A quick, flavorful Chinese stir-fry featuring tender slices of beef, crisp broccoli florets, and a rich, umami-packed sauce. This 15-minute dinner delivers authentic takeout-style flavor with simple ingredients you can find at home. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a one-pan meal that’s satisfying, nutritious, and pairs beautifully with rice or noodles.
Table of Contents
What is Easy Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Easy Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a classic Chinese-American stir-fry that brings comfort and freshness in every bite. It’s made by tossing thinly sliced beef and crisp broccoli in a glossy, savory sauce that balances soy, oyster sauce, and a touch of sweetness. What makes this dish shine is how fast it comes together a full dinner, ready in minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- For the sauce: 1 ½ tbsp oyster sauce, 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tbsp sugar, ½ cup chicken broth, ½ tbsp cornstarch
- 1 lb broccoli, cut into florets
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
Substitutions
If you can’t find flank steak, use skirt steak, sirloin, or even chicken. You can also replace Shaoxing wine with dry sherry or cooking wine. Swap the chicken broth for beef or vegetable broth if needed it will still taste rich and flavorful.
Add-Ins and Variations
This recipe welcomes flexibility. Try adding red bell peppers for color, mushrooms for depth, or snap peas for crunch. For a spicy edge, drizzle in chili oil, sliced chili peppers, or a touch of sriracha.
How to Make Easy Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Cooking moves quickly, so have everything prepped before you start.
Step 1: Marinate thinly sliced flank steak with baking soda, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, white pepper, water, and cornstarch. Rest for at least 15 minutes.
Step 2: Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Blanch broccoli in salted water for 1–2 minutes, then drain.
Step 4: Heat oil in a hot wok or skillet. Sear the beef for 30 seconds per side until lightly browned. Remove.
Step 5: Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant, then toss in the broccoli. Return the beef, pour in the sauce, and stir-fry until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
Step 6: Drizzle with sesame oil for that nutty aroma and glossy finish.
Tips for Success
Slice the beef against the grain to keep it tender. Partially freeze it for an hour it makes slicing easier. Also, make sure your wok is hot before adding beef. Stir-frying is fast, so have all ingredients ready. This quick prep makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
If you love Asian-style dinners like this, try Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken or my easy Honey Garlic Chicken next. Both deliver the same balance of savory, sweet, and comforting flavors.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can freeze them for up to 3 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat quickly in a wok with a splash of oil or microwave it covered until hot. The texture stays surprisingly fresh even after reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Easy Chinese Beef and Broccoli over warm jasmine rice or with noodles for a heartier meal. It also pairs beautifully with stir-fried bok choy or Asian green beans. The deep, umami sauce complements spicy sides or even tangy pickled vegetables.
You can also serve it alongside light dishes like Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus or Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn.
FAQ
What is Easy Chinese beef and broccoli sauce made of?
It’s a mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and chicken broth thickened with cornstarch. The combination gives the dish its savory-sweet, glossy finish.
How do Chinese get beef so tender?
The secret lies in the marinade baking soda and cornstarch help tenderize the meat. Marinating for at least 15 minutes ensures a silky texture once cooked.
Is beef and broccoli Chinese or American?
It’s a Chinese-American creation inspired by Cantonese stir-fries. The technique and flavors come from Chinese cuisine, but the dish itself was popularized in the U.S.
What type of beef is beef and broccoli?
Flank steak is most common, but sirloin, skirt steak, or tenderloin work too. The key is slicing it thinly against the grain for tenderness.
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Conclusion
Easy Chinese Beef and Broccoli is one of those weeknight meals that always delivers quick, satisfying, and deeply flavorful. With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a sauce that clings perfectly to every bite, it brings the taste of your favorite takeout straight to your kitchen. Serve it hot, enjoy the leftovers, and savor the comfort of real, homemade food.
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Print
Chinese Beef and Broccoli | Quick & Delicious Dinner
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
A quick, flavorful Chinese stir-fry featuring tender slices of beef, crisp broccoli florets, and a rich, umami-packed sauce. This 15-minute dinner brings takeout-style flavor home.
Ingredients
1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
¼ tsp white pepper
2 tbsp water
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 ½ tbsp oyster sauce (for sauce)
2 tbsp light soy sauce (for sauce)
2 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (for sauce)
1 tbsp granulated sugar
½ cup low sodium chicken broth
½ tbsp cornstarch (for sauce)
1 lb broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
5 garlic cloves, minced
½ tbsp ginger, minced
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
Instructions
1. Mix beef with baking soda, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, white pepper, water, and cornstarch. Let marinate at least 15 minutes.
2. Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
3. Boil broccoli in salted water for 1–2 minutes, then drain.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear beef in a single layer for 30 seconds per side, then remove.
5. Add more oil, then sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Add broccoli and cook for 1 minute.
6. Return beef to pan, pour in sauce, and stir-fry 1–2 minutes until thickened.
7. Turn off heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and mix to coat evenly.
Notes
For easy slicing, partially freeze the beef for 1 hour.
Cut steak against the grain into thin slices, about ¼ inch thick.
Marinate beef for at least 15 minutes or up to 24 hours.
Ensure the wok is very hot before searing beef for best texture.
Have all ingredients prepped before starting to cook, as the process moves quickly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 355
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 2373mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 91mg