric stoves. A skillet provides a large surface area for searing the beef, helping it get that perfect caramelized texture. If you prefer using a wok, make sure to choose one with a flat bottom that sits well on your stove’s heating element.
For this dish, a deep nonstick skillet works great, as it helps prevent spills while stirring. Either way, both options can deliver a delicious stir-fry.
How to Cook Beef and Broccoli
Cooking beef and broccoli at home is quick and simple:
- Steam the broccoli – Add a splash of water to the skillet and cover to steam the broccoli until it’s tender-crisp.
- Sear the beef – In a hot skillet, sear the beef in a little oil until browned and cooked through. Remove it from the pan.
- Stir-fry the aromatics – Toss in minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry briefly for fragrance.
- Combine the sauce – Add the sauce and the broccoli to the pan. Stir to coat the veggies in the sauce.
- Add the beef – Return the beef to the pan, and toss everything together until the sauce thickens and the dish is hot.
If you like a bit of heat, you can also add chili oil or sriracha for extra flavor.
Additional Takeout-Style Stir-Fry Recipes
If you enjoy this beef and broccoli, try making other takeout-style stir-fries at home! Here’s a tasty option:
- Vegan Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry – A flavorful vegetarian twist that’s just as satisfying
Making Chinese Cooking Simple and Fun
New to Chinese cooking? I’ve got a free email series to guide you through some of the most beloved Chinese recipes! You’ll learn how easy and enjoyable it is to create delicious dishes like this one in your own kitchen.
Print Recipe
Chinese Beef and Broccoli
A takeout classic, made healthier at home! This savory stir-fry features tender beef and crisp broccoli in a rich soy sauce-based glaze. Perfect for a weeknight meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 365 kcal
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Toss the beef with soy sauce and cornstarch and let it marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan and cook the beef until browned, then remove it from the pan.
- Add garlic and broccoli to the pan, stir-frying for 2–3 minutes.
- Pour in water, cover, and steam the broccoli for 2 minutes.
- Return the beef to the pan, adding oyster sauce and sesame oil. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until everything is well-coated and hot.
Notes:
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 365 kcal
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 850mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 35g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different cut of beef instead of flank steak?
Yes! Sirloin or skirt steak also work well. Just be sure to slice thinly for tenderness.
2. How do I keep the broccoli crisp and not mushy?
Stir-fry the broccoli quickly and steam it for just 1–2 minutes to keep it crisp.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce.
4. Is it okay to meal prep this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can store cooked beef and broccoli in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
5. What can I serve with beef and broccoli?
It pairs wonderfully with white rice, brown rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
6. Can I add other vegetables to this stir-fry?
Definitely! Bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms are great additions to increase nutrition and flavor.
7. How do I prevent the beef from becoming chewy?
Marinate the beef in cornstarch and soy sauce, and cook it quickly over high heat to keep it tender and juicy.