How To Make Beef and Broccoli
How To Make Beef and Broccoli is a medium American Chinese recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by OneStopChop on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $17.36 total, $4.34 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Skirt Steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (to flavor the steak)
- 2 Tbsp Oyster Sauce (adds umami depth)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce (regular or low‑sodium)
- 1 tsp Granulated Sugar (balances salty flavors)
- 2 Tbsp Cornstarch (1 Tbsp for steak coating, 1 Tbsp for sauce thickening)
- 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (for high‑heat stir‑fry)
- 4 cups Broccoli Florets (fresh or frozen, cut into bite‑size pieces)
- 1 cup Mixed Vegetables (e.g., sliced carrot, red bell pepper, and onion)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Fresh Ginger (minced)
- 0.25 cup Water (for sauce base)
- 2 cups Jasmine Rice (uncooked, rinsed)
- 1 Tbsp Tricolor Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
- 2 stalks Green Onion (thinly sliced for garnish)
Instructions
Slice and Marinate the Steak
Place the skirt steak on a cutting board and slice it thinly against the grain. Transfer to a mixing bowl and add sesame oil, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and 1 Tbsp cornstarch. Toss until evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl combine the remaining 1 Tbsp cornstarch, 0.25 cup water, 1 Tbsp oyster sauce, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Stir until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Cook Jasmine Rice
Rinse the jasmine rice until water runs clear. Add 2 cups rice and 2.5 cups water to a rice cooker or saucepan. Cook according to rice cooker instructions or bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 12‑15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: medium-high heat
Stir‑Fry the Steak
Heat the large skillet or wok over high heat. Add 1 Tbsp vegetable oil, then add the marinated steak in a single layer. Let it brown undisturbed for 1‑2 minutes, then stir‑cook until just cooked through, about 2‑3 minutes total. Remove steak and set aside.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: high heat
Sauté Aromatics and Mixed Veggies
Add the remaining 1 Tbsp oil to the pan. Toss in minced garlic and ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the mixed vegetables (carrot, bell pepper, onion) and stir‑fry for 2‑3 minutes until they begin to soften.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium-high heat
Add Broccoli
Add broccoli florets to the pan and continue stir‑frying for another 2 minutes. If the pan looks dry, splash a tablespoon of water.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium-high heat
Combine Steak and Sauce
Return the cooked steak to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over everything. Stir constantly and let the mixture simmer on medium‑low heat for 4‑5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the ingredients.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium-low heat
Plate and Garnish
Serve the beef and broccoli over a bed of jasmine rice. Sprinkle tricolor sesame seeds and sliced green onion on top.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 55g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 5g
Dietary info: Gluten‑free if using tamari, Dairy‑free, Nut‑free
Allergens: Soy, Shellfish, Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Skirt Steak: Flank steak, Sirloin
- Instead of Sesame Oil: Peanut oil, Vegetable oil
- Instead of Oyster Sauce: Hoisin sauce, Soy sauce + a splash of fish sauce
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Tamari
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey, Brown sugar
- Instead of Cornstarch: All‑purpose flour, arrowroot powder
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Peanut oil
- Instead of Broccoli Florets: Chinese broccoli (gai lan)
- Instead of Mixed Vegetables: Frozen stir‑fry blend
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger
- Instead of Water: Low‑sodium chicken broth
- Instead of Jasmine Rice: Basmati rice
- Instead of Tricolor Sesame Seeds: Plain sesame seeds
- Instead of Green Onion: Chives
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Spoon
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Spatula or Tongs
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
- Rice Cooker or Saucepan
- Small Bowl
- Serving Plate (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Slice steak against the grain and coat with cornstarch to ensure tenderness.
- Brown steak quickly on high heat to develop flavor without overcooking.
- Fully dissolve cornstarch in sauce to avoid lumps.
- Do not overcook broccoli; it should remain crisp‑tender.
- Allow sauce to thicken on medium‑low heat before serving.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a wok or heavy skillet that retains high heat for the best sear.
