Beef and Broccoli is a classic Chinese-American dish that combines tender beef with crisp broccoli in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. It’s a dish that’s loved for its simplicity, quick cooking time, and balanced flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or even a healthier takeout option, this dish can be easily made at home in under 30 minutes.
In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make an authentic, flavorful Beef and Broccoli stir-fry that’s rich in taste, with tender slices of beef and perfectly cooked broccoli. Plus, we’ll provide tips and variations to make this dish your own.
The Origins of Beef and Broccoli
Beef and Broccoli is an iconic dish in Chinese-American cuisine, although its origins are not traditionally Chinese. In authentic Chinese cooking, broccoli is not commonly used in stir-fries. Instead, Chinese restaurants in America adapted local ingredients to suit the tastes of Western diners, substituting Chinese broccoli (gai lan) with the more widely available American broccoli. Over time, Beef and Broccoli became a staple dish on nearly every Chinese-American restaurant menu.
The combination of marinated beef, stir-fried with vibrant green broccoli and tossed in a rich, soy-based sauce, offers a perfect balance of flavors — salty, sweet, and savory — with a satisfying contrast between the tender meat and crunchy vegetables.
Ingredients for Beef and Broccoli
To make this delicious stir-fry, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Beef Sirloin or Flank Steak: 1 lb, thinly sliced against the grain
- Broccoli: 1 large head, cut into florets
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (low-sodium preferred)
- Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Hoisin Sauce: 1 tablespoon (optional, for sweetness)
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons (for marinating the beef and thickening the sauce)
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon (for flavor)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced
- Beef Broth or Water: 1/2 cup
- Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon (optional, for sweetness)
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons (for stir-frying)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: For garnish (optional)
- Cooked Rice: For serving
Ingredient Notes
- Beef: Sirloin or flank steak is perfect for this recipe because they are tender when cooked quickly. Be sure to slice the beef thinly and against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli works best, but you can use frozen if needed. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it well before cooking.
- Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce: These sauces form the base of the stir-fry sauce, giving the dish its savory umami flavor. You can adjust the soy sauce to taste, depending on how salty you prefer your dish.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Slice the Beef: Thinly slice the beef against the grain into bite-sized strips. This helps the meat remain tender when cooked.
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, toss the beef slices with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Let the beef marinate for at least 10 minutes. This step helps tenderize the meat and creates a smooth texture during stir-frying.
Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli
- Boil the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Blanch the broccoli for about 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender, but still crisp.
- Drain and Set Aside: Drain the broccoli and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the broccoli aside while you prepare the beef and sauce.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the hot skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Stir-fry the beef for about 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic and Ginger: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), beef broth, and brown sugar. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the garlic and ginger.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix the remaining tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add the Beef and Broccoli: Return the cooked beef and broccoli florets to the skillet. Toss everything together in the sauce until the beef and broccoli are evenly coated and heated through.
- Finish with Sesame Oil: Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry for added flavor and give everything one final toss.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the Beef and Broccoli over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips for Perfect Beef and Broccoli
- Slice the Beef Thinly: The key to tender beef is slicing it very thinly and against the grain. If the beef is difficult to slice, you can freeze it for about 15-20 minutes before cutting, which makes it easier to handle.
- Blanch the Broccoli: Blanching the broccoli helps to preserve its bright green color and crisp texture. Avoid overcooking the broccoli, as it should remain slightly crunchy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When stir-frying the beef, cook it in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. This helps the beef sear properly and prevents it from steaming.
Variations of Beef and Broccoli
Spicy Beef and Broccoli
If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to the stir-fry sauce. You can also sauté a chopped chili pepper with the garlic and ginger for an extra spicy kick.
Gluten-Free Beef and Broccoli
To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free. You can also thicken the sauce with arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch if needed.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
For a lighter variation, substitute the beef with thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh. Cook the chicken just as you would the beef, and follow the same steps for the rest of the dish.
What to Serve with Beef and Broccoli
Beef and Broccoli pairs well with simple sides that allow the flavors of the stir-fry to shine. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Steamed Rice: White or brown rice is the traditional accompaniment to Beef and Broccoli, soaking up the savory sauce.
- fried rice: For a heartier meal, serve with fried rice or a vegetable fried rice for extra flavor and texture.
- Noodles: Serve the stir-fry over lo mein or rice noodles for a different take on the dish.
- Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: Add a crunchy appetizer like egg rolls or spring rolls for a complete Chinese-American meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before using. Blanch the broccoli briefly to remove any excess moisture and ensure it doesn’t become mushy.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Beef and Broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Beef and Broccoli, you can substitute the beef with tofu, seitan, or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth for the sauce.
Is Beef and Broccoli healthy?
Yes, Beef and Broccoli is a nutritious dish when made with lean beef and fresh broccoli. It provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. For a lower-calorie option, you can reduce the amount of oil used for stir-frying and opt for low-sodium soy sauce.
Can I use other vegetables in this stir-fry?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms to the stir-fry for extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
Beef and Broccoli is a quick, healthy, and satisfying dish that’s easy to make at home and perfect for any occasion. With tender slices of beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce that comes together in minutes, this stir-fry is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers bold flavors and a satisfying meal.
If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your tips, variations, or any fun additions you made in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—it’s perfect for anyone who loves takeout-style dishes made at home.