This Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a classic stir-fry made with tender slices of beef and crisp broccoli tossed in a rich, savory brown sauce. It’s quick, flavorful, and comes together in just 15–20 minutes — making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Juicy beef, vibrant green broccoli, and a glossy umami-packed sauce create a comforting dish that tastes even better than your favorite takeout.
What Is Chinese Beef and Broccoli?
Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a popular stir-fry dish commonly found in Chinese-American restaurants. It features thinly sliced beef (usually flank steak) cooked quickly over high heat and combined with blanched broccoli in a savory sauce made from oyster sauce, soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, broth, and a touch of sugar.
The key to its signature tenderness is a technique called “velveting,” where the beef is marinated with cornstarch and baking soda to create a soft, silky texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
✅ Tender, juicy beef every time
✅ Simple pantry ingredients
✅ One-pan recipe
✅ Healthier than takeout
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Stir-Fry Sauce
- 1½ tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ tablespoon cornstarch
For the Stir Fry
- 1 lb broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli
1. Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine sliced beef with baking soda, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, oyster sauce, white pepper, water, and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly until evenly coated.
Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 24 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).
2. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth and set aside.
3. Blanch the Broccoli
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli and cook for 1–2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
4. Cook the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Spread the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for about 30 seconds per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
5. Stir Fry Everything
Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok.
Sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add broccoli and stir-fry for 1 minute.
Return beef to the wok and pour in the prepared sauce.
Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli evenly.
Turn off the heat and drizzle with sesame oil.
6. Serve
Serve hot over steamed white rice and garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
Expert Tips
⭐ Freeze the beef for about 1 hour before slicing for easier thin cuts.
⭐ Always slice against the grain for tender meat.
⭐ Make sure your wok is hot before adding beef to get a good sear.
⭐ Prep everything before cooking — stir-frying happens fast.
⭐ Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should stay crisp-tender.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a wok with a splash of water or broth, or microwave until warm.
Serving Suggestions
Chinese Beef and Broccoli pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Fried rice
- Garlic noodles
- Lo mein
- Stir-fried vegetables
FAQ
What cut of beef is best?
Flank steak is traditional, but skirt steak also works well.
What makes the beef so tender?
The velveting technique using baking soda and cornstarch helps tenderize and protect the meat during cooking.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Bell peppers, snow peas, mushrooms, or baby corn are great additions.
Final Thoughts
This homemade Chinese Beef and Broccoli delivers bold, savory flavors with tender beef and crisp broccoli in every bite. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for recreating your favorite takeout meal right at home — fresh, fast, and full of flavor.
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