What’s the best cut of beef for Chinese Beef and Broccoli?

This dish really shines when you use the right cut of meat. The most recommended choices are flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak. Why? Because they’re tender, flavorful, and cook quickly—perfect for stir-frying. If you slice the beef thinly against the grain, you’ll get juicy, tender pieces every time. Some folks also like using ribeye for a richer flavor, although it’s a bit fattier. Whichever cut you choose, be sure to marinate the meat, even if just for 10 minutes. It helps lock in flavor and soften the texture.

Can I make Chinese Beef and Broccoli ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, Chinese Beef and Broccoli is one of those meals that can taste even better the next day. To prep in advance, slice your beef and store it in a marinade in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also pre-chop the broccoli and measure out your sauce ingredients. Once everything is prepped, cooking only takes around 15 minutes. If you're planning for leftovers, cook as usual, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water to freshen it up. It’s a fantastic option for meal prep and busy weeknights.

Easy Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Description

This Easy Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a delicious stir-fry dish featuring tender slices of beef and crisp broccoli tossed in a savory soy-garlic sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp baking soda (optional, for tenderizing)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup water or low-sodium beef broth
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Cooked white rice or noodles, for serving

Instructions

In a bowl, combine sliced beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce, cornstarch, and baking soda. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes.
In another bowl, mix the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and water. Set aside.
Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath.
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the marinated beef for 2–3 minutes until browned.
Add blanched broccoli and the sauce to the pan. Stir-fry everything for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

Notes

Swap soy sauce with tamari to make it gluten-free.
To add more vegetables, include bell peppers or snow peas.
For low-carb, serve over cauliflower rice.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Category: Dinner
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Chinese Beef and Broccoli, beef stir fry, homemade Chinese food, quick Asian dinner, soy garlic beef, easy stir fry, broccoli beef recipe