Better Than Take-Out Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a classic restaurant dish that is surprisingly easy to re-create at home. Tender strips of beef, crisp broccoli, and a flavorful sauce; it all comes together in just minutes.

Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Want to know a secret? Even food bloggers have a weakness for Chinese take-out.

Some nights nothing hits the spot quite like a good takeout container of beef and broccoli served over steamed rice. I’ve been ordering Chinese Beef and Broccoli for years and was pretty confident I could make my own version that was even better than my favorite take out joint.

I’ve made several different versions of Beef Broccoli Stir Fry over the past few years and combined a few I liked to make this version. The meal was an instant hit with my whole family and has become my favorite Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe.

With the zing of fresh ginger and plenty of garlic, the stir-fry sauce pairs so well with tender strips of beef and crisp broccoli. By cooking the veggies in coconut oil, they get cooked through without becoming mushy.

Next time you get a craving for Chinese food, skip the take-out order and make this instead. It’s just as quick as ordering delivery and tastes even better.

Beef Stir-Fry Recipes

Since I first shared this recipe, we’ve found a few more fantastic beef stir-fry recipes that are way better than take-out–and just as fast.Thai Steak and Green Bean Stir Fry is another favorite as is this Mongolian Beef with Noodles.

If you like Korean flavors, you’re sure to love Cheater Korean Beef that was inspired by one of our favorite restaurant dishes and remains a much-requested meal.

For more great stir fry recipes, check out this Spicy Chicken and Bacon Stir Fry. It has been one of my favorite go-to dinners for years now. We also love this Sweet and Sour Ham Ball Stir Fry and this Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry by Center Cut Cook

Beef Broccoli Stir Fry

Better Than Take-Out Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Recipe inspired by and/or adapted from with thanks to Steamy Kitchen, America's Test Kitchen, Mel's Kitchen Cafe, Everyday Food

4.65 from 17 votes

Print Pin Rate

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

• Beef and Broccoli Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 pounds flank or sirloin steak
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons coconut or olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds fresh broccoli cut into bite size pieces
• 1/3 cup water
• 6 large garlic cloves about 2 tablespoons minced
• 1 " chunk of fresh ginger about 1 tablespoon minced
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Sauce Ingredients:
• 1/4 cup oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions

• Slice the beef, against the grain, into very thin 1/8" strips. Place the meat in a medium size bowl or in a large ziploc bag, sprinkle with cornstarch and add the soy sauce. Stir or seal the bag and press to coat. Let the meat rest on the counter for at least 10 minutes, or up to 1 hour. Stir together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
• Heat about 2 teaspoons of coconut oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. When the oil is rippling hot, add half of the beef strips. Spread across the skillet in and cook without stirring for 1 minute. Stir or toss with tongs and spread across the skillet again. Cook 1 more minute. Be careful not to overcook the meat, it should be just barely cooked through and still very tender. Carefully transfer the meat to a dish with a lid. Drain any extra liquid and add another 2 teaspoons of coconut oil to the hot skillet. Repeat the above steps with the remaining meat. Add the last of the cooked meat and any juices to the dish and cover tightly with lid.
• Add the last 2 teaspoons of coconut oil to the hot skillet and add the broccoli. Toss to coat and then add the water and cover with lid. Reduce the heat to medium and let the broccoli steam for 2 minutes. Uncover and push the broccoli to the sides of the skillet. Add the garlic and ginger mixture to the center of the skillet and let it cook for about a minute, until it is fragrant. Stir to combine and add the meat back to the skillet. Toss to combine and add the sauce to the skillet.
• Increase the heat to medium high and cook, stirring and tossing occasionally, for about 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and is evenly coating all the meat and vegetables. Serve by itself or over rice. Enjoy!

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{originally published 4/12/14 – recipe notes and photos updated 7/25/2017}