Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

If you’re craving a bold, savory takeout classic without leaving your kitchen, Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a sure-fire way to bring a restaurant favorite right to your table. This dish pairs melt-in-your-mouth slices of beef with vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli, all enveloped in a glossy, garlicky sauce. What’s truly amazing is how easy it is to recreate the magic at home—flavor-packed, colorful, and nutritious, Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a dish that always impresses.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing fancy or hard to pronounce here—just a handful of key ingredients, each bringing something essential to the table. Simple, straightforward components allow for authentic flavor and irresistible texture in every bite.

• Beef (flank steak, skirt steak, or other cut): Thinly sliced and tenderized, beef forms the hearty highlight of this stir-fry.
• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami undertones for both the marinade and sauce—it’s the backbone of that classic takeout flavor.
• Peanut Oil (or vegetable oil): A neutral, high-heat oil keeps everything sizzling without overpowering other flavors.
• Cornstarch: This tiny addition creates that glossy, velvety texture in both the beef marinade and sauce.
• Baking Soda (optional): Used for an ultra-tender bite, especially if your beef cut needs a little help.
• Chicken or Beef Stock: Offers rich depth and body to the sauce—either will work, depending on what you have.
• Shaoxing Wine (or dry sherry): A little splash brightens and rounds out all the other flavors beautifully.
• Dark Soy Sauce: Optional, but just a drizzle lends a striking color and enhanced savory notes.
• Brown Sugar (or white sugar): Balances the salty elements, giving the sauce a gentle, sweet finish.
• Broccoli: Crunchy, fresh florets bring color and nutrition, making every forkful feel well-rounded.
• Garlic: Minced and aromatic, it’s essential for that crave-worthy, restaurant flair.
• Ginger: Adds a little zing and warmth, tying everything together with its unmistakable aroma.

How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by slicing your steak of choice against the grain into thin strips. This is the secret to super-tender bites! Toss the beef in soy sauce, peanut oil, a touch of cornstarch, and baking soda if using. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes; this step gives Chinese Beef and Broccoli its classic silky texture.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

While the beef takes on its marinade, whisk together all your sauce ingredients in a medium bowl: stock, Shaoxing wine, both soy sauces, brown sugar, and that all-important cornstarch. Mix until smooth—you want that cornstarch to dissolve fully so the final sauce turns out shiny and thick.

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

Add a bit of water to your skillet and bring it to a quick boil. Toss in the broccoli florets, pop on a lid, and steam them for about a minute—just until bright green and tender-crisp. This keeps the broccoli vibrant and stops it from getting soggy later. Set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef

Wipe out your pan, then crank up the heat. Coat the surface with a fresh swirl of oil, and spread the marinated beef in a single layer. Let it sear without moving for that irresistible browning, then quickly flip and stir until the pieces are just barely cooked and still pink inside—you don’t want to overcook and lose that tenderness.

Step 5: Add Aromatics

Sprinkle in minced garlic and ginger, stir for a few seconds to release their mouthwatering aroma, and get ready for the grand finale!

Step 6: Bring it All Together

Return your vibrant broccoli to the skillet, give your sauce another whisk to wake up the cornstarch, and pour it in. Watch as everything bubbles and thickens into a gorgeous glaze, hot and glossy over the beef and broccoli. Serve your Chinese Beef and Broccoli straight away while everything is fresh and piping hot.

How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or sliced scallions on top instantly adds color and a touch of nutty or oniony crunch. Chopped fresh cilantro can offer a fragrant pop if you’re feeling a little extra fancy. These small touches are simple but elevate your Chinese Beef and Broccoli from good to truly great.

Side Dishes

Steamed jasmine rice is a classic partner, soaking up all that delicious sauce perfectly. As an alternative, try fluffy brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lighter spin. If you want to round out your meal, pair Chinese Beef and Broccoli with egg drop soup or a crisp cucumber salad for added texture and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving your Chinese Beef and Broccoli family-style on a big platter is always a hit for sharing. Or, for a modern twist, pile it into lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on meal. You can even tuck leftovers into wraps or sandwiches for an inventive, flavor-packed lunch the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Chinese Beef and Broccoli completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors often become even richer after a night’s rest.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze portions of Chinese Beef and Broccoli in tightly sealed containers or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It can keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm Chinese Beef and Broccoli in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, but reheating on the stovetop does a better job of preserving that saucy, just-cooked feel.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Chinese Beef and Broccoli?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, skirt steak, sirloin, or even ribeye work well. Just remember to slice thinly against the grain for the most tender texture.

What if I can’t find Shaoxing wine?

You can substitute dry sherry in equal amounts, or simply leave it out if needed—the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious. Rice wine or even a splash of mirin can also work in a pinch.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply swap the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check your stock and other sauces to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! While broccoli is the star in Chinese Beef and Broccoli, feel free to throw in snap peas, carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added crunch, color, and nutrition.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the beef for tofu, seitan, or even just fill the pan with broccoli and extra vegetables. The sauce works beautifully with plant-based proteins, so Chinese Beef and Broccoli can easily be adapted for vegetarian diets.

Final Thoughts

Bringing Chinese Beef and Broccoli into your home kitchen is a guaranteed way to wow your taste buds and impress anyone at your table. The simple steps, everyday ingredients, and mouthwatering flavors make it a repeat-worthy favorite. So go ahead—give it a try, and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade takeout at its very best!

Print