Tender beef and crisp-tender broccoli are coated in a glossy, savory stir-fry sauce. This easy Chinese beef and broccoli recipe is ready in just 30 minutes. It makes a quick and flavorful dinner with plenty of sauce for serving over rice.
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Beef and broccoli stir-fry is a popular Chinese-American takeout-style dish made with tender sliced flank steak and broccoli florets tossed in a savory brown stir-fry sauce.
My mom made this constantly when I was a kid just to get me to eat my green vegetables, and I loved eating it over steamed rice!
Through trial and error, I found that marinating the thinly sliced beef with a small amount of baking soda and cornstarch helps it cook up exceptionally tender and juicy. Slicing the beef against the grain also shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite easier to chew.
If you enjoy this stir-fry, try my chicken and broccoli or shrimp and broccoli stir-fry for another easy dinner.
Ingredients & Substitutes
Exact ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Flank Steak: Its loose grain works well with the marinade and becomes tender when thinly sliced against the grain. Sirloin tip, tri-tip, or hanger steak also work.
- Broccoli Crown: Cut into similar-sized florets for even cooking. Frozen broccoli florets also work; see the FAQ below for cooking instructions.
- Ginger & Garlic: Use fresh aromatics for the best flavor.
- Water: Use room-temperature water to quickly steam the broccoli florets.
- Vegetable Oil: Use a neutral, high-smoke-point oil for searing. Canola, refined avocado, or peanut oil work well.
Stir-Fry Sauce
- Oyster Sauce: Vegetarian stir-fry sauce also works.
- Cornstarch: Potato starch also works.
- Chicken Stock: Use low-sodium chicken stock to better control the saltiness. Unsalted beef broth or cold water also work.
Beef Marinade
- Regular Soy Sauce: Light soy sauce also works. Use low-sodium soy sauce for a less salty result.
- Shaoxing Wine: Dry sherry also works.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: This is more flavorful than untoasted sesame oil.
- White Granulated Sugar
- Cornstarch & Baking Soda: The baking soda tenderizes the beef, while cornstarch helps it retain moisture during searing.
- White Pepper: Black pepper also works.
Note: Asian ingredients are typically available at most Asian grocery stores or online.
Expert Tips
- Prep everything before cooking because this stir-fry comes together very quickly.
- Use a large heavy pan to maintain high heat while searing the beef.
- Don't overcrowd the pan or the beef will steam instead of lightly browning.
- Don't overcook the broccoli or it will lose its crisp-tender texture.
Instructions
Below are step-by-step instructions on how to make beef and broccoli:
- Slice the beef: Slice the flank steak against the grain at a 45-degree angle into ¼-inch-thick pieces. For easier slicing, freeze the steak uncovered for 45-60 minutes first to slightly harden the exterior.
- Marinate the beef: Transfer the sliced beef to a large mixing bowl, add the marinade ingredients, and toss well to coat. Marinate for 15 minutes.
- Mix the sauce: Whisk the stir-fry sauce ingredients together until combined and the sugar has fully dissolved. Set aside.
- Sear the beef: Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer, working in batches if needed, and sear until lightly browned on the outside but slightly pink inside. Set aside.
- Steam the broccoli: Add the ginger, garlic, and broccoli florets to the hot pan, then add the water last. Stir-fry until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender and the water has evaporated, about 1 minute.
- Finish the stir-fry: Whisk the sauce again, then add it to the pan and simmer until thick and glossy, about 30-60 seconds. Return the beef and toss until evenly coated. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The broccoli will be softer and less crisp after freezing and thawing.
- Reheating: Microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, gluten-free oyster sauce, and dry sherry instead of Shaoxing wine.
- Spicy: Add 1 teaspoon chili oil or red chili flakes to the stir-fry sauce to taste.
Pairing Suggestions
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy rice soaks up the extra savory stir-fry sauce.
- Stir-Fried Snow Pea Leaves: The tender garlicky greens add freshness alongside the rich beef.
