Chinese Beef and Broccoli
When takeout cravings hit, this Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe steps up with bold flavor and fresh crunch. Tender beef strips are seared to perfection and then tossed in a glossy, savory sauce that clings to every bite. Crisp broccoli florets round out the dish for that essential balance of hearty and fresh.
It’s one of those meals that tastes like it took hours to make, but can be on your table in less than 30 minutes. Whether it’s a weeknight rush or a cozy Friday in, this dish delivers the kind of satisfaction only a stir-fry can offer.
Why You’ll Love This Chinese Beef and Broccoli
This recipe captures all the best parts of your favorite takeout without the extra oil or mystery ingredients. You get full control of the flavors and can tweak the balance of soy, garlic, and ginger to suit your taste. It’s fast, nutritious, and deeply satisfying.
The textures are just as appealing as the flavor. The beef is succulent and juicy, and the broccoli retains a slight snap without being raw. It’s a beautiful contrast in every bite, especially when paired with steamed rice or noodles.
What Cut of Beef Works Best for Chinese Beef and Broccoli?
Flank steak is a go-to because it’s flavorful and cooks quickly when sliced thin against the grain. But you can also use sirloin or skirt steak if that’s what you have on hand. The key is cutting the beef into uniform slices and giving it a quick marinade so it stays tender in the pan.
Ingredients for the Chinese Beef and Broccoli
The beauty of this recipe is how a few simple ingredients can transform into something restaurant-worthy.
- Flank steak: Thinly sliced, this cooks fast and stays tender.
- Broccoli florets: Brings color, texture, and nutrients to the dish.
- Soy sauce: Adds salty depth and umami.
- Oyster sauce: Gives the sauce that signature glossy richness.
- Garlic: Aromatic and essential for flavor.
- Ginger: Adds a touch of warmth and zing.
- Cornstarch: Used in the marinade to tenderize the beef and thicken the sauce.
- Brown sugar: Balances out the saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for high-heat stir-frying.
- Water or beef broth: Helps create the saucy consistency without diluting the flavor.


How To Make the Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Slice and Marinate the Beef
Thinly slice the flank steak against the grain. Toss it in a bowl with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a bit of oil. Let it sit while you prepare the other ingredients—even 10 minutes helps tenderize.
Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli
Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 1 to 2 minutes. Drain and set aside. This keeps them vibrant and just tender enough.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the beef in batches and sear until browned and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same pan, add a bit more oil and sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant. Stir in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of water or broth. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the beef and broccoli to the pan. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Let it cook for another minute to warm through, then serve hot.
How to Serve and Store This Stir-Fry
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli serves about 4 people generously when paired with rice or noodles. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or an easy way to impress guests.
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the best texture, or microwave in short bursts.
What to Serve With Chinese Beef and Broccoli?
Steamed Jasmine Rice
Light and fluffy rice soaks up the savory sauce beautifully.
Garlic Fried Rice
Adds a flavorful punch and makes it a heartier meal.
Vegetable Spring Rolls
Crunchy and fresh, they make a fun appetizer or side.
Egg Drop Soup
Warm and silky, it pairs well with the boldness of the stir-fry.
Stir-Fried Noodles
Toss some noodles in soy and sesame oil for a quick side.
Sesame Cucumber Salad
Cool, crisp, and refreshing to balance the richness.
Chinese Scallion Pancakes
Pan-fried and chewy, they’re great for dipping into extra sauce.
Mango Sticky Rice
For dessert, this sweet finish is a nice contrast to the savory dish.
Want More Beef Dinner Ideas?
If you enjoyed this takeout-style stir-fry, you’ll want to try these flavorful beef dishes too:
- Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a spicy, creamy Tex-Mex twist.
- Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas if you’re craving bold southwestern flavor.
- Unstuffed Pepper Skillet for a hearty one-pan comfort dish.
- Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef for something warm and cozy.
- Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef Rotini Bake for an indulgent, cheesy oven dinner.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try it with rice or noodles? Did you spice it up with chili oil?
I love hearing how others bring these dishes to life in their kitchens. If you have questions, drop them below and let’s cook smarter together.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinner recipes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feel-good meals: Zoe Recipes on Pinterest
Conclusion
Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a dish you’ll come back to over and over again. It’s quick, deeply flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re a stir-fry newbie or seasoned home cook, this one deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Serve it hot, eat it fresh, and enjoy the comfort of homemade takeout-style perfection.


Chinese Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful takeout-style stir-fry made at home in under 30 minutes. Made with tender flank steak, crisp broccoli, and a savory garlic-ginger soy sauce, it’s the perfect healthy dinner idea. Serve it over rice or noodles for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
3 cups broccoli florets
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup water or beef broth
Instructions
1. Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. Toss with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a teaspoon of oil. Let marinate while prepping the other ingredients.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch broccoli florets for 1–2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet or wok over high heat. Cook the beef in batches until browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add a bit more oil and sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant. Stir in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and water. Simmer until slightly thickened.
5. Add the beef and broccoli back into the pan. Toss everything together to coat in the sauce and cook for another minute. Serve hot.
Notes
Let the beef marinate while you prep the broccoli and sauce to save time.
Blanching broccoli helps preserve color and crunch without overcooking.
Thin slices of beef cook faster and stay tender—don’t skip the slicing tip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
