If you’re craving take-out flavor without leaving your kitchen, this Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe is a game-changer.
Tender strips of flank steak mingle with crisp broccoli florets, all coated in a savory-sweet sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
This one-pan dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
My Opinion
I’ve made Chinese Beef and Broccoli countless times, and this version stands out for its simplicity and flavor.
The sauce is perfectly balanced — not too sweet, not too salty — and the broccoli stays bright and crisp instead of turning soggy.
The first time I served it, my family practically fought over the last bite! I love that it’s made in one pan, which saves both prep and cleanup time. Honestly, this recipe has become my go-to when I want a quick, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- ✅ One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup without sacrificing flavor.
- ✅ Tender & Crispy: Beef is juicy, broccoli stays bright and crunchy.
- ✅ Versatile: Serve over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- ✅ Bold, Balanced Flavor: Savory-sweet sauce that satisfies every craving.
Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Medium bowl (for sauce)
- Large skillet or wok
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Prep the Beef and Broccoli
Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips to ensure tenderness. Wash and chop broccoli into bite-sized florets. - Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside. - Sear the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear until browned on both sides, then remove from the pan and set aside. - Add Aromatics
Toss the minced garlic and grated ginger into the skillet. Sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. - Cook Broccoli with Sauce
Stir in the broccoli florets and pour in the prepared sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp. - Combine and Heat Through
Return the beef to the skillet, tossing everything together until the beef is heated through and coated in sauce. - Serve
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.
Variations
- Protein Swap: Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of beef.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for color and crunch.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha for heat.
- Low-Sodium: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and adjust sugar to taste.
Tips for Success
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; sear in batches to develop proper browning.
- Always use fresh broccoli for the best crunch and vibrant color.
- Taste the sauce before combining — adjust sweetness or saltiness to preference.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry to prevent excess water from making the sauce watery. Cook briefly to avoid mushy broccoli.
What cut of beef works best?
Flank steak is ideal because it’s tender and absorbs flavors well. Skirt steak or sirloin can also work.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water and stir into the sauce while cooking. Cook 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Conclusion
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli (One Pan Take-Out) recipe proves you don’t need to order take-out to enjoy flavorful, restaurant-quality dishes.
Quick, easy, and packed with vibrant flavors, it’s perfect for family dinners, date nights, or impressing guests.
Once you try it, this recipe will become a staple in your weeknight rotation.
Category: Dinner, Main, Asian, Stir-Fry
Irresistible Chinese Beef and Broccoli (One Pan Take-Out)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep the Beef and Broccoli. Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips to ensure tenderness. Wash and chop broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- Mix the Sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.
- Sear the Beef. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear until browned on both sides, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add Aromatics. Toss the minced garlic and grated ginger into the skillet. Sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Cook Broccoli with Sauce. Stir in the broccoli florets and pour in the prepared sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
- Combine and Heat Through. Return the beef to the skillet, tossing everything together until the beef is heated through and coated in sauce.
- Serve. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
Hey there! I’m Steffan, the food lover and creator behind Biteblis.com. Thank you for stopping by! I hope you’ll explore, get inspired, and find something delicious to cook up at home. My mission is simple: to spread joy through food, one tasty bite at a time. For more info, visit About Us.