Name: Authentic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound flank steak sliced 1/4-inch thick; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional); 3 tablespoons water; 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch; 2 teaspoons vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon oyster sauce; 2/3 cup low sodium chicken stock warmed; 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar or brown sugar; 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/8 teaspoon white pepper; 4 cups broccoli florets; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil divided; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1/4 teaspoon ginger grated or minced (optional); 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine; 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water

There’s something about the sizzle of tender beef meeting crisp broccoli in a glossy sauce that just hits the spot every time. This Authentic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe isn’t just quick and flavorful—it’s a genuine take that brings a touch of that classic Chinese takeout magic right to your kitchen.

A white bowl filled with stir-fried beef slices and bright green broccoli florets. The beef is coated with a shiny brown sauce that makes it look tender and juicy, sitting on top and mixed with the vibrant broccoli. The bowl rests on a light beige cloth with rough edges, placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a shiny silver teapot, a small brown cup with tea, and a small wrapped orange item, all slightly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Authentic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Authentic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Authentic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, making this authentic beef and broccoli stir-fry has become one of my favorite weeknight wins. It’s straightforward enough for a busy evening, yet impressive in flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser at home or casual dinners with friends.

Real Deal Flavor: This recipe captures the balance of savory, sweet, and umami just like the best Chinese restaurants.
Perfect Texture: Tender beef and crisp-tender broccoli come together thanks to simple, key techniques like marinating and blanching.
Quick and Simple: You don’t need hours or crazy ingredients to nail an authentic taste—just a little prep and the right sauce.
Family Favorite: This dish has been a staple in my kitchen and brings back memories of our family’s Chinese takeout days, making it extra special.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this authentic beef and broccoli stir-fry really lies in the balance: you’ve got tender, marinated flank steak paired with bright, fresh broccoli, all coated in a rich and flavorful sauce. Shopping fresh broccoli and slicing your beef thinly makes a huge difference—you’ll taste it!

Flat lay of fresh bright green broccoli florets, thin slices of raw deep red flank steak, two uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of light golden vegetable oil, a small white bowl filled with dark brown oyster sauce, a small white bowl holding glossy dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of light brown granulated sugar, a small white bowl with white cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl of warm golden chicken stock, two peeled garlic cloves, a small pile of freshly grated pale yellow ginger, and a small white bowl of light amber Shaoxing wine placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Flank Steak: Thin slices work best here—they cook fast and stay incredibly tender with the baking soda marinade trick.
Baking Soda: Optional but a secret weapon to tenderize beef quickly without ruining texture.
Cornstarch: Acts both in the marinade and the sauce to lock in juiciness and create that glossy finish you want.
Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil is perfect for high-heat searing and stir-frying.
Oyster Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and a touch of sweetness essential to authentic stir-fry sauces.
Chicken Stock: Using warmed stock rather than water gives the sauce a rich background flavor.
Soy Sauces (Light and Dark): Light soy balances saltiness, while dark soy deepens color and adds a faint sweetness.
Sesame Oil: Added at the end for that toasty aroma that elevates the dish.
White Pepper: Provides just a subtle kick without overpowering the flavors.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh and blanched briefly for crunch—don’t skip this step or it’ll get mushy!
Garlic and Ginger: Classic aromatics that wake up the sauce in a subtle, comforting way.
Shaoxing Wine: Adds complexity and a hint of sweetness—no substitutions if you want true authenticity!

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I always appreciate the classic flavor here, I’ve learned that healthy swaps and tweaks can make this dish your own. Don’t hesitate to make this authentic beef and broccoli stir-fry recipe your own canvas for flavor and texture.

Variation: I sometimes swap flank steak for sirloin or skirt steak depending on what’s fresh at the market—just remember to slice thinly across the grain for tenderness.
Vegetarian option: Tofu lovers, firm tofu cubes pan-fried and tossed with broccoli and the same sauce work surprisingly well!
Spicy kick: Add a splash of chili oil or fresh sliced chilies during the garlic step to amp up heat.
Broccoli alternatives: Feel free to mix in baby bok choy or snap peas for a twist on texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Authentic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Tenderizing and Marinating the Beef

Start by mixing your thinly sliced flank steak with water and baking soda (this trick tenderizes the beef beautifully without making it mushy—watch the timing so you don’t overdo it). I gently massage the mixture into the beef with my hands, then add the cornstarch, oil, and oyster sauce. Marinate this at least 30 minutes—this step is where the beef soaks up flavor and moisture, setting the stage for a juicy result.

Step 2: Whisk Together That Flavor Punch Sauce

While your beef is happily marinating, combine the chicken stock, sugars, both soy sauces, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper in a bowl. I always warm the chicken stock before mixing—it really helps bring out the depth of flavor once it hits the wok.

