Name: Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 tbsp cornstarch / cornflour; 1/4 cup water; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tbsp dark soy sauce; 1 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp beef broth; 1/8 tsp Chinese five spice powder; 1 tsp sesame oil (optional); 1/8 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp oil; 12 oz / 360g beef fillet, flank or rump, sliced 1/4″ / 0.5cm thick; 1 garlic clove, finely chopped; 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely chopped; 4–5 cups broccoli florets (1 head), cooked; 1 cup water; Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 13 reviews

If you’ve ever craved a classic takeout favorite that feels both comforting and vibrant, this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is your golden ticket. Combining tender, juicy slices of beef with crisp, bright broccoli florets, all coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, this dish hits all the right notes. It’s quick to prepare yet packed with layers of authentic flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or whenever you want to impress with minimal effort. Once you try this recipe, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation, promising a satisfying meal every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two clear glass bowls on a white marbled surface. The bowl on the left contains a dark brown sauce with visible small black specks, giving it a slightly grainy texture. A silver spoon with a round, shallow bowl rests inside this sauce. The bowl on the right is filled with several pieces of raw red meat, sliced into uneven strips. The meat has a fresh, moist appearance with some white fat marbled through it. The lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the colors and textures clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the tender beef cuts to the fresh broccoli and the perfectly balanced sauce that brings everything together. Let’s dive into the essentials that transform ordinary components into a mouthwatering dish.

Cornstarch / Cornflour (2 tbsp): This creates a silky sauce that clings beautifully to both beef and broccoli.
Water (1/4 cup + 1 cup): Adds the right amount of moisture to the sauce and helps cook the broccoli perfectly.
Sugar (1 tsp): A hint of sweetness that balances the savory elements.
Dark Soy Sauce (1 tbsp): Gives deep color and a richer flavor to the sauce.
Light Soy Sauce (1 1/2 tbsp): Adds saltiness and complexity without overpowering.
Beef Broth (1 tbsp): Enhances the beefy umami, making the sauce more robust.
Chinese Five Spice Powder (1/8 tsp): Provides warm aromatic notes that elevate the dish.
Sesame Oil (1 tsp, optional): A fragrant touch that brings a subtle nuttiness.
Black Pepper (1/8 tsp): Adds just the right amount of heat to keep things lively.
Oil (2 tbsp): For searing the beef to achieve that irresistible caramelized crust.
Beef Fillet, Flank, or Rump (12 oz / 360g): Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
Garlic Clove (1, finely chopped): Infuses the dish with its unmistakable aromatic kick.
Fresh Ginger (1 tsp, finely chopped): Adds brightness and a gentle zing.
Broccoli Florets (4–5 cups / 1 head, cooked): The star vegetable offering crisp texture and vibrant color.
Sesame Seeds (optional): For a delightful little crunch and visual appeal when sprinkled on top.

How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Base

Start by whisking together the cornstarch and 1/4 cup water in a bowl until smooth. Then, add the sugar, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, beef broth, Chinese five spice powder, sesame oil if you’re using it, and black pepper. Stir everything together so that the flavors marry and the cornstarch is perfectly dissolved. This sauce will later thicken and coat your beef and broccoli just right.

Step 2: Slice and Marinate the Beef

Slice the beef thinly into about 0.5 cm thick strips, which ensures quick cooking and maximum tenderness. Toss the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of the sauce mixture in a bowl, letting it sit briefly while you heat the pan. This little marinade step helps the beef soak up flavor and remain juicy when cooked.

Step 3: Sear the Beef to Perfection

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the beef in a single layer and let it sear undisturbed for about one minute—this step locks in the juices and creates those delicious browned edges. After a quick stir for 10 seconds to turn the pieces, toss in the garlic and ginger, stirring continuously for another 30 seconds or until the beef loses its pink color and everything smells divine.

Step 4: Simmer with Sauce and Broccoli

Pour the remaining sauce and the cup of water into the skillet. Stir it around quickly and bring it to a lively bubble. Immediately add in the cooked broccoli florets, stirring to coat them evenly in that rich sauce. Let it simmer for one minute so the sauce thickens and clings beautifully to every morsel of beef and broccoli.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from heat to avoid overcooking and bitterness. Serve the flavorful beef and broccoli over freshly steamed rice, and if you like, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty crunch and extra visual appeal.

How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a dish with cooked pieces of brown meat mixed with bright green broccoli florets. The meat and broccoli are coated in a shiny brown sauce, and there are white sesame seeds sprinkled on top, adding texture. A white spoon is scooping the mixture from a pot, showing the thick sauce covering each piece. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds over this dish adds a lovely crunch and nutty aroma that perfectly complements the savory sauce. For a fresh pop of color and subtle sharpness, finely sliced green onions or a few sprigs of fresh cilantro can be added just before serving.

Side Dishes

This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe shines when paired with warm steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a healthier twist. If you want to vary things, fried rice or simple garlic noodles will soak up the sauce beautifully. A crisp cucumber salad or steamed dumplings can round out the meal for an authentic, satisfying feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving this dish in individual shallow bowls alongside a small heap of crispy fried shallots or chili flakes to dial up the crunch or heat. You can even turn it into a stir-fry bowl by layering the beef and broccoli over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb spin, making it as versatile as your taste buds desire.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce helps keep the beef tender and the broccoli flavorful, so no worries about losing texture overnight. Just try to avoid storing the dish with the rice if you want to keep things tasting fresh.

Freezing

Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe also freezes well. Transfer your cooled leftovers into freezer-safe bags or containers, making sure to remove any excess air. It’s best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, warm the beef and broccoli over medium heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Avoid microwaving for long periods to keep the beef tender. Stir gently until heated evenly and the sauce is bubbling slightly, then serve immediately for the best taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe?

Absolutely! Flank, rump, or sirloin steak all work wonderfully as long as they are sliced thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness and quick cooking.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If you want a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch dissolved in water. For a thinner, saucier dish, simply reduce the cornstarch slightly or add additional broth or water when cooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out beef for firm tofu or seitan, and substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth to keep the rich flavors vegetarian-friendly.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Definitely. You can mix the sauce ingredients ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Just give it a good stir before using to recombine any settled ingredients.

What’s the best way to keep broccoli crisp?

Blanching the broccoli briefly in boiling water, then immediately plunging it into ice water helps preserve its vibrant color and crunch before adding it to the stir-fry.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward techniques combine to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe invites you to enjoy a classic takeout favorite made fresh and delicious at home. Go ahead, stir up a batch, and watch it quickly become a family favorite!