Name: Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak, skirt steak, or other cut; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (Optional); 1/2 cup chicken stock (or beef stock); 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce; 2 teaspoons brown sugar (or white sugar); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 head broccoli, cut to bite-size florets; 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons ginger, minced

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 13 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe because it perfectly captures that classic take-out flavor but with a fresher, home-cooked touch. The tender beef melds beautifully with crisp broccoli, all brought together in a savory, slightly sweet brown sauce that’s bursting with umami. Making this at home is not only satisfying but also way healthier than ordering in, and I always find that it pleases everyone at the dinner table. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become one of my go-to quick and delicious weeknight meals.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

From the moment I first made this dish, I was hooked on the balance of flavors and textures. The tender, juicy beef contrasts delightfully with the bright crunch of the broccoli, and the sauce brings everything together with a rich, savory-sweet depth. It’s comforting, flavorful, and so satisfying without feeling heavy. The touch of ginger and garlic adds just the right aromatic kick, making every bite a little celebration for the taste buds.

Besides how delicious it is, I really appreciate how easy this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is to make. The preparation is straightforward, and the whole dish comes together in about 30 minutes, which fits perfectly into my busy schedule. It’s ideal for casual weeknight dinners but also impressive enough to serve when friends or family come over. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes that never feels like a compromise between speed, health, and flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black pan filled with cooked beef strips and bright green broccoli florets mixed together. The beef pieces are brown and slightly crispy, while the broccoli looks fresh and tender. There is a wooden spatula partially visible, stirring or scooping the food. The colors are warm and natural, with the dark brown of the beef contrasting the vivid green of the broccoli. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create an authentic and vibrant dish. Each element, from the tender flank steak to the crisp broccoli, contributes to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this recipe such a standout.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Flank steak or skirt steak: These cuts are tender and thin, perfect for quick stir-frying and absorbing the marinade flavors.
Soy sauce: Adds the quintessential salty umami that defines this dish.
Peanut oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point that’s great for stir-frying and adds subtle nuttiness.
Cornstarch: Used both in the marinade and sauce to tenderize the beef and thicken the sauce.
Baking soda (optional): Helps tenderize tougher cuts of beef if you choose a less expensive option.
Chicken or beef stock: Creates a flavorful base for the sauce without overpowering the other ingredients.
Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): Brings authentic depth and complexity to the sauce.
Dark soy sauce: Adds a rich color and subtle caramel notes to the sauce.
Brown sugar: Balances the savory flavors with just the right amount of sweetness.
Broccoli: Fresh, crisp florets add bright color and a satisfying crunch.
Garlic and ginger: Essential aromatics that give the dish its signature flavor kick.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by slicing the beef thinly against the grain into about 1/4-inch thick slices or 1/2-inch sticks. Place them in a small bowl and add soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch. Mix gently with your hands until every piece is coated with a thin layer of marinade. Let it rest for 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Mix all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.

Step 3: Pour 1/4 cup of water into a large nonstick skillet and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets, cover the pan, and steam until the broccoli just turns tender and the water evaporates, about 1 minute. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside on a plate. If there’s any water left, wipe the pan dry with paper towels.

Step 4: Heat the peanut oil in the same pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Spread the marinated beef slices in a single layer and let them sear without stirring for about 30 seconds until the bottoms are browned. Flip and cook the other side for a few seconds, then stir to cook all the pieces, letting the beef get slightly charred on the outside but still juicy inside.

Step 5: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan and stir for just a few seconds until fragrant. This releases their peppery, zesty aromas and amps up the flavor.

Step 6: Return the broccoli to the skillet. Give the sauce a quick stir to recombine, then pour it over the beef and broccoli. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats everything nicely, which should take about a minute. Remove from heat immediately to keep everything tender.

Step 7: Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy hot, ideally over steamed rice for the full classic experience.

Servings and Timing

This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe serves 2 to 4 people, making it perfect for a small family meal or a cozy dinner for two with leftovers. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and another 15 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. There’s no resting or cooling time required, so you can have dinner on the table quickly without sacrificing flavor.

