Do you enjoy ordering Chinese takeout? Over the weekend, I decided to treat myself to a classic Chinese Beef and Broccoli dish. On the way home, I could barely contain my excitement, imagining those savory bites of tender beef and perfectly cooked broccoli. But when we finally opened the takeout containers, I was floored—they were barely half full!
The flavor was spot on, but the portions were disappointing. I played the “I’m not hungry” card so the kids could have more, but even then, their appetites weren’t satisfied. That night, I resolved to make my own Chinese Beef and Broccoli at home—not only to save money but to ensure we could all indulge without limits. Drawing inspiration from my favorite takeout spots, including the ever-popular Panda Express, I set out to create a dish that would rival the best Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipes.
Most people think that recreating restaurant-quality beef and broccoli at home is tricky, but I’ve discovered the secrets to making tender, juicy beef and vibrant, crisp broccoli. With a little know-how, even a humble chuck steak can be transformed into melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The next day, armed with my grocery haul, I whipped up a batch of homemade Chinese Beef and Broccoli that had everyone at the table raving. My daughter even tried to sneak a taste straight from the skillet—proof that this recipe is a winner!
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious stir-fry that’s perfect for satisfying your cravings while saving a fortune on takeout. With bold flavors, tender beef, and perfectly cooked broccoli, it’s a dish your family will love—and it’s so much more filling than those tiny takeout portions!
Cooking at home also allows you to control the ingredients and flavors, making it healthier and more versatile. You can even customize the recipe to include your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers. It’s not just a meal; it’s a fun and satisfying cooking experience that’s sure to become a household favorite.
I hope everyone will enjoy pigging out on all that broccoli and beef and have fun learning my secrets on how to make this stir fry beef and broccoli recipe while still saving money!
What Makes This Recipe Special
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. This recipe doesn’t require complex techniques, making it accessible even for beginner cooks.
- Healthier Than Takeout: Made with fresh ingredients and less oil, this dish lets you enjoy your favorite flavors guilt-free.
- Budget-Friendly: Feed the whole family for a fraction of the cost of takeout, and enjoy bigger portions without the added cost.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Swap the beef for chicken, tofu, or shrimp. Add mushrooms, carrots, or even snap peas for extra color and crunch.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. It reheats beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers.
Ingredients
- Beef (1 lb): Sliced thinly; chuck steak or flank steak works well. Thin slices ensure quick cooking and tender bites.
- Broccoli (1.5 cups): Cut into small florets. Fresh broccoli adds a vibrant crunch, but frozen broccoli works in a pinch.
- Soy Sauce (3 tbsp): Adds savory depth to the marinade and sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter option.
- Oyster Sauce (1.5 tbsp): Provides rich umami flavor and a touch of sweetness.
- Sesame Oil (2 tbsp): For a nutty aroma and flavor that enhances the stir-fry.
- Cornstarch (4.5 tsp): Helps thicken the sauce and tenderize the beef. It’s a must for silky, glossy sauces.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Minced for aromatic depth. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Black Pepper (to taste): Adds a slight kick and complements the other flavors.
- Cooking Oil (2 tbsp): For stir-frying. Use a neutral oil like vegetable or avocado oil for best results.
- Water (3 tbsp): For steaming the broccoli and adjusting the sauce consistency. It’s essential for keeping the dish from drying out.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients : Gather all your ingredients, including soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, broccoli, beef slices, and seasonings. Ensure the beef is sliced thinly, and the broccoli is cut into small florets for even cooking.
2. Cook the Rice: Use a rice cooker to steam your rice according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once cooked, set the rice aside and keep it warm for serving.
3. Prepare the Marinade: Combine 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, 1.5 teaspoon of cornstarch, 2 teaspoons of sesame oil, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and some fresh ground black pepper to taste. For a more authentic flavor use 1 Tablespoon Chinese Shaohsing Rice Cooking Wine (Use sherry or white wine as an alternative). Add the beef slices, toss to coat, and let it marinate for 15 minutes. This step ensures the beef is tender and flavorful.
4. Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Boil for 1 minute, then immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve its vibrant color. Drain and set aside. Remove and set aside. Blanching the broccoli separately prevents overcooking during stir-frying.
5. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1.5 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 3 teaspoons of cornstarch, 1 Teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and 3 tablespoons of water. Stir well and set aside. This sauce ties the dish together with its rich, savory flavor.
6. Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside. Cooking the beef separately prevents it from becoming overdone while finishing the dish.
7. Combine and Stir-Fry: Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Toss in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Return the beef to the skillet, pour in the sauce, and stir well. Add the steamed broccoli and cook for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring everything is coated in the savory sauce.
8. Serve with Rice: Plate the Chinese Beef and Broccoli alongside fluffy steamed rice and enjoy! Rice is the perfect base to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Tips for Success
- Slice Against the Grain: Cutting the beef against the grain ensures tender slices every time. This technique breaks down the muscle fibers, making each bite softer.
- Preheat the Skillet: Always start with a hot skillet to achieve a proper sear on the beef. This locks in juices and enhances flavor.
- Blanch Broccoli First: Blanching broccoli keeps its vibrant color and crisp texture. It also speeds up the final cooking process.
- Customize the Veggies: Add carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for extra variety. This recipe is incredibly versatile and can accommodate a range of flavors.
- Make Extra Sauce: If you love saucy dishes, double the sauce ingredients to ensure there’s plenty to coat the rice.
FAQ
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture. Frozen broccoli is a convenient option but may have a slightly softer texture.
2. What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
Flank steak, sirloin, or chuck steak are all great options for tender beef slices. Ensure the beef is thinly sliced for quick cooking.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free. This simple swap makes the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid overcooking the beef.
5. What can I serve with this dish?
This easy beef and broccoli pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, brown rice, or even noodles. For a low-carb option, try serving it with cauliflower rice.
Explore More Chinese Recipes
If you loved this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe, why not explore more? Try my flavorful Tea Eggs, marbled with savory tea and spices, or my refreshing Chinese Cucumber Salad with garlic and sesame. For a healthy twist, enjoy the Tofu Skin with Edamame and Mustard Greens for a light but satisfying meal.
Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe: Quick, Delicious, and Easy Takeout Favorite
Description
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is a quick, flavorful stir-fry made with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce. Perfect for satisfying your takeout cravings at home.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
For the Sauce:
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Gather all the ingredients, slicing the beef thinly and cutting the broccoli into small florets.
-
Cook the Rice:
Use a rice cooker to steam the rice according to the manufacturer's instructions and set it aside.
-
Marinate the Beef:
Combine soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper. Add the beef slices, toss to coat, and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
-
Blanch the Broccoli:
Boil broccoli for 1 minute, then transfer it to ice water to preserve its color and crispness. Drain and set aside.
-
-
Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch to prepare the savory sauce.
-
Cook the Beef:
Heat oil in a skillet over high heat, sear the marinated beef for 2-3 minutes, then remove it from the skillet.
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Combine Ingredients:
Add garlic to the skillet, sauté briefly, then add the beef, sauce, and broccoli. Stir-fry until everything is well coated.
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Plate and Serve:
Plate the stir-fried beef and broccoli with steamed rice and enjoy a delicious homemade meal.
Equipment
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Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 286.43kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13.66g22%
- Saturated Fat 2.61g14%
- Trans Fat 0.24g
- Cholesterol 53.58mg18%
- Sodium 726.61mg31%
- Potassium 501.01mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 19.01g7%
- Dietary Fiber 1.42g6%
- Sugars 0.67g
- Protein 21.7g44%
- Vitamin A 12.51 IU
- Vitamin C 31.1 mg
- Calcium 44.64 mg
- Iron 2.79 mg
- Vitamin D 0.08 IU
- Vitamin E 1.74 IU
- Vitamin K 42.83 mcg
- Thiamin 0.16 mg
- Riboflavin 0.22 mg
- Niacin 5.2 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.62 mg
- Folate 31.14 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1.95 mcg
- Phosphorus 248.44 mg
- Magnesium 39.81 mg
- Zinc 5.06 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions over the dish before serving.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Store portions in airtight containers and reheat for a quick lunch or dinner.
- If you like spicy dishes, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce or garnish with sliced fresh chili peppers.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli; blanching keeps it crisp and vibrant, making the dish visually appealing and maintaining its texture.
