Beef and broccoli is a quick and easy Chinese stir-fry dish, perfect for a 30-minute meal. Thinly sliced marinated beef is stir-fried with fresh broccoli florets and red bell peppers in a flavorful savory sauce. This one-pan dish is best served with steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Beef and Broccoli

1 pound flank steak, flat iron steak, or boneless beef short rib
⅓ cup water
5 cups broccoli florets (2-inch pieces)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 slice whole ginger, peeled (¼” thick slice)
1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed
1 cup sliced red bell pepper (¼-inch thick slices)
Black pepper to taste

Marinade

4 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon dry sherry, Shaoxing rice wine, sake, or brandy
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
¼ teaspoon sesame oil

Sauce

½ cup beef stock
4 tablespoons oyster sauce
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon dry sherry, Shaoxing rice wine, sake, or brandy
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sherry, cornstarch, honey, and sesame oil to make the marinade.
Thinly slice the beef against the grain (¼” thick slices), coat in the marinade, and set aside for at least 15 minutes.
In another bowl, whisk together beef stock, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sherry, and cornstarch to make the sauce. Set aside.
Heat a wok or large pan over high heat. Add ⅓ cup water and bring to a boil.
Add broccoli to the wok, sauté for about 3 minutes until just tender and bright green. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Dry the wok, then heat to medium-high. Add vegetable oil.
Once the oil is hot, add ginger and garlic, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add marinated beef in a single layer. Cook without moving for 1 minute, then stir-fry until no longer pink (about 1 minute).
Pour in the sauce and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally until thickened (about 1-2 minutes).
Add the cooked broccoli and red bell peppers, stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes.
Season with black pepper to taste. Serve immediately with rice.

Nutrients (Per serving, serves 4)

Calories: 315 kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 68mg
Sodium: 1741mg
Potassium: 931mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Vitamin A: 1875 IU (38%)
Vitamin C: 149mg (181%)
Calcium: 88mg (9%)
Iron: 3mg (17%)

Enjoy this flavorful and easy homemade beef and broccoli stir-fry! 🍛

Origins and Popularity of Beef and Broccoli

Although beef and broccoli is a widely popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, its origins are not deeply rooted in traditional Chinese cooking. The concept of stir-frying beef with vegetables originates from Chinese cuisine, but the dish itself has been heavily adapted for Western tastes. The use of broccoli, for instance, is more common in American kitchens than in traditional Chinese dishes, where Chinese broccoli (gai lan) is more prevalent.

The dish gained popularity in the United States thanks to its balanced flavors and ease of preparation. It is now a go-to option for home cooks who want to enjoy a quick and nutritious meal that satisfies cravings for Chinese takeout.

What Makes Beef and Broccoli a Great Meal Choice?

One of the main reasons beef and broccoli stir-fry is so well-loved is its combination of flavors and textures. The tender, juicy beef contrasts with the crunchy, slightly sweet broccoli, while the sauce ties everything together with a perfect balance of savory and umami notes.

This dish is also:

Quick and easy to prepare: With a total cooking time of about 30 minutes, it’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights.
Nutrient-rich: It provides a good balance of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to fit different dietary preferences.
Better than takeout: Homemade beef and broccoli is fresher, less oily, and can be tailored to your personal taste preferences.

The Key Components of a Great Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

1. Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

The key to achieving tender, flavorful beef in this stir-fry is selecting the right cut of meat and slicing it properly. The best options for this dish include:

Flank steak – Lean, flavorful, and perfect for quick cooking.
Flat iron steak – Slightly more marbled than flank steak, offering a more tender bite.
Boneless beef short rib – Rich and flavorful but may require a slightly longer marination time.

To ensure tenderness, always slice the beef against the grain into thin, uniform strips.

2. Marinating for Maximum Flavor

A quick marinade helps tenderize the beef and infuse it with deep flavors. The combination of soy sauce, cornstarch, a touch of sweetener, and sesame oil not only enhances the meat’s taste but also creates a silky texture when cooked. The cornstarch acts as a light coating, giving the beef a velvety feel when stir-fried.

3. The Role of Broccoli and Other Vegetables

Broccoli is the star vegetable in this dish, providing a fresh, slightly sweet crunch that balances the richness of the beef and sauce. To maintain its bright green color and crisp texture, it is best to blanch or lightly steam the broccoli before adding it to the stir-fry.

While traditional beef and broccoli primarily features just these two ingredients, adding red bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms can enhance the dish’s visual appeal and nutritional value.

4. Crafting the Perfect Sauce

The sauce is what ties everything together in this dish. A classic beef and broccoli sauce includes:

Beef stock: Adds depth and richness to the flavor.
Oyster sauce: Provides a signature savory, umami taste.
Soy sauce: Balances saltiness and enhances the beef’s natural flavors.
Shaoxing wine or dry sherry: Adds a mild sweetness and complexity.
Cornstarch slurry: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.

This thick, glossy sauce clings beautifully to the beef and broccoli, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

Cooking Tips for the Best Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Use a wok or a large pan: A well-heated wok allows for even cooking and prevents overcrowding.
Preheat the pan properly: High heat is essential for achieving a quick sear on the beef.
Cook the beef in batches: Overcrowding the pan will cause the meat to steam rather than sear.
Add the sauce last: This helps maintain the textures of the beef and vegetables while allowing the sauce to coat everything evenly.
Don’t overcook the broccoli: It should remain bright green and slightly crisp to add contrast to the tender beef.

Serving Suggestions

Beef and broccoli stir-fry pairs best with steamed white rice, which absorbs the flavorful sauce. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can serve it with:

Brown rice: Provides extra fiber and a nuttier flavor.
Cauliflower rice: A low-carb alternative that complements the dish well.
Noodles: Tossing the stir-fry with lo mein or rice noodles can turn it into a hearty noodle dish.

For an extra burst of flavor, garnish the finished dish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.

Why Make Beef and Broccoli at Home?

While it’s easy to order beef and broccoli from your favorite takeout spot, making it at home offers several advantages:

Healthier ingredients: You control the sodium and oil levels, making it a healthier choice.
Fresher taste: Homemade versions always taste fresher compared to pre-cooked restaurant meals.
Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, spice level, and ingredients to suit your preferences.
More cost-effective: Cooking at home is often more budget-friendly than ordering takeout.

Conclusion

Beef and broccoli stir-fry is a timeless dish that brings together the best of Chinese-American cuisine. It’s quick, easy to make, and full of rich, savory flavors that satisfy any craving. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a family dinner, this recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy a homemade meal that rivals any restaurant’s version.

With the right beef selection, a flavorful marinade, and a well-balanced sauce, you can create a perfect stir-fry every time. Try making it at home, and you’ll see why this dish remains a favorite for so many people. Enjoy your homemade beef and broccoli with a bowl of steamed rice, and savor every bite of this delicious, comforting meal!

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