Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a classic take-out favorite that you can easily recreate at home in just one pan. Tender slices of beef are paired with crisp broccoli florets in a savory, garlicky sauce that clings to every bite. Quick, flavorful, and comforting, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners when you crave restaurant-quality flavors without the hassle.

For a lighter, refreshing way to enjoy broccoli alongside your main dish, try a Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing—its sweet and tangy dressing complements the savory beef perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers all the flavor of your favorite take-out but with control over ingredients and preparation. The beef is tender and juicy, the broccoli is crisp-tender, and the savory sauce is perfectly balanced with soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s healthy, quick, and endlessly satisfying.

Nutritional Information

Beef and broccoli is both protein-packed and nutrient-rich. The broccoli adds fiber and vitamins, while the beef provides high-quality protein, making this dish a balanced and satisfying meal. Each serving typically provides:

• Calories: ~350–400
• Protein: 25–30g
• Fat: 15–20g
• Carbohydrates: 20–25g

Time Breakdown

With quick prep and one-pan cooking, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy take-out flavors in a fraction of the time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: ~25–30 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish lies in simple, fresh ingredients. Thinly sliced beef, crisp broccoli, garlic, and a few pantry staples like soy sauce and oyster sauce create a flavor-packed dish. Minimal ingredients make it easy to shop for and assemble in no time.

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ cup beef or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Optional: sliced green onions or sesame seeds for garnish.

Condensed Grocery Checklist

Shopping for this recipe is straightforward. With beef, broccoli, garlic, sauces, and a few optional garnishes, you can prepare a delicious take-out-style dinner at home with minimal effort.

• Flank steak or sirloin
• Broccoli
• Garlic
• Soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil
• Cornstarch, vegetable oil, broth
• Rice (for serving)
• Optional: green onions, sesame seeds

If you’re looking for another broccoli-based side to serve alongside this dish, a Broccoli Salad with Bacon is a crisp, flavorful option that pairs perfectly with the savory beef.

How to Make – Step by Step

Cooking this dish is simple once broken down into steps. From marinating and searing the beef to stir-frying broccoli and combining everything in a savory sauce, each step is easy to follow. This ensures tender beef and perfectly crisp-tender broccoli in every bite.

1. Prepare the beef:
   • Thinly slice the steak against the grain. Toss with cornstarch, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Cook the beef:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sear beef slices until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the broccoli:
   • In the same pan, add garlic and broccoli, sautéing for 2–3 minutes. Add beef or chicken broth and cook until broccoli is crisp-tender.
4. Combine and make the sauce:
   • Return beef to the pan. Stir in oyster sauce and sesame oil, cooking until beef is fully cooked and sauce thickens.
5. Serve:
   • Serve hot over steamed rice and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

This recipe is versatile and easy to customize. Swap beef for chicken, pork, or tofu, and broccoli for bok choy, snow peas, or green beans. Adjust the sauce with honey, ginger, or chili flakes to suit your taste, creating endless variations of this classic dish.

• Swap broccoli for bok choy, snow peas, or green beans.
• Use chicken, pork, or tofu instead of beef for variety.
• Adjust the sauce by adding a touch of honey or brown sugar for sweetness.
• Add fresh ginger or chili flakes for extra flavor and heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles for a complete meal. Pair it with spring rolls, dumplings, or a light Asian salad for a restaurant-style dinner at home. It’s perfect for both family meals and casual entertaining. For a refreshing drink to complement the savory flavors, try a Coconut Lime Mojito—its bright, tropical notes are the perfect balance to this comforting dish.

• Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a complete meal.
• Pair with fried rice or noodles for a take-out-style dinner.
• Add a side of egg rolls or dumplings for a restaurant-inspired experience.

Storing Tips

Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth to maintain the sauce’s consistency. Avoid overcooking the broccoli during reheating to preserve its crisp texture.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
• For best texture, avoid overcooking the broccoli when reheating.

Chef’s Special Tips

Thinly slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness. Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing to achieve even browning. Cooking over high heat gives the sauce a slightly caramelized flavor, and a small cornstarch slurry can help thicken the sauce perfectly.

• Slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing beef—cook in batches if needed.
• Stir-fry over high heat to achieve the signature slightly caramelized flavor.
• Adding a pinch of cornstarch slurry at the end can help thicken the sauce perfectly.

Conclusion

Chinese Beef and Broccoli (One Pan Take-Out) is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings the best of restaurant-style Chinese cuisine to your kitchen. Tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce make it a meal you’ll return to again and again. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan recipe is simple, delicious, and sure to impress.

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