Name: Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (divided); 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/4 cup beef broth or water; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided); 3 cups broccoli florets; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry brings together savory strips of tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a glossy, mouthwatering sauce in one sizzling skillet. You’ll fall in love with how quickly it comes together—just 30 minutes—and each bite bursts with a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and umami flavors. Whether you’re new to stir-frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe will earn a spot in your weekly dinner lineup!

Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple but essential ingredients create the backbone of this classic dish. Each one is carefully chosen for its role, from building deep flavor to delivering that restaurant-perfect texture and color. Here’s how they each work magic in your pan:

Flank steak (1 pound): Thinly slicing against the grain ensures every bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps seal in the juices of the beef and gives the sauce that signature silky gloss.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons, divided): Provides savory depth and adds rich color to both the marinade and sauce.
Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): This secret weapon adds a hint of briny sweetness and authentic Chinese flavor.
Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Introduces sweetness and complexity—think of it as the flavor amplifier.
Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds subtle sweetness that balances the salty and savory elements.
Sesame oil (1/2 teaspoon): Just a drizzle delivers unmistakable toasted, nutty aroma.
Beef broth or water (1/4 cup): Creates the sauce’s ideal consistency and enhances the beefy flavor.
Vegetable oil (3 tablespoons, divided): High-heat friendly for direct stir-frying and keeping ingredients from sticking.
Broccoli florets (3 cups): Brings beautiful color and a fresh, crisp-tender bite to the stir fry.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the dish with bold, aromatic flavor.
Fresh ginger, grated (1 teaspoon): Adds a zippy warmth and touch of brightness.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance the savory notes without overpowering.
Sesame seeds & sliced green onions (optional): Perfect for a simple, elegant garnish and extra crunch!

How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by placing your sliced flank steak in a bowl, tossing it with cornstarch and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. This quick marinade locks in juiciness and ensures the beef cooks up incredibly tender. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes while you prep the sauce and veggies—you’ll notice the meat gets just slightly sticky, which helps the sauce later adhere beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

While the beef takes on flavor, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and beef broth or water in a small bowl. This is the powerhouse of the Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, bringing sweet, salty, and savory into perfect harmony. Set it near your stovetop for easy access when you’re ready to combine everything.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Broccoli

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in your broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes—they should turn a gorgeous bright green and be just barely tender. Scoop them out and set aside for the moment. This quick flash-cook keeps their crunch and vivid color intact.

Step 4: Sear the Beef

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the same pan, letting it get nice and hot. Working in batches, add your marinated beef, spreading it out in an even layer. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes until browned and just cooked through, flipping once. This technique locks in the juicy flavor and gives that irresistible caramelized edge.

Step 5: Combine Aromatics and Sauce

Gather all the cooked beef in the pan, then add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry just 30 seconds, until aromatic—these flavors bloom quickly in the hot oil and bring the entire Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry to life. Add the broccoli back in, pour over your sauce, and stir everything together for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the sauce thickens and coats every piece in savory goodness. Remove from heat, sprinkle with optional sesame seeds and green onions, and get ready to eat!

How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Garnishes

Finish your Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Not only do they make the dish look vibrant and inviting, but every bite gets a subtle crunch and fresh pop of flavor from these classic garnishes.

Side Dishes

The ultimate companion is a fluffy bowl of steamed white rice, which soaks up that glossy sauce beautifully. For a twist, try jasmine rice, brown rice, or even noodles. If you love variety, a side of veggie spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry family-style in a large platter for a casual, help-yourself vibe. For a dinner party, spoon portions over individual rice bowls and top with extra scallions and a wedge of lime. If you’re planning ahead for meal prep, portion into containers with rice for easy grab-and-go lunches during the week!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—the flavors actually deepen and get even more delicious overnight, making this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry a meal you’ll genuinely look forward to reheating.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze portions if you like to plan ahead. Allow the stir fry to cool, then portion into freezer-friendly containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, try to freeze without the garnishes and add those fresh after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or extra beef broth to help loosen the sauce. It takes just a few minutes and keeps the broccoli and beef tasting just-cooked. The microwave works too for convenience—cover loosely and heat in 45-second bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While flank steak is the gold standard for its tenderness, sirloin or skirt steak also work well. Just slice thinly against the grain, whichever cut you choose, for that perfect bite.

How do I keep the beef super tender?

The secret lies in thinly slicing against the grain and giving it a few minutes in the cornstarch-soy sauce marinade. The quick high-heat stir-fry prevents overcooking, so your beef stays juicy and soft.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! You can substitute firm tofu or seitan for the beef—just pat the cubes dry, coat with cornstarch and soy sauce, and pan-fry until golden before adding to the stir fry. The sauce is already plant-based except for the oyster sauce, which you can replace with a vegetarian stir fry sauce if you wish.

Is it okay to add other vegetables?

Feel free to mix in a handful of snow peas, bell peppers, or sliced carrots for added color and crunch! Just adjust the stir-fry time to keep everything crisp and vibrant alongside the broccoli.

What if I don’t have a wok?

No wok? No problem! A large, heavy skillet heats evenly and gives you all the space you need. Just be sure to stir constantly and cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for that restaurant-style Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry to make at home, this is the one to try. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as sizzling up a dish that’s bursting with flavor, comfort, and a little bit of wow-factor. Give it a go—you’ll be adding this to your regular dinner rotation in no time!

Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A flavorful and quick Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender slices of flank steak are stir-fried with crisp broccoli in a savory sauce, served over steamed rice for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Stir Fry:

1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons soy sauce (divided)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 cup beef broth or water
3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
3 cups broccoli florets
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Marinate the Beef: Toss the sliced flank steak with cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Prepare Sauce: Whisk together remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and beef broth.
Stir-Fry: Heat oil, stir-fry broccoli, then brown beef in batches. Add garlic, ginger, and sauce. Cook until heated through.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.