Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a classic dish that combines tender slices of beef with crisp, fresh broccoli florets, all coated in a flavorful soy-based sauce. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with just the right mix of savory and slightly sweet flavors that make it a favorite at home or in your favorite takeout spot.
I love making this dish because it comes together so quickly and feels like a little treat whenever I need a comforting meal. The beef stays juicy and the broccoli stays bright and crunchy, which I think makes every bite enjoyable. One thing I always do is marinate the beef a bit before cooking to keep it extra tender, and it really makes a difference in flavor and texture.
For serving, I like to spoon it over steamed white rice or even noodles, so the sauce can soak in and bring everything together. It’s great for busy weeknights or when you want something tasty without too much fuss. Plus, it’s one of those meals that almost everyone seems to love, making it perfect for sharing with family or friends at the dinner table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak or sirloin works best because they’re tender and slice thinly. If you want a leaner option, try top round or even thinly sliced chicken breast instead. Always slice against the grain for tenderness.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets keep the dish crisp. If you’re short on time, frozen broccoli can work, but avoid overcooking to keep some bite.
Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce: These build the sauce’s classic umami flavor. For soy sauce, use low-sodium if you want less salt. Mushroom sauce or hoisin sauce can replace oyster sauce for a vegetarian twist.
Cornstarch: It helps thicken the sauce. You can substitute with arrowroot powder or potato starch. Mixing it with cold water before adding prevents clumps.
How Can I Cook Beef So It’s Tender and Juicy?
Marinate the beef with soy sauce and cornstarch for at least 15 minutes—this adds flavor and tenderizes. When cooking, use high heat and cook quickly, stirring often to avoid overcooking. Thin slices help it cook evenly.
- Slice beef thinly against the grain.
- Marinate with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
- Heat oil until hot, then stir-fry beef fast on medium-high heat.
- Remove beef once just browned to prevent toughness.
This keeps the beef juicy and tender, perfect for pairing with the crisp broccoli and thick sauce.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Wok or large skillet – great for quick, even cooking and tossing ingredients easily.
- Sharp knife – helps you slice the beef thinly and evenly against the grain.
- Cutting board – sturdy and spacious for prepping meat and vegetables.
- Mixing bowls – to marinate the beef and mix the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Slotted spoon or spatula – good for stirring and removing cooked beef without excess oil.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Replace beef with thinly sliced chicken or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Add bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
- Stir in fresh chili flakes or a splash of chili sauce if you want a bit of heat.
- Use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy and mushroom sauce for a different umami twist.
How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
- 3 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional garnish)
Marinade for Beef:
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Sauce:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water to make slurry)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10-15 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook, so around 25 minutes total. Most of the time is for marinating the beef and blanching the broccoli, which is quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
Mix the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil in a bowl. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes to help tenderize and flavor the meat.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and beef broth in a small bowl. Set aside so it’s ready to use later.
3. Blanch the Broccoli:
Boil a pot of water and add the broccoli florets. Let them cook for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn bright green and soften a little. Drain and immediately put the broccoli into a bowl of ice water to stop cooking and keep it crisp. Drain again and set aside.
4. Cook the Beef:
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook quickly for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until just browned and cooked through. Take the beef out of the pan and set aside.
5. Sauté the Garlic and Ginger:
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Stir-fry the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until you smell that wonderful aroma.
6. Combine Broccoli, Beef, and Sauce:
Add the blanched broccoli and cooked beef back to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir everything together so the flavors mix well.
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Pour in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) and keep stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely and coats the beef and broccoli.
8. Serve:
Serve the beef and broccoli over cooked white rice. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top if you like. Enjoy your homemade tasty Chinese Beef and Broccoli!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli in This Recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works fine! Just thaw it completely and drain any excess water before cooking to avoid sogginess. You may want to reduce blanching time since frozen broccoli is already partially cooked.
How Can I Make the Beef More Tender?
Marinate the beef with soy sauce and cornstarch for at least 15 minutes—this helps tenderize and adds flavor. Also, slice the beef thinly against the grain and cook it quickly over high heat to keep it juicy.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Cook the beef and blanch the broccoli, then store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready, reheat gently and toss with the sauce and cornstarch slurry on the stove.
What’s a Good Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, use hoisin sauce or mushroom stir-fry sauce as alternatives for a similar savory depth. Just adjust the sweetness or saltiness to taste, since these may vary.
