Easy One-Pan Chinese Beef & Broccoli (Better Than Takeout!)

Easy One-Pan Chinese Beef & Broccoli: Better Than Takeout! 🍜🥦🔥

1. Introduction

If you’re craving a delicious, restaurant-style Chinese beef and broccoli dish that’s quick, easy, and made in just one pan, look no further! This Chinese beef and broccoli recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner option. It combines tender strips of beef with crisp broccoli, all coated in a savory sauce, and is better than takeout. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this one-pan beef and broccoli dish will become your new favorite! Plus, it’s versatile, allowing you to adapt the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

2. Ingredients for this Chinese beef and broccoli

  • 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional for extra flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for finishing)
  • Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

3. Step-by-step instructions for making the best Chinese beef and broccoli

Prepare the beef

Start by thinly slicing the beef against the grain. In a small bowl, mix the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes—that helps tenderize the meat and makes it more flavorful.

Cook the beef

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef slices in a single layer. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Stir-fry the broccoli

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Combine and simmer

Return the cooked beef to the pan. Pour in the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), beef broth, and sesame oil. Stir well, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Toss everything together so the beef and broccoli are evenly coated.

4. Storage tips and making leftovers

Allow the one-pan beef and broccoli to cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or stir-fry in a hot pan. It’s perfect for meal prep or quick lunches!

5. Serving suggestions for your takeout style beef and broccoli

This Chinese beef and broccoli pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For an extra crunch, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving. For a more complete meal, consider adding some vegetable egg rolls or spring rolls on the side or a bowl of hot and sour soup.

6. FAQs about Chinese beef and broccoli

Can I substitute the beef?

Absolutely! Chicken, pork, or even tofu work well as substitutes. Use similar cooking times and adjust the slicing for best results.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Also, ensure that your oyster sauce is gluten-free if using.

What is the preparation time?

The entire process takes about 20-30 minutes, making it an ideal quick dinner option.

Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe is mild by default but can be spiced up by adding chili flakes or Sriracha to the sauce for more heat.

7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

8. Additional tips for perfect Chinese beef and broccoli

  • Use a high-quality soy sauce for the best flavor.
  • Slice the beef thinly and against the grain to ensure tenderness.
  • Don’t overcook the broccoli—it should remain crisp.
  • For extra flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of sugar to the sauce.
  • Adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste preferences—more soy for saltiness, more oyster sauce for sweetness.

9. Conclusion

With this easy one-pan Chinese beef and broccoli recipe, you can enjoy a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal right at home without the fuss of takeout. It’s quick, satisfying, and customizable to your tastes. Whether you’re busy weeknights or just want a delicious dinner, this takeout style beef and broccoli dish hits all the right notes. Try it out today, and you’ll never want to order Chinese takeout again!

Print
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A vibrant plate of Chinese beef and broccoli featuring tender, thinly sliced beef coated in a glossy, savory sauce, paired with bright green broccoli florets, all arranged on a white rectangular dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped scallions. The dish is garnished with a few red chili slices to add a pop of color, placed on a rustic wooden table.

Easy One-Pan Chinese Beef & Broccoli (Better Than Takeout!)

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Enjoy a quick and delicious Chinese Beef & Broccoli recipe that’s cooked in just one pan! This dish offers tender beef strips, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce, making it better than takeout with minimal cleanup. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when craving authentic Chinese flavors at home.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional for extra flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for finishing)
  • Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Start by thinly slicing the beef against the grain. In a small bowl, mix the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef slices in a single layer. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Return the cooked beef to the pan. Pour in the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), beef broth, and sesame oil. Stir well, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Toss everything together so the beef and broccoli are evenly coated.

Notes

  • Use high-quality soy sauce for richer flavor.
  • Slicing beef against the grain ensures tenderness.
  • Don’t overcook the broccoli; keep it crisp.
  • Feel free to add chili flakes or Sriracha for heat.
  • For gluten-free, substitute soy with tamari or coconut aminos.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stir-fry
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Dairy-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 310 Kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 860mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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