This beef and broccoli stir fry is a must try dinner that fills your kitchen with sizzling aromas. Sliced flank steak sears quickly with tender broccoli to create a delectable dish, boasting perfectly balanced flavors from soy sauce and brown sugar. An easy, gluten free treat for satisfying your Asian cravings.
I recently tried this Easy Chinese beef and broccoli stir fry and it turned out CRAZY good. I used 1/2 lb flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain for a tender bite, and 2 cups of broccoli florets, which are packed with vitamins and fiber.
I also added in 2 cloves of minced garlic to boost the flavor. For the marinade, I mixed 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tsp soy sauce, then seared the steak in 2 tbsp vegetable oil on my skillet.
The sauce is super simple; I combined 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water. This method reminds me a bit of those famous PF Changs Beef and Broccoli recipes and even a Beef And Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry style that people rave about.
Its balanced protein and greens makes a really satisfying gluten free dinner when paired with rice. I think you’ll love how easy it is to recreate these authentic Chinese recipes at home.
Why I Like this Recipe
I love this recipe because:
1. I like how quick and easy it is to make, so I can have a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
2. I enjoy the authentic taste of the beef and broccoli, which reminds me a lot of my favorite asian takeout.
3. I appreciate the simple yet flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and corn starch that brings everything together perfectly.
4. I like that it’s a pretty healthy option with protein and veggies in one dish, plus it’s gluten free.
This beef and broccoli recipe is crazy good and one of my favorite ways to get a tasty asian dinner at home. I love that its really simple to fix up and the flavors come through really well. The beef is seared just enough and the broccoli stays a bit crunchy, plus everything gets coated in a sauce thats just sweet enough without being spicy. Its perfect for when id be craving some takeout style food but dont feel like waiting. Overall, its a go-to dish that always hits the spot.
Ingredients
- Flank steak is a lean, protein-rich meat that adds hearty flavor and texture to the dish.
- Broccoli offers fiber, vitamins, and crunch while keeping the meal light and healthy.
- Garlic gives bold, aromatic flavor and some real health perks even if its strong sometimes.
- Soy sauce brings a savory, salty kick that perfectly balances the meat and veggies.
- Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors well.
- Vegetable oil helps cook everything evenly and stops sticking during cooking.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1/2 lb flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- 2 cups broccoli florets (about 1 head of broccoli cut into small pieces)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cornstarch (for the marinade)
- 1 tsp soy sauce (for the marinade)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (for the sauce)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch (for the sauce)
- 1/4 cup water
How to Make this
1. In a bowl, mix the sliced beef with 1 tsp soy sauce and 1 tsp cornstarch, then let it sit for about 10 minutes.
2. In a separate small bowl, stir together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water for the sauce.
3. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
4. Add the minced garlic to the oil and stir it around for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
5. Put the beef into the hot pan and sear it until its browned, around 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Toss in the broccoli florets and cook them together with the beef for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
7. Pour the stovetop sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli in the pan.
8. Keep stirring and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens up.
9. Once everything is nicely coated and the beef is cooked, remove the pan from the heat.
10. Serve the beef and broccoli over rice for a perfect gluten free dinner. Enjoy your meal!
Equipment Needed
1. A medium to large bowl for mixing the beef marinade
2. A small bowl for preparing the sauce
3. A large skillet or wok for cooking the beef and broccoli
4. A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring during cooking
5. Measuring spoons and cups for the soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and water
6. A knife and cutting board for slicing the beef, chopping the broccoli, and mincing the garlic
7. A pot or rice cooker if you plan to cook rice to serve with the dish
FAQ
Easy Chinese Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- If you dont have flank steak, try using thinly sliced sirloin or even pork tenderloin for a change of pace.
- Not a fan of broccoli? You can use green beans or even cauliflower florets as a good substitute.
- If you run out of fresh garlic, you can replace them with about 1/4 tsp of garlic powder instead.
- You can swap the marinade cornstarch with potato starch or arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce the same.
- For a different flavor twist, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce in the sauce mix.
Pro Tips
1. Try marinating the beef a little bit longer, if you have extra time, so it comes out more tender and flavorful.
2. Make sure your pan is really hot when you add the beef cause if it isnt hot enough the meat may not sear properly and can end up a bit soggy.
3. Keep a close eye on the garlic when it hits the oil, it can burn super fast and ruin the overall flavor of the dish.
4. If you enjoy a bit of a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce, it really brings out the flavors in a cool way.
Easy Chinese Recipe
My favorite Easy Chinese Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. A medium to large bowl for mixing the beef marinade
2. A small bowl for preparing the sauce
3. A large skillet or wok for cooking the beef and broccoli
4. A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring during cooking
5. Measuring spoons and cups for the soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and water
6. A knife and cutting board for slicing the beef, chopping the broccoli, and mincing the garlic
7. A pot or rice cooker if you plan to cook rice to serve with the dish
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- 2 cups broccoli florets (about 1 head of broccoli cut into small pieces)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cornstarch (for the marinade)
- 1 tsp soy sauce (for the marinade)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (for the sauce)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch (for the sauce)
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix the sliced beef with 1 tsp soy sauce and 1 tsp cornstarch, then let it sit for about 10 minutes.
2. In a separate small bowl, stir together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water for the sauce.
3. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
4. Add the minced garlic to the oil and stir it around for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
5. Put the beef into the hot pan and sear it until its browned, around 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Toss in the broccoli florets and cook them together with the beef for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
7. Pour the stovetop sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli in the pan.
8. Keep stirring and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens up.
9. Once everything is nicely coated and the beef is cooked, remove the pan from the heat.
10. Serve the beef and broccoli over rice for a perfect gluten free dinner. Enjoy your meal!