The very first time I had Chinese Beef and Broccoli, it wasn’t in a restaurant but right at home. My mom had been on the hunt for healthy dinner recipes that the whole family would actually look forward to eating. One evening, she brought a sizzling pan of stir-fried beef and bright broccoli florets to the table, coated in a savory garlic soy sauce that smelled like heaven. I still remember how the tender slices of beef melted in my mouth while the broccoli had that perfect crisp bite.
It quickly became one of our weekly staples. Not only did it satisfy everyone at the table, but it was also one of the rare meals that felt both indulgent and good for us. Over the years, I carried that tradition into my own kitchen. Whenever I need a quick beef dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor or health, Chinese Beef and Broccoli is the recipe I go back to again and again.
This dish taught me that good food doesn’t have to take hours of labor — sometimes simple combinations, like soy sauce, garlic, and fresh vegetables, create magic in just one pan. And that’s why it holds such a special spot in my rotation of healthy dinner recipes that never disappoint.
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Chinese Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tender, velvety beef and crisp-tender broccoli tossed in a glossy garlic–ginger sauce. This Chinese beef & broccoli is weeknight-fast, one-pan, and better than takeout—ready in about 20 minutes.
Ingredients
BEEF & MARINADE
1 lb (450g) flank or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp sesame oil
Pinch white pepper
Optional: 1/4 tsp baking soda (for extra tenderness)
SAUCE
1/3 cup low-sodium beef broth (or water)
2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
1 tsp rice vinegar
2 tsp cornstarch
STIR-FRY
2–3 tbsp neutral oil (avocado/peanut)
3 cups broccoli florets (about 300g)
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely minced
2–3 green onions, sliced (divided)
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Finish: 1 tsp sesame oil + sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, toss beef with soy, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sugar, sesame oil, white pepper, and baking soda if using. Rest 10–15 minutes.
2. Whisk the sauce: broth, soy, oyster, sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch; set aside.
3. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet/wok over medium-high. Stir-fry broccoli with a pinch of salt 2–3 minutes until bright and crisp-tender; add a splash of water if needed. Transfer to a plate.
4. Add 1–2 tbsp oil. Sear beef in an even layer 60–90 seconds per side until just browned (work in 2 batches if needed). Return all beef to the pan.
5. Push beef to the sides; add garlic, ginger, and half the green onions; sauté 20–30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Whisk sauce again and pour in; simmer 30–60 seconds, tossing, until thick and glossy.
7. Return broccoli; toss to coat. Off heat, finish with sesame oil. Adjust seasoning to taste.
8. Serve hot with rice or noodles; top with remaining green onions (and sesame seeds).
Notes
Make it gluten-free: use tamari and a GF oyster-style sauce.
Extra veg: add sliced mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots (cook with broccoli).
Meal prep: keeps 3–4 days au frigo; réchauffe avec un trait d’eau.
Tenderness tip: slice steak very thinly against the grain; a brief 10–15 min marinade with a pinch of baking soda helps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Beef, Stir-Fry
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pan, Wok/Skillet
- Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: beef and broccoli, chinese beef and broccoli, quick stir fry, takeout at home, weeknight dinner
Why it’s the perfect one-pan comfort meal
There’s something so comforting about a meal that comes together in just minutes but tastes like it took all day. Chinese Beef and Broccoli is the definition of a weeknight hero: a fast dinner recipe that’s wholesome, comforting, and made entirely in one skillet or wok. Less cleanup, more flavor — can you ask for more on a busy evening?
It also fits beautifully into balanced eating goals. If you’re someone who wants healthy dinner recipes for weight losing, this dish is a winner. Lean beef offers protein to keep you full, broccoli adds fiber and essential nutrients, and the sauce brings it all together without being heavy. Serve it over cauliflower rice, brown rice, or even on its own, and you’ve got a light yet satisfying beef dinner that works as well for fitness-minded families as it does for those craving comfort food.
At its heart, what makes Chinese Beef and Broccoli stand out is that it feels like comfort food but still aligns with the lifestyle many of us aim for: delicious meals that are quick, nutritious, and nourishing for both body and soul. That’s exactly why it has stayed in my kitchen rotation and why I’m excited to share how you can make it part of yours.
