Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe is one of those comforting takeout classics that always hits the spot—tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a glossy, savory sauce that tastes like pure weeknight perfection. I love coming back to this dish because it combines everything I value in quick dinners: flavor, freshness, and simplicity.
Whether you’re craving takeout flavors at home or simply need an easy beef and broccoli recipe that delivers every time, this version is my go-to. It’s fast, delicious, and feels like a warm hug after a long day. Let’s make it together!
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Better than takeout — rich umami flavor, tender beef, and crisp broccoli.
- 30-minute weeknight dinner — quick prep, simple steps, minimal dishes.
- Healthier homemade comfort food — you control the ingredients.
- Perfectly balanced sauce — savory, slightly sweet, and silky on rice.
- Family-friendly — mild, cozy flavors everyone enjoys.
Ingredients Needed for This Recipe
For the Beef Stir-Fry
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
For the Marinade
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
For the Sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
How to Make Easy Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Marinate the beef.
Mix soy sauce, cornstarch, and rice vinegar. Add sliced beef, coat well, and let sit for 10–15 minutes. This keeps the meat tender. - Blanch the broccoli.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 1 minute until bright green. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the sauce.
Whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set aside. - Stir-fry the beef.
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated beef and cook 3–4 minutes until browned and mostly cooked. - Add aromatics.
Add garlic and ginger. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Combine everything.
Add broccoli back into the wok. Pour in the sauce and stir until everything is coated. - Thicken.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and thickens beautifully. - Serve hot.
Spoon over steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles for the perfect meal.
How to Serve this Easy Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Over steamed jasmine rice for a classic pairing.
- On top of garlic noodles for a restaurant-style dinner.
- With brown rice for a healthier option.
- Add sesame seeds and green onions for a fresh finishing touch.
- Drizzle a little extra sesame oil if you love nutty depth.
How to Store This Recipe
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. The sauce stays glossy even after reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
Tips to Make the Best Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Slice beef thinly — partially freeze it for easier slicing.
- Don’t skip the marinade — it keeps the beef tender and flavorful.
- Cook on high heat for authentic stir-fry texture.
- Blanch broccoli briefly so it stays crisp-tender.
- Use a wok if possible for even heat distribution.
Helpful Notes for This Recipe
- Flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin all work well.
- Broccoli can be replaced with broccolini for quicker cooking.
- You can add mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots for extra veggies.
- Gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Variation Ideas
- Spicy Version: Add 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the stir-fry.
- Honey Garlic version: Replace brown sugar with honey and add extra garlic.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Serve over cauliflower rice and swap brown sugar for a keto sweetener.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just thaw it first and pat dry to avoid watering down the sauce.
2. What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?
Flank steak works best, but sirloin or skirt steak is also excellent.
3. How do I keep the beef tender?
Marinating with cornstarch helps protect the meat and keeps it silky.
4. Can I make the sauce thicker?
Yes—add ½ teaspoon extra cornstarch to the sauce mixture.
Conclusion
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe is everything I love in a comforting homemade dish—easy, quick, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this cozy stir-fry will become a regular in your kitchen. Give it a try, share it with someone you love, and enjoy each delicious bite!