Chinese Beef and Broccoli – A Cozy Weeknight Favorite

When the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing more comforting than the aroma of a hearty dinner sizzling on the stove. While autumn often brings to mind pumpkin pies and spiced lattes, this Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe brings a different kind of warmth to the table — savory, slightly sweet, and brimming with tender beef and fresh broccoli in a glossy garlic-soy sauce.

It’s a dish that feels both familiar and exciting — the kind of meal that can brighten a chilly evening, invite conversation, and make you linger a little longer at the table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or making a cozy dinner for one, this recipe is quick, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to master.

Why This Recipe Is a Reader Favorite

Readers love this Chinese Beef and Broccoli because:

• It’s ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for weeknights.
• It uses pantry staples like soy sauce, cornstarch, and garlic.
• It’s healthier than takeout while still tasting just as delicious.
• It’s endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs and flavor preferences.

This recipe balances the richness of beef with the freshness of broccoli, all coated in a savory-sweet sauce that clings to every bite.

Chinese Beef and Broccoli

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• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Tender beef and crisp broccoli stir-fried in a savory-sweet garlic soy sauce—quick to make, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

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• For the Beef and Marinade:
• 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• For the Sauce:
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tsp water)
• For the Stir-Fry:
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
• Optional garnish: sesame seeds or sliced green onions

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Instructions

1. Slice beef thinly against the grain. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Add beef and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Set aside.
3. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Blanch broccoli for 1–2 minutes until bright green. Drain and set aside.
4. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add beef in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove from pan.
5. Add remaining oil to pan. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Return beef to pan with broccoli. Pour in sauce and stir to combine.
7. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens and coats beef and broccoli, 1–2 minutes.
8. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

For tenderness, slice beef thinly—freezing for 20 minutes before slicing helps. Don’t overcook broccoli; blanching keeps it crisp. Adjust sauce sweetness and saltiness to taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 920mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need for the perfect Chinese Beef and Broccoli:

For the Beef and Marinade

• 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tsp water to form a slurry)

For the Stir-Fry

• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
• Optional garnish: sesame seeds or sliced green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

• Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
• In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Add beef slices and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prep the rest of the ingredients.

2. Make the Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Set aside.

3. Cook the Broccoli

• Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for 1–2 minutes until bright green. Drain and set aside.
  (Tip: This step helps the broccoli cook quickly while staying crisp.)

4. Stir-Fry the Beef

• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add beef in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until browned but not overcooked. Remove beef from pan.

5. Build the Flavor

• Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Return beef to the pan along with broccoli. Pour in sauce and stir to combine.

6. Thicken and Serve

• Stir the cornstarch slurry into the pan and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli, about 1–2 minutes.
• Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Success

• Slice thinly for tenderness — freezing the beef for 20 minutes before slicing makes it easier to cut thin strips.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli — blanching keeps it vibrant and crisp.
• Use high heat for stir-frying — this creates a quick sear and locks in flavor.
• Adjust the sauce to your taste — more sugar for sweetness, more soy for saltiness, or extra oyster sauce for depth.

Possible Variations

This Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe is wonderfully flexible:

• Gluten-Free – Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and check that your oyster sauce is certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium – Swap regular soy sauce for low-sodium soy sauce and reduce oyster sauce.
• Extra Veggies – Add bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots for more color and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick – Add chili flakes, sliced fresh chili, or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
• Vegetarian Version – Substitute beef with firm tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
• Freezing – Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Meal Prep – Slice the beef and prep the broccoli in advance, then cook fresh for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with:

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
• Garlic fried rice
• Simple lo mein noodles
• A side of Asian cucumber salad

Final Thoughts

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is more than just a quick stir-fry — it’s a wholesome, satisfying dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your home. The balance of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and silky sauce makes it a true crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight, a cozy dinner on a chilly evening, or a family-style weekend feast, this recipe is sure to find a permanent place in your rotation.