Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

If you’re craving a dinner that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the tender beef pairs with crisp broccoli, all enveloped in a savory, glossy sauce that feels like a restaurant-quality meal but without the hassle. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but impressive.

When I first tried nailing this dish at home, I used to struggle with getting the beef incredibly tender and the broccoli just right—not soggy but still bright and crisp. This recipe has all the tricks I’ve discovered along the way, including marinating with baking soda for that buttery-soft texture and blanching the broccoli for perfect crunch. Give this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe a try, and you’ll see how incredibly satisfying it can be to make your own takeout classic.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create that harmonious balance of textures and flavors in this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe. When shopping, fresh broccoli and flank steak are your star players, but don’t overlook the subtle magic Shaoxing wine adds—it’s worth finding if you can.

• Flank Steak: Thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness; marinating it is key to juicy results.
• Baking Soda: A secret tenderizer that transforms the meat texture—don’t skip this step.
• Shaoxing Wine: This Chinese cooking wine adds authentic flavor depth; if unavailable, dry sherry works as a substitute.
• Light Soy Sauce: Bright and salty, a base for the marinade and sauce.
• Oyster Sauce: Provides rich umami and a touch of sweetness that rounds out the sauce perfectly.
• White Pepper: Adds a mild heat and earthiness without overpowering the dish.
• Water and Cornstarch (for marinade): Creates a velvety coating on the beef, helping the sauce stick nicely.
• Dark Soy Sauce: Contributes color and a deeper soy flavor to the sauce.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances saltiness with a bit of sweetness for harmony.
• Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Adds savoriness and a bit of liquid for the sauce to thicken smoothly.
• Broccoli: Crisp and fresh, cut into bite-sized florets for ease of eating.
• Garlic and Ginger: Minced and sautéed to release aromatic flavors that make this dish truly irresistible.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Stirred in at the end for a fragrant finish that warms the entire dish.

Variations

I love tweaking this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood—feel free to adapt it to your liking! Adding your own twist not only keeps the dish exciting but also makes it more personal and fun to cook.

• Adding Red Pepper Flakes: I sometimes scatter a pinch of flakes for a subtle heat that wakes up the flavors without overpowering the dish.
• Switching Beef Cuts: While flank steak is perfect for this recipe, you can try sirloin or ribeye—just slice thinly and adjust marinating time accordingly.
• Vegetable Boost: Toss in sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color, especially when broccoli feels a bit plain.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free, a handy tip for those avoiding gluten.

How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Beef for Tenderness

Start by mixing your thinly sliced flank steak with baking soda, Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, white pepper, water, and cornstarch. I like to give it a thorough mix so every piece gets coated evenly. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes—this small wait makes a huge difference in how tender and flavorful your beef turns out.

Step 2: Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce

While your beef marinates, combine oyster sauce, light and dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Stir it well until the sugar and cornstarch dissolve completely. This sauce will thicken beautifully when you toss it with the beef and broccoli later, giving you that crave-worthy glossy coating we all love.

Step 3: Blanch the Broccoli Perfectly

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and drop in your broccoli florets for just 1 to 2 minutes. This quick blanch keeps the broccoli vibrant green and crisp-tender—not soggy or overcooked. Drain well and set it aside while you cook the beef, so it stays fresh and ready for the final stir-fry.

Step 4: Sear the Beef Quickly

Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering hot. Spread the marinated beef in a single layer and sear each side quickly for about 30 seconds—this keeps it juicy and develops a nice browned crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you want the beef to sear, not steam. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 5: Stir Fry Garlic, Ginger & Broccoli

Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan, then toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—you’ll know by that delicious aroma filling your kitchen. Add the blanched broccoli and stir-fry for another minute to warm it through and coat it lightly in the garlic-ginger infusion.

Step 6: Combine Beef and Sauce to Finish

Return the seared beef to the pan along with your prepared stir-fry sauce. Toss everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and fully coats the beef and broccoli. Turn off the heat, drizzle in toasted sesame oil, and give it one last gentle toss to wake up the flavors with a nutty aroma. Now it’s ready to serve!

How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with freshly sliced green onions—they add a mild sharpness that balances the rich sauce beautifully. If I’m feeling fancy, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely texture and visual contrast too. These small touches make it feel extra special right before you dig in.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually serve this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe with fluffy steamed jasmine rice—it soaks up that flavorful sauce perfectly. Sometimes we switch it up with garlic fried rice or quenelle of brown rice for a heartier twist. A simple cucumber salad or pickled vegetables on the side also adds a refreshing, crisp counterbalance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to serve this dish family-style on a large platter garnished with chopped scallions and a few wedges of fresh lime. You can also serve it over a bed of steamed noodles for a comforting noodle bowl version. Using bright garnishes and colorful sides instantly makes the plate pop, turning a simple meal into something memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Chinese Beef and Broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken, so before reheating, I like to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up. This way, it stays saucy and flavorful even after it’s been stored.

Freezing

Freezing this dish works in a pinch, though I prefer fresh because the broccoli can lose some of its crunch. If freezing, cool the dish completely, then pack in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove to maintain texture as much as possible.

Reheating

When reheating, I find stove-top is best to keep everything tasting fresh—you just need low to medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving is okay, but can sometimes make the broccoli a bit soggy. Give it a quick toss while reheating to keep that lovely coating evenly distributed.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes for those nights when I want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I love that it comes together so fast yet delivers restaurant-quality flavor and texture that impresses everyone at the table. Once you get the hang of the techniques—especially marinating the beef and blanching the broccoli—you’ll find yourself making this again and again. Trust me, your family and friends will go crazy for this one, and I can’t wait for you to give it a try!

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