Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Name: Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak (or skirt steak, or other cuts); 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)

Delicious Chinese beef and broccoli dish served on a plate

By :

Laura

October 31, 2025

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Get yours

Jump to Recipe

Why make this recipe

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a classic dish that delivers a perfect blend of tender beef, crispy broccoli, and a savory sauce. It is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a well-loved choice for many families. This dish is a great option if you’re looking for a quick meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. Plus, it allows you to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine right in the comfort of your home.

Moreover, Beef and Broccoli is quite versatile. You can adjust the level of spice, and sweetness, and even substitute the veggies with others like snow peas or bell peppers. All of this makes Chinese Beef and Broccoli a dish worth making over and over again.

How to make Chinese Beef and Broccoli

This recipe walks you through making Chinese Beef and Broccoli with simple steps. It involves marinating the beef, prepping the broccoli, and making a delicious sauce that ties everything together. Follow these easy directions, and you’ll have a fantastic meal ready in no time.

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak (or skirt steak, or other cuts)
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)

Directions

Prepare the Beef
Slice the beef against the grain into 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick slices or 1 cm (1/2 inch) sticks. Transfer it to a small bowl.
Marinate the Beef
Add soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch to the bowl. Mix well by hand until all slices are coated with a thin layer of sauce. Let this marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Make the Sauce
Combine all the ingredients for the sauce in a medium-sized bowl. Mix thoroughly.
Prep the Broccoli
In a large nonstick skillet, add 1/4 cup water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and cover the skillet. Steam until the broccoli just turns tender—this should take about 1 minute. Once done, transfer the broccoli to a plate and wipe the pan with a paper towel to remove any remaining water.
Cook the Beef
Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Swirl it to coat the bottom of the skillet. Once hot, spread the marinated beef in a single layer. Let it cook without touching for 30 seconds, or until the bottom side turns brown. Flip the beef to cook the other side for a few seconds and stir to cook until the surface is lightly charred, but the inside remains pink.
Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Allow them to cook for a moment, letting their flavors released into the air.
Combine Everything
Return the prepped broccoli to the pan. Stir the sauce you made earlier to dissolve the cornstarch completely before pouring it into the skillet. Cook and stir this mixture for about a minute until the sauce thickens.
Serve
Transfer everything to a plate immediately. Serve hot as a main dish. Enjoy!

Nutritional benefits

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is not just tasty but also nutritious. The dish includes lean beef, which is a great source of protein, iron, and vitamin B12, vital for energy production and overall health. Broccoli, a star in its own right, enriches the dish with dietary fiber, vitamin C, and various antioxidants. Together, they make a balanced meal that supports your dietary needs and keeps you feeling full and satisfied.

What to Serve With Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Serving suggestions can enhance your dining experience. Here are a few ideas:

Rice: Steamed jasmine rice or fried rice complements Beef and Broccoli perfectly. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce.
Noodles: Lo mein or rice noodles work great as a base under the beef and broccoli.
Salad: A simple cucumber salad can provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the warm dish.

Feel free to mix and match based on what you love best!

Why You’ll Love This

Quick and Easy: This dish can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Packed: The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic creates an incredibly tasty marinade and sauce.
Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from the beef and broccoli, it’s a wholesome meal you can feel good about serving.
Versatile: You can make variations based on your preferences or dietary needs.

How to store Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Storing leftovers is simple. Allow the dish to cool down and then place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.

If you’d like to store it for a longer time, consider freezing. You can freeze it in individual portions, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

Slice Against the Grain: Cutting the meat against the grain will yield more tender pieces.
Don’t Skip the Marinade: Allow the beef to marinate for at least 10 minutes to enhance its flavor and tenderness.
Cook Quickly: Stir-fry beef quickly over high heat to avoid overcooking; this keeps it juicy and tender.
Watch the Broccoli: Steaming the broccoli just until tender is essential for a crisp texture.

Variations

If you’re looking to mix things up, here are some variations you can try:

Add More Veggies: Include bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added color and nutrients.
Make it Spicy: Add chili flakes or fresh chili peppers to the sauce for some heat.
Use Different Proteins: Try this recipe with chicken or shrimp as a change from beef.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Can I prepare this in advance?

While it’s best served fresh, you can marinate the beef and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a delightfully simple meal that delivers on flavor and nutrition. Try it out this week for an easy and satisfying dinner!