Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry: Restaurant-Quality Chinese Dinner in 25 Minutes

Perfect Homemade Beef and Broccoli – Better Than Takeout

This authentic beef and broccoli recipe delivers all the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant dish right in your own kitchen. Tender slices of beef and crisp broccoli florets come together in a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests.

Why This Beef and Broccoli Recipe Works

There’s something magical about the combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and that savory umami-rich sauce. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results by:

• Marinating the beef to ensure maximum tenderness
• Stir-frying quickly at high heat to seal in flavors
• Balancing sweet, savory and umami flavors in the sauce
• Cooking the broccoli to crisp-tender perfection

What Makes a Great Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry?

The key to exceptional Chinese-style beef and broccoli lies in three elements: properly sliced and tenderized beef, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a well-balanced sauce that brings everything together with that signature restaurant flavor.

Ingredients for the Best Beef and Broccoli

• 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• ⅓ cup oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ¼ cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

For the Beef Marinade:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (for tenderizing)
• 1 teaspoon sugar

How to Make Beef and Broccoli Step by Step

1. Prepare the beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain. In a medium bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients. Add beef slices and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator.
2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine oyster sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and sesame oil. Stir until sugar dissolves and set aside.
3. Blanch the broccoli: Bring a pot of water to boil. Add broccoli and cook for 1 minute. Drain and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This ensures perfectly crisp-tender broccoli.
4. Cook the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until almost smoking. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 1 minute without stirring. Then stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until beef is nearly cooked through but still slightly pink in the center. Remove beef to a plate.
5. Stir-fry aromatics: Add remaining oil to the wok. Add onion and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add garlic and ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Combine everything: Return beef to the wok along with blanched broccoli. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
7. Finish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Expert Tips for Perfect Beef and Broccoli

After testing this recipe multiple times, I’ve discovered several key techniques that make all the difference:

• Freeze the beef for 20 minutes before slicing to make it easier to get thin, even slices
• Add baking soda to the marinade – this is a restaurant secret that helps tenderize the meat
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef – cook in batches if necessary
• Have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking – stir-frying moves quickly!
• Blanch the broccoli separately for perfect texture every time

Common Questions About Beef and Broccoli

What cut of beef works best for beef and broccoli?

Flank steak or sirloin are ideal choices, as they offer good flavor and become tender when sliced thinly against the grain and properly marinated.

Can I make beef and broccoli ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare all the components ahead of time. Marinate the beef, blanch the broccoli, and mix the sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Then just stir-fry everything together right before serving.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce with a splash of soy sauce, or a combination of soy sauce and a bit of sugar for sweetness.

How do I store leftover beef and broccoli?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.

Serving Suggestions for Beef and Broccoli

This classic dish pairs perfectly with several sides:

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Fried rice for a more indulgent meal
• Lo mein or chow mein noodles
• A side of homemade egg rolls or dumplings
• Simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Broccoli Recipe

This homemade beef and broccoli delivers authentic Chinese flavors with ingredients you can easily find in any grocery store. It’s faster than takeout, healthier because you control the ingredients, and guaranteed to satisfy your Chinese food cravings any night of the week!

Recipe inspired by AllRecipes