How to Serve This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

The image shows a white bowl with blue patterns around the top edge, filled with bright green broccoli and dark brown pieces of cooked meat. The broccoli looks fresh and tender, while the meat appears juicy and slightly shiny. A pair of wooden chopsticks held by a woman's hand is lifting a piece of meat above the bowl. The white marbled surface is softly blurred in the background, making the bowl and food stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I like serving this dish piping hot right off the stove because the tender beef and crisp broccoli taste best warm. It pairs wonderfully with a bowl of steamed jasmine or brown rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce beautifully. For an extra touch, I sometimes serve it alongside simple fried rice or steamed dumplings to make the meal feel more festive.

When it comes to garnishing, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or sliced scallions brings out fresh aromas and adds a nice textural contrast. A drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the end also elevates the dish’s flavor, giving it that delightful nutty finish. If I’m looking to impress guests, I’ll plate the beef and broccoli over a bed of rice in a shallow dish and garnish with thinly sliced red chili or fresh coriander for a pop of color.

As for drinks, I love pairing this meal with a crisp, light white wine like a Riesling or a chilled jasmine tea to balance the savory notes. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lime adds a refreshing twist. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual dinner party, I find this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is always a crowd-pleaser, served warm and in generous portions.

Variations

I enjoy experimenting with this recipe by swapping out ingredients to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For example, if you’re looking to make it gluten-free, simply replace the soy sauce with tamari and use dry sherry instead of Shaoxing wine. These small substitutions make the dish just as flavorful and accessible for everyone.

If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version, you can replace the beef with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable stock for the sauce. Just be sure to press the tofu well before cooking to keep it extra firm and give it a good sear to add texture. Adding mushrooms alongside the broccoli also amplifies the umami factor naturally.

For flavor twists, I sometimes add a splash of oyster sauce or a pinch of chili flakes if I want a little heat. Another favorite of mine is to stir in some roasted cashews or sliced water chestnuts near the end of cooking for crunch. You can also try cooking the beef using a quick flash-fry over very high heat or grilling the beef slices for a smoky note before tossing with the sauce. The versatility of this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe makes it a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe store exceptionally well in airtight containers in the refrigerator. I recommend using glass containers with tight-fitting lids so the flavors stay fresh and vibrant. Properly stored, the leftovers should keep well for up to 3 days, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy a quick meal later on.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, this dish freezes okay but I prefer to freeze the beef and broccoli separately from the rice to maintain the best texture. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen, the beef and broccoli will keep for about 2 months. When thawing, do so in the refrigerator overnight for the best results and avoid refreezing after thawing to protect texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to warm the leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir frequently until heated through and the sauce is reactivated. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can sometimes make the broccoli mushy or the beef tough. If using a microwave, cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the texture appealing. For best flavor, add a drizzle of sesame oil or a sprinkle of fresh scallions after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank or skirt steak work best for their tenderness and quick cooking time, you can use chuck or round roast. Just remember to add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to the marinade and marinate for 30 minutes to tenderize the meat effectively.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make the Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari and replace Shaoxing wine with dry sherry. These swaps keep the flavors authentic while making the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diners.

Is it okay to use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

While fresh broccoli provides the best texture and color, you can use frozen broccoli if needed. Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat dry to avoid excess water, which can dilute the sauce. Adjust steaming and stir-frying times accordingly to prevent overcooking.

What should I serve this dish with?

I love pairing this beef and broccoli with steamed jasmine or brown rice, but fried rice, noodles, or even quinoa work great too. For a fuller meal, consider adding side dishes like spring rolls, steamed dumplings, or a simple cucumber salad to keep things light and fresh.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the beef for firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable stock instead of chicken or beef stock. Also, make sure the soy sauce and other seasonings are vegan-friendly. Adding mushrooms or water chestnuts can enhance the flavor and texture wonderfully.

Conclusion

If you’re craving a genuinely comforting yet quick dinner, I can’t recommend this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe enough. It’s a beautiful harmony of tender meat, vibrant veggies, and flavorful sauce that feels just like take-out but better because you made it yourself. Give it a try and enjoy the smiles at your dinner table — I promise it’ll become one of your favorite homemade dishes too!