Description
This Better-Than-Takeout Beef with Broccoli recipe delivers a delicious homemade version of the classic Chinese takeout favorite. Tender slices of beef are marinated and stir-fried with crisp broccoli florets in a savory, slightly sweet sauce made with soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served over steamed white rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce, divided
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Other
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss well to coat all the beef pieces evenly, then let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the broccoli and stir-fry for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, beef broth (or water), sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Cook: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the broccoli and garlic. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli, then stir continuously as the sauce thickens and evenly coats all the ingredients. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors and ensure the sauce is glossy and thick.
- Serve: Serve the beef and broccoli hot over freshly cooked white rice for a satisfying and classic takeout-style meal at home.
Notes
- For best results, slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- You can substitute beef broth with water if you prefer a lighter sauce.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a mild version.
- Other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas can be added for extra color and texture.
- Serve immediately for best texture, as sauce thickens and broccoli softens over time.
