Name: Delicious Chinese Beef and Broccoli That's Healthier at Home
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Flank Steak (or skirt steak or chuck); 0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda (optional for tenderizing); 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 2 tablespoons Peanut Oil (or vegetable oil); 2 tablespoons Cornstarch; 1 cup Chicken or Beef Stock (homemade or store-bought); 2 tablespoons Shaoxing Wine or Dry Sherry (or chicken broth for alcohol-free); 2 tablespoons Dark Soy Sauce (or regular soy sauce); 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (or white sugar if preferred); 4 cups Broccoli (can swap half for carrots or snap peas); 3 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon Ginger (minced)

The sizzling sound of beef hitting a hot skillet has a way of drawing me in every time. If you’re anything like me, the rich, savory aroma of Chinese Beef and Broccoli can transport you to your favorite takeout spot without leaving your kitchen. This dish is my go-to for a quick, healthy dinner option that feels indulgent yet light, showcasing tender beef and crisp broccoli enveloped in a luscious sauce. Not only is this Easy and Healthy Beef and Broccoli recipe a much better alternative to typical takeout, but it also allows you to explore flavor variations and customizable vegetables, making it a favorite for family meals or last-minute guests. Curious how to create restaurant-quality flavors right at home? Let’s dive in!

Why is Beef and Broccoli a Favorite?

Quick and Easy: This Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Healthier Alternative: Enjoy all the flavor of takeout without the extra calories, making it a guilt-free choice for dinner.

Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out veggies or beef cuts to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Crowd-Pleasing Dish: With its vibrant colors and delicious aroma, this meal is sure to impress your family and guests alike!

Chinese Beef and Broccoli Ingredients

For the Beef
• Flank Steak – Main protein base; substitute with skirt steak or tougher cuts like chuck to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Baking Soda (Optional) – Tenderizes tougher beef cuts; essential if you’re using less tender options—add 1/2 teaspoon to the marinade.

For the Marinade
• Soy Sauce – Adds rich umami flavor; use tamari for a gluten-free version and keep the taste authentic.
• Peanut Oil – Preferred cooking oil for its high smoke point; vegetable oil can also be swapped if needed.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the marinade and sauce; no substitute required, but feel free to adjust to your liking.

For the Sauce
• Chicken or Beef Stock – Provides a robust base for the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor; use homemade or store-bought.
• Shaoxing Wine or Dry Sherry – Deepens the sauce’s flavor; swap with chicken broth for an alcohol-free version.
• Dark Soy Sauce – Enhances color and adds richness; regular soy sauce can work, but adjust sweetness to taste.
• Brown Sugar – Balances out the flavors with a touch of sweetness; substitute with white sugar if necessary.

For the Vegetables
• Broccoli – Main vegetable in this dish, offering crunch and nutrition; you can replace half with quick-cooking veggies like carrots or snap peas for variety.
• Garlic & Ginger – Essential aromatics that provide an authentic flavor profile; don’t skimp on these!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Begin by slicing the flank steak against the grain into 1/4-inch thick pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the beef slices with soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch, ensuring that all pieces are well-coated. Let the beef marinate for about 10 minutes while you gather and prepare the other ingredients. The marination will enhance the flavors and tenderness of the beef.

Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, prepare the sauce by whisking together chicken or beef stock, Shaoxing wine or dry sherry, dark soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Set this flavorful mixture aside, as it will be added later to the stir-fried beef and broccoli for a deliciously rich sauce that binds the dish.

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Steam the broccoli for about 1 minute until they turn bright green and are slightly tender yet still crisp. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of icy water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color. Once cooled, drain them well and set aside while you prepare the beef.

Step 4: Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of peanut oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the marinated beef in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan. Allow the beef to sear undisturbed for about 30 seconds, then stir it occasionally. Cook until the beef is nicely browned but still pink in the center, approximately 2-3 minutes in total.

Step 5: Add Aromatics
Once the beef is nearly done, add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir quickly to release their aromas, sautéing for about 30 seconds. The garlic and ginger will infuse the beef with authentic Chinese flavors, creating a savory base for the dish. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Step 6: Combine Broccoli and Sauce
Return the steamed broccoli to the skillet with the beef and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional minute. The sauce will begin to thicken, coating the beef and broccoli beautifully. This step ensures that every bite of your Chinese Beef and Broccoli is full of flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skillet from the heat once the sauce has thickened and the broccoli is heated through. Serve your delicious Chinese Beef and Broccoli hot over freshly cooked rice. This meal not only looks vibrant but is sure to satisfy your cravings for a healthier takeout experience right at home!

Chinese Beef and Broccoli Variations

Feel free to mix and match ingredients to make this dish uniquely yours—your palate will thank you!

