Name: Beef and Broccoli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak, 450 g, thinly sliced against the grain; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch (cornflour); ¼ tsp baking soda (bicarbonate of soda); ½ cup beef or chicken broth, 120 ml; 3 tbsp oyster sauce; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp toasted sesame oil; 1 tbsp cornstarch (cornflour); 2 tbsp neutral oil, divided; 4 cups broccoli florets, about 12 oz (340 g); 3 tbsp water; 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated; 1 tsp sesame seeds, to serve

Beef and Broccoli

Takeout-style beef and broccoli made at home in 30 minutes: tender slices of beef and bright green broccoli in a glossy garlic, ginger and oyster sauce.

By amine Published October 25, 2026

Beef and broccoli is a Chinese-American restaurant classic, and it is one of the easiest stir-fries to make well at home. Thin slices of flank steak are coated in a little cornstarch and soy sauce before they hit a very hot pan, which keeps them tender and helps the sauce cling. The broccoli is steamed in the same pan, so the whole dinner takes one skillet or wok and about half an hour.

Why this recipe works

Slicing against the grain. Flank steak has long muscle fibers. Cutting across them into thin slices makes each piece tender.
A quick "velvet". Tossing the beef with cornstarch, soy sauce and a pinch of baking soda for 15 minutes tenderizes it and gives the silky texture you get in restaurants.
Cooking in batches. Crowding the pan steams the beef gray. Searing it in two batches gives browned, flavorful edges.
Steam-fried broccoli. A splash of water and a lid cook the broccoli to crisp-tender in 2 to 3 minutes.

The best cut of beef

Flank steak is the classic choice. Skirt steak, sirloin and flat iron also work. To slice beef very thinly, freeze it for 20 to 30 minutes first so it firms up.

What to serve with it

Steamed jasmine rice is traditional. It is also good with noodles or with our egg fried rice.

FAQ

What is oyster sauce, and can I skip it?

Oyster sauce is a thick, savory-sweet sauce made from oyster extract, sold near the soy sauce. It gives this dish its characteristic flavor. If you cannot use it, replace it with hoisin sauce or extra soy sauce plus 1 teaspoon of sugar.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes. Add it straight from frozen, skip the water and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until hot.