Chinese Beef and Broccoli (One Pan Take-Out)

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a classic takeout favorite featuring tender beef slices and crisp broccoli in a savory, garlicky sauce. This dish is quick to make in just one pan, making it a perfect weeknight meal. The rich umami flavors, balanced with the slight crunch of the vegetables, create a delicious and satisfying dish that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Meal – Easy cleanup with minimal dishes.
• Better Than Takeout – Fresh ingredients, no added MSG, and customizable flavors.
• Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Healthy Option – Control the ingredients for a balanced meal.

Ingredients

For the Beef and Marinade:

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup beef broth or water
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon ground white pepper

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• ½ cup water

Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and sugar. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.

2. Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and white pepper until smooth. Set aside.

3. Cook the Broccoli

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and stir-fry for about 2 minutes. Pour in ½ cup of water, cover, and let the broccoli steam for another 2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside.

4. Cook the Beef

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally.

5. Add the Aromatics

Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

6. Combine Everything

Return the broccoli to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli evenly.

7. Serve

Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Variations

• Spicy Version – Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
• Low-Carb Option – Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
• Extra Vegetables – Add bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for more variety.
• Different Proteins – Substitute chicken or tofu for the beef.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed, or microwave in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

How do I make the beef tender?

Slice the beef thinly against the grain and use cornstarch in the marinade to create a velvety texture.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but blanch it briefly in hot water before adding it to the stir-fry to prevent excess moisture.

What’s the best cut of beef for this dish?

Flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin are great choices due to their tenderness when sliced thinly.

Can I make this without oyster sauce?

Yes, substitute with hoisin sauce or increase the soy sauce and add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

What can I serve with Beef and Broccoli?

Steamed rice, fried rice, lo mein, or even quinoa work well as sides.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

If the sauce is too thin, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it in.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, marinate the beef and prepare the sauce in advance. Cook when ready to serve.

What oil is best for stir-frying?

Use high-smoke point oils like vegetable oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil for the best results.

How do I prevent the beef from becoming chewy?

Avoid overcooking, and ensure the pan is hot before adding the beef to sear it quickly.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead of searing.

Conclusion

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a quick, flavorful, and healthier alternative to takeout. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home in under 30 minutes. Try customizing the dish with different vegetables or spice levels to make it your own!

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