Hey y'all! If you're craving a fast, flavorful meal that tastes just like your favorite takeout, this Chinese Beef and Broccoli for Quick Dinners is a total game-changer. Succulent slices of beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a garlicky, savory sauce come together in minutes—making this recipe a lifesaver for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or when you just want something delicious without the fuss. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Chinese Beef and Broccoli for Quick Dinners
- Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for hectic evenings.
- Packed with rich umami flavors and crisp, vibrant veggies.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients and easy-to-find beef cuts.
- Healthier than takeout with less oil and sodium.
- Customizable for different diets and spice levels.
Ingredients for Chinese Beef and Broccoli for Quick Dinners
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch (divided)
- 3 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) beef broth
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil or avocado oil
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Cooked jasmine rice or steamed rice, for serving
Directions: How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli for Quick Dinners
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and a pinch of black pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and sesame oil. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets with 2 tablespoons water. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Transfer broccoli to a plate.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Spread the beef in a single layer. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. (Work in batches if needed, don’t overcrowd the pan.)
Step 5: Combine and Finish
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return broccoli to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using. Serve hot over rice!
Notes for Chinese Beef and Broccoli for Quick Dinners
- Slice your beef thinly against the grain for the most tender results. Here's a guide to slicing meat against the grain.
- If you prefer extra-crispy broccoli, blanch it briefly before stir-frying.
- For a gluten-free version, sub tamari for soy sauce and check that your oyster/hoisin sauces are gluten-free.
Variations: Creative Twists on Chinese Beef and Broccoli for Quick Dinners
- Chicken & Broccoli: Swap out beef for thinly sliced boneless chicken breast or thighs.
- Spicy Szechuan: Add 1-2 teaspoons Szechuan peppercorns and increase the red chili flakes for more heat.
- Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice and use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
Required Equipment for Chinese Beef and Broccoli for Quick Dinners
- Large skillet or wok
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Spatula or tongs
Storage Instructions for Chinese Beef and Broccoli for Quick Dinners
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Not recommended for freezing as the broccoli can become mushy.
Suggested Pairings for Chinese Beef and Broccoli for Quick Dinners
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice
- Simple cucumber salad or Asian slaw
- Steamed dumplings as an appetizer
Pro Tips for Chinese Beef and Broccoli for Quick Dinners
- Freeze beef for 20 minutes before slicing for ultra-thin strips.
- Have all ingredients prepped and measured before you start—stir-fries cook fast!
- Read this stir-fry techniques guide for wok mastery.
FAQ: Chinese Beef and Broccoli for Quick Dinners
- Can I use frozen broccoli?
- Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
- What cut of beef works best?
- Flank steak, sirloin, or even skirt steak are great for quick stir-fries.
- Is this recipe healthy?
- Absolutely—it’s mostly lean beef and vegetables, with a light homemade sauce. Check out more nutrition info on Healthline.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
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1In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, and sesame oil to make the sauce.
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2Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove beef and set aside.
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3Add the remaining oil to the pan. Add garlic and broccoli florets, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and just tender.
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4Return the beef to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to coat all ingredients. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
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5Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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