Ingredients & Tools for Success
Fresh and flavorful basics to prepare this beef dinner
The beauty of Chinese Beef and Broccoli lies in its simplicity. You don’t need an endless shopping list to create this dish—just a handful of everyday pantry staples and fresh produce that come together perfectly in one pan. Here are the essentials:
- Beef – Choose lean cuts like flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak. These slice easily into thin strips and cook quickly while staying tender, making them ideal for a light but satisfying beef dinner.
- Broccoli – Fresh florets add crunch and a pop of green, providing fiber and essential vitamins. This nutrient-packed veggie makes the recipe a staple in healthy dinner recipes for weight losing.
- Soy Sauce – The salty, umami base of the sauce that ties the dish together.
- Garlic & Ginger – Classic aromatics that build bold flavor.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce into a glossy coating.
- Sesame Oil – A drizzle adds nutty depth for that authentic stir-fry aroma.
Optional add-ins for extra taste
While classic beef and broccoli is perfect as is, you can add variety with:
- Carrots – Sweet crunch and extra color.
- Mushrooms – Earthy flavor to balance the sauce.
- Snap Peas or Baby Corn – Added texture and freshness.
- Grains – Brown rice, jasmine rice, or quinoa for versatility and bulk.
Cooking with one pan made simple
All you need is a wok or large skillet, a sharp knife, cutting board, and a spatula. The magic of this recipe lies in using just one pan and high heat to produce a seared, flavorful meal with very little cleanup. Truly one of the most practical fast dinner recipes.
Prepping ahead to save time
Slicing beef early, pre-cutting vegetables, or marinating your meat in advance makes the actual cooking time lightning fast. These little prep tricks transform busy nights into easy cooking wins.
How to Cook Chinese Beef and Broccoli Step by Step
Preparing the beef and sauce
Slice beef thinly against the grain, then marinate briefly in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch. This keeps the beef tender while locking in flavor. Mix your sauce separately with soy sauce, broth, cornstarch, and sesame oil to have it ready to drizzle in later.
Stir-frying broccoli to crisp perfection
Quick-cook broccoli by either blanching it in boiling water for a minute or steaming directly in the pan with a splash of water or broth. Both methods ensure bright-green, crisp-tender broccoli that pairs beautifully with the beef.
Combining beef, broccoli, and sauce
Sear beef in hot oil until lightly browned, then remove. Stir-fry broccoli next, then return beef to the pan. Add the sauce, stir quickly, and watch as everything glazes beautifully in just minutes. The result: a glossy, restaurant-worthy dish that is wholly comforting.
Serving healthy dinner recipes for weight losing
Enjoy your stir-fry over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or serve with brown rice, quinoa, or even zucchini noodles. With its lean protein and vegetable focus, this dish is truly a standout among healthy dinner recipes for weight losing.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of beef in Chinese Beef and Broccoli?
Yes! Simply swap in thinly sliced chicken and follow the same methods for a poultry twist that works great in your collection of fast dinner recipes.
What cut of beef works best for this recipe?
Flank steak, skirt steak, and sirloin all slice thin and cook quickly. Always cut against the grain for tender bites.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Replace soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. The flavor remains delicious while being allergy-friendly.
Can I prep Chinese Beef and Broccoli ahead of time?
Absolutely. Slice your meat and veggies earlier, and pre-mix your sauce. At dinnertime, just toss everything together in the pan.
Is this recipe good for weight loss or low-carb diets?
Yes, it’s naturally balanced with lean protein and vegetables. Skip the grains or use cauliflower rice if you’re keeping carbs low.
Conclusion: Why This One Pan Beef Dinner Stands Out
Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a weeknight hero: quick, wholesome, and comfort-rich without the fuss. Juicy beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce make it a nourishing choice and one that can cater to busy families, weight-conscious diners, or simply those who want dinner ready fast. With only one pan and a handful of ingredients, it’s a healthy beef dinner you’ll return to time and time again.