Step 3: Blanch Broccoli to Crisp-Tender Perfection

Get a pot of salted water boiling and blanch your broccoli florets for 30 to 60 seconds, depending on how you like ’em. I prefer mine with a little bite left—bright green and just a little tender. Drain well and set aside. This little step stops the broccoli from overcooking later in the stir-fry, a simple trick to maintain freshness and crunch.

Step 4: Sear the Beef for Flavor and Color

Heat your wok or skillet over blazing high heat until it’s smoking hot. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and quickly sear the beef for 2-3 minutes, just enough to brown but not overcook. You want that delicious Maillard reaction going on for taste and texture. Once browned, remove the beef to rest—this keeps it tender and juicy for the final toss.

Step 5: Build the Sauce and Finish the Stir-Fry

Turn the heat down to medium before adding another tablespoon of oil, minced garlic, and optional ginger. Stir these aromatics fast—5 seconds is enough to release their fragrance without burning. Pour the Shaoxing wine around the edges to deglaze, scraping up those flavorful brown bits from the beef searing. Then add your sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer.

Mix the remaining cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then drizzle this into the sauce slowly while stirring constantly. It should thicken quickly—watch it like a hawk here! Toss in the broccoli, seared beef, and any resting juices. Stir everything together over medium heat until the sauce evenly coats the beef and broccoli, adjusting thickness by adding more slurry or a splash of stock if needed.

Serve immediately over steamed rice and watch this dish disappear faster than you can say dinner is ready.

Top Tip

Having made this dish countless times, I can confidently say a few small tricks make all the difference between good and truly restaurant-quality beef and broccoli.

Thin, Even Slices: Take the time to slice your beef thin and against the grain—it tenderizes and helps the beef absorb marinade better.
Hot Wok Is Key: Always preheat your wok or pan until it’s really hot to avoid steaming your ingredients and to get that perfect sear.
Don’t Rush the Sauce: Stirring the cornstarch slurry slowly and steadily ensures the sauce thickens nicely without lumps or going gluey.
Blanch Broccoli Quickly: This prevents mushiness and keeps the vibrant color and crunch—trust me, it’s worth the extra step.

How to Serve Authentic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

A white bowl filled with several layers of bright green broccoli florets mixed with red-brown slices of meat covered in a shiny sauce, placed on a light beige cloth on a white marbled surface. To the top left, there is a silver teapot, and on the right side, a pair of dark brown chopsticks and a metal fork rest on the cloth near two small wrapped orange-colored treats and a light brown cup. The overall scene has soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions on top—these add a lovely nutty crunch and fresh pop of color. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, a tiny drizzle of chili oil wakes up the dish without overpowering its savory notes.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry shines with simple steamed jasmine rice, but it’s also fantastic alongside fried rice or garlic noodles. For a more textured meal, pair it with a crisp Asian cucumber salad or lightly pickled vegetables to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

On special occasions, I arrange the beef and broccoli over a bed of fried rice inside a hollowed-out pineapple for a bit of tropical flair. Another favorite is serving individual portions in small bamboo steamers for a charming family-style dinner conversation starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge—so it keeps best for up to three days. The beef stays moist thanks to the sauce, but I find the broccoli softens over time, so for best texture, I sometimes steam fresh broccoli on reheat and toss it in last minute.

Freezing

Freezing works fine if you're in a pinch—just cool it completely before freezing in a sealed container. I recommend eating within a month for best flavor. When defrosted, the texture of broccoli softens quite a bit, so I usually add fresh veggies when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too but be sure to stir halfway through for even heating. Avoid high heat—it can dry out the beef fast!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What cut of beef is best for authentic beef and broccoli stir-fry recipe?

Flank steak is ideal because it’s lean and becomes tender when sliced thin across the grain and marinated. You can also use skirt steak or sirloin, but be sure to cut thinly and marinate well.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and double-check oyster sauce for gluten content. This swap keeps the authentic flavor while making it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Why do I need to blanch the broccoli first?

Blanching the broccoli briefly locks in its bright color and crisp-tender texture. It also helps it cook evenly during the stir-fry without turning mushy, which is key for a great dish.

What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?

Shaoxing wine adds a subtle sweetness and depth typical in Chinese cooking. If you don’t have it, dry sherry or a splash of mirin can work in a pinch, but drier styles might alter the flavor slightly.

Final Thoughts

This authentic beef and broccoli stir-fry recipe is one of those dishes that’s as comforting as it is satisfying, and honestly, it takes me back to some of the best family meals from my childhood. It’s simple, quick, and packed with flavor to make your home cooking shine. I can’t recommend trying this one enough—you’re going to love the tender beef, fresh broccoli, and beautifully balanced sauce coming together in every bite. Give it a go, and enjoy making it your own!