Beef with Broccoli

Ah, Beef with Broccoli — a classic Chinese-American stir-fry that’s savory, tender, and quick to make. Here’s a full recipe for a restaurant-style version at home.

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Beef with Broccoli Recipe

Serves 3–4

Ingredients

For the Beef Marinade:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp sesame oil

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)

• 1 tbsp rice wine or dry sherry

• 1 tsp cornstarch

• 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth

• 1 tsp sugar

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 4 cups broccoli florets

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced (optional)

• 1 small onion, sliced (optional)

• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef:

1. In a bowl, combine sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil.

2. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes.

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2. Prepare the Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin (if using), rice wine, broth, sugar, and cornstarch. Set aside.

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3. Cook the Broccoli:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch broccoli for 1–2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.

2. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

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4. Stir-Fry the Beef:

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.

2. Add marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove from pan.

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5. Stir-Fry Aromatics:

1. Heat remaining oil in the same pan.

2. Add garlic, ginger, and onion (if using) and stir-fry 30 seconds until fragrant.

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6. Combine:

1. Return beef to the pan, add blanched broccoli.

2. Pour the sauce over and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and beef is fully cooked.

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7. Serve:

• Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

• Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

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Tips for Best Results

• Slice beef thinly against the grain to keep it tender.

• High heat ensures a quick stir-fry and keeps vegetables crisp.

• For extra flavor, add a splash of sesame oil at the end before serving.

• You can swap broccoli with other vegetables like bok choy or snap peas for variety.

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If you want, I can also give a quick 15-minute version of Beef with Broccoli that uses a single pan and frozen broccoli but still tastes restaurant-quality.