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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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How To Make Beef and Broccoli

Recipe by OneStopChop

A quick and flavorful American‑Chinese beef and broccoli stir‑fry using thinly sliced skirt steak, a savory oyster‑soy sauce, and crisp vegetables, served over fluffy jasmine rice and finished with tricolor sesame seeds and green onion.

MediumAmerican ChineseServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
8m
Prep
29m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
47m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$17.36
Total cost
$4.34
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw steak with clean hands and sanitize surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Hot oil can splatter; keep a lid nearby and use long utensils.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Beef and Broccoli in American Chinese cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Beef and Broccoli in Chinese cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is Beef and Broccoli traditionally served in American Chinese restaurants?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Beef and Broccoli traditionally associated with in American Chinese culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How does Beef and Broccoli fit into the broader American Chinese cuisine tradition?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Beef and Broccoli versus acceptable substitutes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other American Chinese dishes pair well with Beef and Broccoli?

A

Pairs nicely with Egg Fried Rice, Hot and Sour Soup, Spring Rolls, or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil.

cultural
Q

What makes Beef and Broccoli special or unique in American Chinese cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How has Beef and Broccoli evolved over time in American Chinese cooking?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Beef and Broccoli at home?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this Beef and Broccoli recipe use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make Beef and Broccoli ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel OneStopChop specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel OneStopChop's approach to American Chinese cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

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