- Add a pinch of toasted sesame oil at the end for extra aroma.
- For extra crunch, toast the sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan before sprinkling.
Troubleshooting
Steak is tough
Ensure the steak is sliced thinly against the grain and marinated briefly. Over‑cooking also makes it tough; cook only until just browned.
Sauce is watery
Mix an extra teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the simmering sauce until it reaches desired thickness.
Broccoli is mushy
Stir‑fry broccoli for only 2 minutes on high heat; add a splash of water if needed to steam lightly but keep it crisp.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Separate rice and sauce‑coated beef; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Slice and marinate the steak up to 2 hours ahead; keep refrigerated.
- Cook jasmine rice in advance and reheat with a splash of water.
- Prepare the sauce and store in a sealed jar for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Beef and Broccoli in American Chinese cuisine?
Beef and broccoli became popular in the United States after Chinese immigrants adapted traditional Cantonese stir‑fries to suit American tastes, using readily available broccoli instead of Chinese broccoli (gai lan). It represents the fusion of Chinese cooking techniques with Western ingredients.
What are the traditional regional variations of Beef and Broccoli in Chinese cuisine?
In China, the dish is usually made with gai lan (Chinese broccoli) and a lighter soy‑based sauce. American versions add oyster sauce, sugar, and sometimes cornstarch for a glossy glaze, creating a sweeter, thicker sauce.
How is Beef and Broccoli traditionally served in American Chinese restaurants?
It is typically served hot over steamed white or jasmine rice, often garnished with sliced green onions and sometimes toasted sesame seeds, allowing diners to enjoy the savory sauce with fluffy rice.
What occasions or celebrations is Beef and Broccoli traditionally associated with in American Chinese culture?
Beef and broccoli is a staple weeknight dinner but also appears at family gatherings and pot‑luck meals because it is quick, crowd‑pleasing, and pairs well with other Chinese dishes.
How does Beef and Broccoli fit into the broader American Chinese cuisine tradition?
It exemplifies the American Chinese emphasis on quick, wok‑cooked dishes that balance sweet, salty, and umami flavors, using familiar vegetables and sauces that appeal to a wide palate.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Beef and Broccoli versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include skirt or flank steak, broccoli (or gai lan), soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Substitutes can be sirloin for steak, bell pepper for extra color, tamari for gluten‑free soy sauce, and arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch.
What other American Chinese dishes pair well with Beef and Broccoli?
Pairs nicely with Egg Fried Rice, Hot and Sour Soup, Spring Rolls, or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil.
What makes Beef and Broccoli special or unique in American Chinese cuisine?
Its bright green broccoli, tender beef, and glossy, slightly sweet sauce create a balance of texture and flavor that is both comforting and visually appealing, making it a signature dish of the cuisine.
How has Beef and Broccoli evolved over time in American Chinese cooking?
Originally a simple stir‑fry, modern versions often incorporate tricolor sesame seeds, green onion garnish, and sometimes a splash of sesame oil for added aroma, reflecting contemporary plating trends.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Beef and Broccoli at home?
Common errors include overcooking the steak, using too much cornstarch which makes the sauce gummy, over‑steaming broccoli so it loses its crunch, and not seasoning the sauce enough before thickening.
Why does this Beef and Broccoli recipe use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening?
Cornstarch thickens at lower temperatures and creates a clear, glossy sauce without the cloudy texture that flour can produce, which is ideal for a classic American Chinese glaze.
Can I make Beef and Broccoli ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Store the cooked beef and broccoli with sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
What does the YouTube channel OneStopChop specialize in?
The YouTube channel OneStopChop focuses on quick, approachable Asian-inspired home cooking, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize technique, flavor balance, and efficient kitchen workflow.
How does the YouTube channel OneStopChop's approach to American Chinese cooking differ from other cooking channels?
OneStopChop combines clear visual cues with concise narration, often highlighting ingredient swaps and time‑saving tips, whereas many channels either dive deep into traditional techniques or focus solely on gourmet plating.
Last updated: September 1, 2026






