Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe That’s Better Than Takeout

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a quick, savory dinner packed with tender beef and crisp broccoli in a rich garlic sauce. It tastes just like your favorite takeout, yet you can make it at home in about 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Chinese Beef and Broccoli brings bold, savory flavor with just a touch of sweetness. The sauce tastes rich and garlicky, while the ginger adds warmth and depth. Meanwhile, the broccoli stays bright and tender, which balances the juicy beef perfectly.

Even better, this Chinese Beef and Broccoli comes together in about 30 minutes. So, you can cook it on a busy weeknight without stress. Because everything cooks in one pan, cleanup stays simple and quick.

It is also budget friendly since flank or skirt steak works beautifully. In fact, each serving has about 291 calories and around 26 grams of protein. As a result, you get a satisfying yet balanced dinner that feels indulgent but fits into everyday life.

Ingredients for Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Chinese Beef and Broccoli uses simple pantry staples. However, each ingredient plays an important role in flavor and texture. When you combine them, you get that classic glossy stir fry sauce.

Below, I break everything down so you can prep with confidence. Once everything is ready, cooking moves quickly.

For the Beef Marinade

You will need 1 pound flank steak, skirt steak, or a similar lean cut. Slice it thinly for the best texture.

Then add 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon peanut or vegetable oil, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. If the cut feels tough, you can also add ½ teaspoon baking soda and let it sit for about 30 minutes.

The cornstarch matters because it locks in moisture. As a result, the beef stays tender and silky once seared.

For the Stir Fry Sauce

For the sauce, whisk together ½ cup chicken or beef stock. Then add 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry sherry.

Next, stir in 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce if you want deeper color. Add 2 teaspoons brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.

Dark soy gives the sauce that classic rich hue. However, if you do not have it, a tiny bit of molasses adds depth.

Vegetables and Aromatics

You need 1 head of broccoli cut into bite size florets. Also grab 3 garlic cloves and 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, both minced.

Finally, use 1 tablespoon peanut or vegetable oil for stir frying.

Best Cut of Beef for Beef and Broccoli

Flank steak and skirt steak work best for Chinese Beef and Broccoli. They cook quickly and absorb marinades beautifully.

However, you must slice the beef against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, so each bite feels tender instead of chewy.

If you use a tougher cut, add baking soda to the marinade and let it rest about 30 minutes. As a result, the meat softens before it even hits the pan.

There is no need to buy expensive steak. In fact, lean and slightly fibrous cuts perform better in fast stir fry cooking. Because Chinese Beef and Broccoli cooks quickly over high heat, these cuts stay juicy and flavorful.

How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli Step by Step

Cooking Chinese Beef and Broccoli moves fast. Therefore, prep everything before you turn on the stove.

Slice and Marinate the Beef

First, slice the beef thinly against the grain. Then toss it with soy sauce, oil, cornstarch, and optional baking soda.

Let it rest briefly so it absorbs flavor. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce.

Mix the Stir Fry Sauce

In a bowl, whisk stock, Shaoxing wine, soy sauces, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth.

Set it aside because the cornstarch can settle. Then give it a quick stir again before adding to the pan.

Steam the Broccoli

Add a small splash of water to a large skillet and bring it to a boil. Then add the broccoli and cover.

Steam until just tender yet still bright green. After that, remove it and wipe the pan dry.

Sear the Beef

Heat oil in the skillet over high heat. Spread the beef in a single layer.

Let it sear without moving so it browns nicely. Then flip quickly and cook just until lightly charred but still slightly pink inside.

Do not overcrowd the pan. Otherwise, the beef will steam instead of sear.

Add Aromatics and Combine

Add garlic and ginger to the beef and stir until fragrant. Then return the broccoli to the pan.

Pour in the sauce and stir constantly. As it heats, the sauce thickens and turns glossy.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat once coated and shiny. Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli immediately over steamed rice. If you like, drizzle a little toasted sesame oil on top for aroma.

Wok vs. Skillet: What Works Best at Home?

Many people think you need a wok for Chinese Beef and Broccoli. However, a large nonstick or stainless steel skillet works great on most home stoves.

Traditional woks require very high heat. Meanwhile, most residential burners heat more evenly with flat bottom pans.

Because a skillet sits directly on the burner, it distributes heat better. As a result, you get a strong sear without struggling to keep the temperature high.

So, if you have a wok, use it. But if not, your large skillet will still deliver delicious results.

Tips for Tender, Restaurant Style Beef

Cornstarch coating plays a huge role. It forms a light barrier that keeps juices inside the beef.

If your beef feels firm, baking soda helps break down muscle fibers. However, rinse lightly after marinating if you use more than a tiny amount.

High heat also matters. Therefore, cook quickly and avoid stirring too soon.

Most importantly, prep everything first. Once the pan gets hot, Chinese Beef and Broccoli cooks in minutes. If you scramble to chop garlic mid cooking, the beef can overcook.

Easy Variations and Substitutions

Chinese Beef and Broccoli adapts easily. So, feel free to tweak it based on what you have.

Vegetable Swaps

You can add sliced carrots or red bell peppers for color and crunch. Add firmer vegetables earlier so they soften properly.

Snap peas or snow peas cook quickly. Therefore, add them near the end with the broccoli.

Gluten Free Option

Swap soy sauce with tamari for a gluten free version. Also, use dry sherry instead of Shaoxing wine.

Then check labels carefully so everything stays gluten free.

Add Some Heat

If you love spice, stir in chili oil or a spoon of sriracha. Meanwhile, taste and adjust sweetness or salt as needed.

You can even finish with crushed red pepper for extra warmth.

What to Serve with Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Chinese Beef and Broccoli pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice. The fluffy rice soaks up the extra saucy goodness.

Brown rice adds fiber and a nutty taste. Meanwhile, fried rice turns it into a full takeout style feast.

You could also serve a light cucumber salad or a simple soup. However, rice truly completes the meal.

If you enjoy bold beef dinners, you might also love Delicious Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls or Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta One Pot Dinner.

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

• Easy Crockpot Pepper Steak
• Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
• Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls
• Easy Baked Chicken and Zucchini Dinner

If you love quick dinners like this Chinese Beef and Broccoli, you can also find more ideas on my Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/elliesmicrowaverecipes/.

Conclusion

Chinese Beef and Broccoli gives you bold takeout flavor without leaving home. Because it cooks in one pan and takes about 30 minutes, it fits perfectly into busy weeknights.

You can adjust the vegetables, tweak the sauce, or add heat to match your taste. Meanwhile, the tender beef and glossy sauce always steal the show.

So grab your skillet and try this Chinese Beef and Broccoli tonight. It delivers authentic flavor, satisfying protein, and cozy comfort in every bite.