- Egg Drop Soup: The light, savory soup makes a warm starter without making the meal too heavy.
FAQ
The beef may have been sliced with the grain, cut too thick, or overcooked. Slice it thinly against the grain, marinate it with the baking soda and cornstarch, and sear just until lightly browned outside but slightly pink inside.
Yes. Add the frozen broccoli directly to the hot pan and stir-fry until bright green and the excess moisture has evaporated. Skip the added water to prevent the sauce from becoming watery. The broccoli will be slightly softer than when using fresh.
More Like This
Check out my other beef recipes:
📖 Recipe
Easy Chinese Beef and Broccoli (30 Minutes)
Ingredients
- ½ lb flank steak
- 1 broccoli crown cut into florets
- ½ inch ginger sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or any neutral oil
- 2 tablespoon water at room temperature
Stir-Fry Sauce
- 3 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup chicken stock low-sodium
Beef Marinade
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil toasted kind
- 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce or light soy sauce
- 2 teaspoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon white pepper or black pepper
Instructions
- Slice the flank steak against the grain at a 45-degree angle into ¼-inch-thick pieces.
- Transfer the sliced beef to a large mixing bowl, add the marinade ingredients, and toss well to coat. Marinate for 15 minutes.
- Whisk the stir-fry sauce ingredients together until combined and the sugar has fully dissolved. Set aside.
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer, working in batches if needed, and sear until lightly browned on the outside but slightly pink inside. Set aside.
- Add the ginger, garlic, and broccoli florets to the hot pan, then add the water last. Stir-fry until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender and the water has evaporated, about 1 minute.
- Whisk the sauce again, then add it to the pan and simmer until thick and glossy, about 30-60 seconds. Return the beef and toss until evenly coated. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Jeremy Pease
Wonderful recipe which is on point and easy to follow. Came out great! This is my go to for recipes!
christieathome
Thanks for making my recipe, Jeremy 🙂 Such kind words and I'm really happy it's now your go to for this dish.
Renae Alexander
Simple and oh soooo delicious
christieathome
Thanks so much for making it! Glad you enjoyed it!
Brendan
Beautiful dish, just a shame that the beef I chose was tough as old boots. Will try it again but will use rump steak.
christieathome
Thanks so much for making my dish and I hope it works out better for your next time!
Clarivette
The best beef and broccoli I’ve ever had! Easy and delicious!!
christieathome
Thank you so much Clarivette! I truly appreciate your kind comment and glad it was easy and delicious! 🙂
Jac
Delicious and had plenty of sauce
christieathome
Thanks so much for the kind review and glad you enjoyed it!
Christine
Flavour is spot on! This is a winner. Thank you.
christieathome
Thanks so much for making my recipe, Christine! So happy that you enjoyed it! 🙂
Nabilla
Turned out exactly as in the video and reminds me of the dish we would always order at Chinese restaurants. Thanks for sharing! This will be a mainstay in my recipe rotation!
christieathome
Thank you so much for this kind review and for making my recipe, Nabilla! I'm really happy to read this and glad you all enjoyed it.
Kim Lange
This is such a great dish that everyone loves! I love dishes that have a lot of broccoli and this looks so succulent!
Katherine | Love In My Oven
Who doesn't love beef and broccoli!? Looks delicious!! I want to dig in!
Never Ending Journeys
This beef and broccoli is the perfect combination of healthy and delicious! Such a tasty dinner idea.
Heidi | The Frugal Girls
Broccoli and beef is already one of my very favorite dinners, but your homemade marinade and stir fry sauce turn this recipe into a superstar!
Lauren
This sounds so delicious! Recipe saved!
Leanne
We love beef and broccoli! It's one of my hubby's faves. Can't wait to give this one a try Christie!
Linda
This was so delicious and really easy to make. I had it with noodles and it was good!
Josiah - DIY Thrill
Love how you added ginger, looks delicious!
Michelle | Sift & Simmer
Definitely a classic Chinese dish! If only my kids liked beef... but at least they love broccoli! 🙂