One-Pan Chinese Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry

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Created on August 31st, 2025 at 06:11 pm

Fast, saucy, better-than-takeout dinner

Looking for a healthy dinner recipe that’s faster than delivery? This Chinese Beef and Broccoli stir-fry brings bold flavor, juicy steak, and crisp-tender broccoli together in a rich, glossy brown sauce—all in under 30 minutes. It’s a classic takeout favorite, made even better at home with fewer calories and cleaner ingredients. You only need one pan, and there’s no wok required. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep lunches, or when that Chinese food craving hits. Serve it over rice for a complete, satisfying meal that’s ready in no time. 🍲

Close-up of juicy beef and vibrant broccoli on steamed rice

⏱️ Time Breakdown

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

📝 Ingredients List

For the Beef Marinade:

1 lb flank or skirt steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
1 tbsp cornstarch
½ tsp baking soda (optional – tenderizes tougher cuts)

For the Stir-Fry Sauce:

½ cup chicken or beef stock
2 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry for GF)
2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
1 tsp dark soy sauce (optional – for color & flavor)
2 tsp brown sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch

For the Stir-Fry:

1 large head broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
1 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp fresh ginger, minced

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:

Large nonstick skillet or sauté pan
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Medium mixing bowl
Small bowl (for marinade)
Wooden spoon or spatula
Tongs (optional, for broccoli)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Beef
Slice steak thinly across the grain. In a small bowl, mix with soy sauce, oil, cornstarch, and baking soda (if using). Set aside for 10 minutes.
Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together stock, Shaoxing wine, soy sauces, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Steam the Broccoli 🥦
Add ¼ cup water to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add broccoli and cover. Steam for about 1 minute until just tender. Transfer to a plate. Wipe out the skillet.
Sear the Beef
Heat oil in the same pan. Add beef in a single layer. Let cook undisturbed for 30 seconds to sear. Flip and stir for another 30–60 seconds until lightly charred and pink inside.
Add Aromatics 🧄
Toss in minced garlic and ginger. Stir for 15 seconds until fragrant.
Combine Everything 🔥
Return broccoli to the pan. Stir the sauce one more time, then pour it in. Toss everything together and stir for 1 minute until the sauce is thick and glossy.
Serve
Serve immediately over hot rice or your favorite grain. Garnish with sesame seeds or chili oil for a spicy kick!

💡 Pro Tips

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Gluten-Free Tip: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and dry sherry in place of Shaoxing wine.
Veggie Swap: Try half broccoli, half bell pepper, snap peas, or carrots for a colorful twist.
Meal Prep: Make a double batch and store in individual containers with rice for easy weekday lunches.

📊 Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	420	18g	35g	22g	4g	6g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.