Dairy-Free: Completely avoid dairy with this recipe; the sauce is naturally rich and flavorful without cream.
Vegetable Medley: Toss in quick-cooking veggies like bell peppers or snow peas for extra color and crunch. Go ahead, let your creativity flourish!
Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha for some heat; it transforms the dish into a fiery delight that’s sure to awaken your taste buds.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute broccoli with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly twist that maintains all the textures and flavors you love.
Flavor Boost: Infuse the marinade with sesame oil for a nutty aroma that elevates the dish’s traditional essence. A little goes a long way!
Quick-Cook Beef: Use pre-cooked beef strips to skip marination and cutting. This makes preparing dinner even easier, perfect for busy nights!
Add Nuts: Toss in toasted almonds or cashews for an irresistible crunch that complements the tender beef and crisp vegetables.
Sweet and Spicy: Mix in some pineapple chunks for a fun tropical twist, balancing sweet and savory in each bite. Don’t be afraid to experiment—it’s all about finding your perfect flavor!

By trying these variations, you can easily enjoy this classic dish in countless delightful ways. For even more inspiration, check out how you can use alternate proteins in your recipes, such as chicken or tofu, with dishes like Easy Healthy Chicken Stir-Fry for more delicious options!

Make Ahead Options

These Chinese Beef and Broccoli are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the beef up to 24 hours in advance, which allows the flavors to deepen while keeping the meat tender. Additionally, the sauce can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just be sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its deliciousness. To save even more time, steam the broccoli ahead of time and refrigerate it for a quick grab when you’re ready to cook. When you’re ready to serve, simply stir-fry the marinated beef, add the cooked broccoli and sauce, and heat everything through for a comforting, homemade meal without the wait!

What to Serve with Easy and Healthy Beef and Broccoli

Elevate your homemade feast with simple sides and drinks that perfectly complement this delightful dish.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fluffy rice soaks up the savory sauce beautifully, making it the perfect base for your beef and broccoli.
Garlic Fried Rice: Infuse your rice with garlic for a flavorful twist that pairs harmoniously with the rich flavors of Chinese Beef and Broccoli.
Crispy Egg Rolls: These crunchy delights add texture and a satisfying crunch, creating a delightful contrast with the tender beef and crisp broccoli.
Simple Cucumber Salad: A light and refreshing salad drizzled with rice vinegar brightens up the meal and balances the savory richness of the main dish.
Hot and Sour Soup: This classic Chinese dish brings a tangy and spicy kick, enhancing the overall flavor experience of your dinner.
Chilled Green Tea: Sip on this soothing beverage as it cleanses the palate between bites, complementing the rich umami of the beef and broccoli.
Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, a sweet and creamy mango sticky rice can round off the meal perfectly, offering a tropical sweetness to contrast the savory main.

Expert Tips for Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Slice Against the Grain: Cutting the beef against the grain ensures tenderness, preventing a chewy texture that can result from incorrect slicing.
Marination Time: Allowing the beef to marinate for at least 10 minutes will enhance flavor and tenderness, especially if using tougher cuts.
High Heat Cooking: Use a high heat when cooking the beef to achieve that perfect sear without overcooking. This keeps the beef juicy and flavorful.
Don’t Overcook: Quickly move through the cooking process to avoid overcooking the beef; aim for a perfect balance between pink inside and charred outside.
Customize Vegetables: Feel free to swap broccoli with your favorite greens or quick-cooking vegetables, though traditional broccoli pairs perfectly in this Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe.

How to Store and Freeze Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Fridge: Store leftover Chinese Beef and Broccoli in an airtight container for up to 3 days. While delicious reheated, expect the sauce to thin slightly upon warming.

Freezer: If you want to save for later, freeze the dish in a labeled airtight container for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or stock if the sauce has thickened too much. Enjoy this quick and healthy meal at your convenience!

Room Temperature: Avoid leaving Chinese Beef and Broccoli out for more than 2 hours at room temperature to prevent spoilage.

Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe FAQs

What kind of beef is best for this recipe?
Flank steak is ideal for this Chinese Beef and Broccoli dish, as it’s tender and flavorful. However, you can also use skirt steak or tougher cuts like chuck or brisket. If opting for tougher cuts, I recommend using 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in your marinade to help tenderize the meat.

How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Chinese Beef and Broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may notice the sauce thins out slightly, so consider adding a splash of water or stock to help maintain its delicious consistency.

Can I freeze Chinese Beef and Broccoli?
Absolutely! To freeze the dish, place it in a labeled airtight container and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of water or stock if necessary.

What should I do if the beef is tough?
If you find your beef cooked incorrectly and it’s a bit tough, don’t fret! In the future, ensure to slice the beef against the grain and marinate it properly. If you’re using a tougher cut, increase the marination time to 30 minutes to help tenderize it further. Additionally, you can try using a meat mallet to pound the beef slightly before marinating.

Are there any dietary considerations?
Yes! This recipe can be easily made gluten-free by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce. For those with nut allergies, substitute peanut oil with vegetable oil, which still gives a high smoke point without the allergens.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Very! Feel free to substitute or add other quick-cooking vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas. Not only does this increase the color and nutritional value, but it also allows you to customize the dish to your preference.