Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Chinese Beef and Broccoli (牛肉炒西兰花) is one of the most beloved Chinese-American dishes—and for good reason.
Juicy, tender slices of beef are stir-fried with vibrant, crisp broccoli and tossed in a rich, savory brown sauce. The best part?
You can recreate this iconic restaurant-style dish right at home in just 30 minutes.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or craving your favorite takeout meal without leaving the house, this homemade beef and broccoli is healthier, fresher, and every bit as satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Better than takeout: No MSG, no greasy aftertaste—just clean, bold flavors.
- Versatile: Serve it over hot white rice, brown rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice.
- Meal-prep friendly: Stores well in the fridge and can be reheated for lunch or dinner.
- Gluten-free adaptable: With just a few substitutions, this dish works for gluten-free diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef & Marinade
- 1 lb boneless flank steak – sliced against the grain
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp peanut oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (optional for extra tenderness)
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken or beef stock
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry for GF)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce (adds deep color and caramel notes)
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
For the Stir-Fry
- 1 head broccoli – cut into bite-size florets
- 1 tbsp peanut oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli
1. Marinate the Beef
Slice the beef thinly against the grain. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, peanut oil, cornstarch, and baking soda (optional). Toss the beef until evenly coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes while prepping the sauce and veggies.
2. Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
3. Pre-Cook the Broccoli
In a large skillet or wok, add 1/4 cup of water and bring to a boil. Add broccoli, cover, and steam for about 1 minute until just tender. Remove and set aside. Wipe the pan dry.
4. Sear the Beef
Heat oil over medium-high heat. Spread beef in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 30 seconds or until browned. Flip and cook for another 30 seconds, then stir-fry until just cooked through.
5. Add Aromatics
Add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir quickly to release aroma—about 30 seconds.
6. Add Broccoli & Sauce
Return broccoli to the pan. Give the sauce a final stir and pour it in. Cook everything together for about 1 minute, until the sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully.
7. Serve
Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or as-is for a lower-carb option.
Expert Tips for Success
- Slice beef thinly: This helps it cook quickly and remain tender.
- Don’t skip marinating: It adds flavor and improves the texture of the beef.
- Use high heat: Stir-frying is all about quick cooking at high heat.
- Steam broccoli briefly: You want it tender but still crisp—overcooking will make it soggy.
- Gluten-Free Tip: Replace soy sauce with tamari and Shaoxing wine with dry sherry.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out?
- Classic Takeout Flavor at Home: Rich umami-packed sauce, seared beef, and crunchy broccoli—you’ll swear it came from your favorite Chinese restaurant.
- Customizable: Swap in chicken, tofu, or shrimp. Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas to mix it up.
- Healthier Option: Less oil, no MSG, and no deep frying. You control the ingredients.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave or stir-fry quickly with a splash of water.
- Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe is proof that homemade takeout-style meals can be fast, flavorful, and fuss-free. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving some saucy beef goodness, this dish hits every note. Ready in 30 minutes with pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s a must-have for your weeknight dinner rotation.
