Name: Chinese Beef and Broccoli (One Pan Take-Out)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: chinese
Ingredients: Beef: 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced; Broccoli: 3 cups florets; Sauce: ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar; ½ cup beef broth or water; 1 tbsp cornstarch; Aromatics & Oil: 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, minced; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes (for heat); 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish); Cooked rice (for serving)

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Short Description

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a classic take-out dish that combines tender slices of beef with vibrant broccoli in a savory, umami-rich sauce. This quick and easy recipe is made in just one pan, bringing the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant right to your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers a deliciously satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Convenience – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
Quick and Easy – Ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
Healthier Than Take-Out – Made with fresh ingredients and no added preservatives.
Flavor-Packed Sauce – A deliciously rich and savory sauce coats the beef and broccoli perfectly.
Customizable – Easily adapt to different dietary needs and spice preferences.

Ingredients

Flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
Broccoli florets
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Brown sugar
Garlic, minced
Ginger, minced
Cornstarch
Beef broth or water
Sesame oil
Vegetable oil
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Green onions for garnish
Cooked rice for serving

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients: Thinly slice the beef against the grain and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Mince the garlic and ginger.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and cornstarch until smooth.
Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and sear for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Broccoli: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the broccoli. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to become tender but still crisp.
Add the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan, stirring continuously for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine Everything: Return the beef to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Simmer and Thicken: Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the beef is fully cooked.
Final Touches: Drizzle with sesame oil and toss to combine. Garnish with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve: Enjoy over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Keto-Friendly: Replace brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener and use low-carb alternatives for cornstarch.
Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for more color and texture.
Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add Sriracha to the sauce for more heat.
Different Proteins: Swap beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a unique twist.

Servings and Timing

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

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

How do I make the beef tender?

Slice it thinly against the grain and marinate with a bit of cornstarch and soy sauce before cooking.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but thaw it first and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

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

Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye work best for tenderness and flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Use tofu or mushrooms as a beef substitute and swap oyster sauce for a vegetarian alternative.

What can I serve with beef and broccoli?

Steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles pair well with this dish.

How do I thicken the sauce?

The cornstarch slurry in the recipe will thicken the sauce as it simmers. Add more if needed.

Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?

Use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little brown sugar for a similar depth of flavor.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes! Store the beef and sauce separately from the broccoli and rice for the best texture when reheating.

How do I make it low-sodium?

Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth to reduce salt content.

What’s the best pan to use?

A wok or a large skillet with high sides works best for stir-frying.

Conclusion

This Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe is the perfect solution for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal. With its tender beef, crisp broccoli, and rich sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Try it out and enjoy restaurant-quality take-out at home!

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