If you’re craving bold, savory flavors with a touch of home-cooked nostalgia, Chinese Beef and Broccoli will absolutely satisfy. This classic takeout favorite pairs tender slices of flank steak with crisp broccoli, all tossed in a glossy, deeply flavorful sauce that’s impossible to resist. It’s a quick, approachable dinner idea that packs each bite with just the right balance of richness, umami, and subtle sweetness. Whether you’re hoping to impress company or brighten up a weeknight, Chinese Beef and Broccoli brings vibrant color, fantastic textures, and all the mouthwatering aromas that make Chinese cuisine Main Course.

Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chinese Beef and Broccoli is how it transforms a few simple ingredients into something truly special. Each one plays an important part in bringing out those unforgettable flavors and perfecting the craveable sauce you’ll love.

Flank steak: Thinly sliced against the grain, this cut stays juicy and soaks up all the savory sauce.
Broccoli florets: Fresh, vibrant, and just the right crunch to contrast the beef.
Vegetable oil: Using it in two stages helps create both that gorgeous seared beef and crisp-tender broccoli.
Garlic cloves: Minced for a flavorful aromatic base that infuses the entire stir-fry.
Fresh ginger: Grated for a zingy note that awakens every bite.
Soy sauce: Brings essential saltiness and depth to the sauce.
Oyster sauce: Adds glossy richness and an undeniable umami boost.
Hoisin sauce: Offers just a hint of sweetness and complexity.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce into that luscious, velvet-like coating.
Brown sugar: Rounds out the salty and savory notes with gentle sweetness.
Beef broth: Provides savory background flavor, making the sauce extra satisfying.
Sesame oil: Just a touch lends a signature nutty aroma at the end.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Sprinkling these in gives a gentle kick for spice lovers.
Green onions: Thinly sliced for a burst of color and freshness when serving.
Sesame seeds: The finishing touch for crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Whisk Up the Flavorful Sauce

Kick things off by combining the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, beef broth, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth, making sure there are no cornstarch lumps. This sauce is the heart of Chinese Beef and Broccoli, bringing together sweet, salty, and savory notes that will soon cling beautifully to the beef and veggies.

Step 2: Sear the Beef for Maximum Flavor

Heat half the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Place the thinly sliced beef in a single layer and let it sear undisturbed for a couple of minutes, just until it’s browned but still pink in the center. Quickly remove it to a plate—this locks in all the juiciness and prevents overcooking, a key secret for mouthwatering Chinese Beef and Broccoli.

Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli, Garlic, and Ginger

Add the rest of the oil to your hot skillet, then toss in the broccoli florets, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the broccoli to turn deep green and just tender-crisp. The kitchen will smell amazing as the garlic and ginger infuse the oil!

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Now, return the seared beef to the pan. Pour the whisked sauce all over and toss everything together so the beef and broccoli are evenly coated. Stir regularly for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens up and the beef is cooked through but still tender. The result: a gorgeous, glossy stir-fry that’s positively irresistible and captures the magic of Chinese Beef and Broccoli.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, shower your stir-fry with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These little touches add a pop of freshness and texture that takes Chinese Beef and Broccoli over the top. Now, it’s time to dig in!

How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Garnishes

Top your piping-hot Chinese Beef and Broccoli with a generous scattering of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a restaurant-worthy finishing touch. For extra visual flair, add a few curls of carrot or a drizzle of extra sesame oil to highlight those vibrant colors and glossy sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish shines brightest when paired with a mountain of fluffy steamed jasmine rice or delicate lo mein noodles, both of which are perfect for soaking up that irresistible sauce. For a heartier meal, bring in some egg rolls, steamed dumplings, or a crisp Asian cucumber salad on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun spin, serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held appetizer. Or pile it onto a colorful platter atop a bed of fried rice for a show-stopping family-style spread. You can also create individual rice bowls, customizing each with extra garnishes, chili oil, or a soft-boiled egg for an upgrade worthy of any bistro.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Chinese Beef and Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making next-day lunches even more craveable.

Freezing

This stir-fry freezes fairly well—simply let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months; just be aware that the broccoli softens a bit upon thawing but the overall taste remains fantastic.

Reheating

To keep that beef tender and the sauce glossy, reheat Chinese Beef and Broccoli gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works in a pinch—cover partially and stir halfway through to distribute the heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While flank steak is classic for Chinese Beef and Broccoli, sirloin or skirt steak work beautifully when sliced thinly against the grain. You can even use chicken or shrimp for a delicious variation.

How do I keep the broccoli crisp-tender?

The trick is to stir-fry the broccoli over high heat and avoid overcooking. If you like extra-crisp broccoli, reduce the cooking time by a minute or quickly blanch the florets before stir-frying.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap in gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce, and double-check that your oyster and hoisin sauces are gluten-free (most grocery stores now carry options).

What is the best way to slice the beef?

Always slice the beef across the grain and as thin as possible for tenderness. Chilling the steak in the freezer for about 30 minutes beforehand makes it easier to achieve paper-thin slices.

Can I add other vegetables?

Certainly! Snow peas, red bell pepper, or thinly sliced carrots all complement Chinese Beef and Broccoli beautifully, adding both color and crunch to your stir-fry.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dinner that’s both quick and truly satisfying, give Chinese Beef and Broccoli a whirl. There’s something so rewarding about whipping up this classic favorite at home, where you control every flavor and texture. Grab your wok and dive in—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. I can’t wait to hear how it brightens up your dinner table!