Takeout Thursday

Takeout Thursday is a easy American Chinese recipe that serves 4. 410 calories per serving. Recipe by OneStopChop on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 30 min

Cost: $14.60 total, $3.65 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Beef Flank Steak (Thinly sliced against the grain)
  • 4 cup Broccoli Florets (Trimmed and rinsed)
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (Julienned)
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion (Thinly sliced)
  • 3 stalks Green Onions (Chopped, white and green parts separated)
  • 1 cup Bean Sprouts (Rinsed and drained)
  • 2 tbsp Avocado Oil (High smoke‑point oil for searing)
  • 3 tbsp Soy Sauce (Low‑sodium preferred)
  • 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce (Adds umami depth)
  • 1 tsp Sriracha (Adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tsp Granulated Sugar (Balances saltiness)
  • 1 tsp Cornstarch (Dissolved in 1 tbsp water for slurry)
  • 2 cup Cooked White Rice (Prepared ahead, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Make Marinade and Marinate Steak

    In a bowl combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, Sriracha, sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1 tbsp avocado oil. Add the thinly sliced beef, toss to coat, and let sit while you prep the vegetables.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prep Vegetables

    Julienne the red bell pepper, slice the yellow onion, chop the green onion (separate white and green parts), cut broccoli into bite‑size florets, and rinse the bean sprouts. Set each vegetable in its own bowl.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Sear the Beef

    Heat the wok over medium‑high heat, add 1 tbsp avocado oil, and when shimmering, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Stir‑fry 2–3 minutes until the pieces turn a deep chocolate brown but are still slightly pink inside.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium-high heat

  4. Stir‑Fry Vegetables

    Remove the beef to a clean bowl. Add the remaining 1 tsp avocado oil to the wok, then toss in the white parts of the green onions, sliced onion, bell pepper, and broccoli. Stir‑fry 3 minutes until vegetables are bright‑colored and just tender.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium-high heat

  5. Add Sauce and Thicken

    Stir the remaining marinade (if any) back into the wok, then pour in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water). Cook 2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce glazes the vegetables and thickens.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium-high heat

  6. Combine Beef and Bean Sprouts

    Return the seared beef to the wok, add the bean sprouts and the green parts of the green onions. Toss everything together for another 2 minutes until everything is heated through and the bean sprouts stay crisp.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium-high heat

  7. Serve

    Spoon the hot stir‑fry over steamed white rice and enjoy immediately.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
410
Protein
25 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑free possible with tamari, Dairy‑free, Nut‑free

Allergens: Soy, Shellfish (oyster sauce), Potential gluten (if regular soy sauce is used)

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Takeout Thursday

Recipe by OneStopChop

A quick, restaurant‑style beef and broccoli stir‑fry packed with red bell pepper, yellow onion, green onion, and bean sprouts. Marinated thin‑sliced steak is seared, then tossed with crisp vegetables and a savory soy‑oyster‑Sriracha sauce that thickens perfectly with cornstarch. Serve over steamed rice for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

EasyAmerican ChineseServes 4

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

Source Video
12m
Prep
8m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
30m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.60
Total cost
$3.65
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sear the beef quickly over high heat to develop a deep brown crust without overcooking.
  • Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry; this gives the dish its glossy finish.
  • Add bean sprouts at the very end to keep them crunchy.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – use a splatter guard or keep face away.
  • Use a sharp knife and cut away from your body to avoid cuts.

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‑fry techniques to ingredients that were widely available, like broccoli, which was not common in China. The dish represents the fusion of Chinese wok cooking with American preferences for beef and familiar vegetables.

cultural
Q

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

A

In some regions the sauce is sweeter and includes oyster sauce, while others use a lighter soy‑only glaze. Some cooks add ginger or garlic, and a few versions substitute bok choy for broccoli to reflect local produce availability.

cultural
Q

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

A

It is typically served hot, over a bed of steamed white rice, sometimes accompanied by a side of egg rolls or a simple cucumber salad. The dish is presented in a glossy sauce that coats each piece of beef and vegetable.

cultural
Q

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

A

Beef and broccoli is a go‑to family dinner dish and is often ordered for casual gatherings, birthday parties, or take‑out meals because it is quick, crowd‑pleasing, and pairs well with other menu items.

cultural
Q

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

A

Classic pairings include Egg Fried Rice, Hot and Sour Soup, Spring Rolls, or a simple Asian cucumber salad. The flavors complement each other without competing for the palate.

cultural
Q

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

A

Originally a simple stir‑fry, modern versions often incorporate extra heat with Sriracha, add texture with bean sprouts, or use gluten‑free soy alternatives. Health‑focused cooks may reduce oil or swap white rice for cauliflower rice.

cultural
Q

What are common misconceptions about Beef and Broccoli in American Chinese cooking?

A

Many think the dish is authentically Chinese, but broccoli was introduced to the recipe after it arrived in the U.S. Traditional Chinese cuisine uses Chinese broccoli (gai lan) instead of the Western variety.

cultural
Q

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

A

Overcooking the beef, overcrowding the wok, and adding bean sprouts too early are the biggest pitfalls. Follow the high‑heat, quick‑cook method and add the sprouts at the end to keep them crisp.

technical
Q

Why does this Beef and Broccoli recipe use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce?

A

Cornstarch thickens at lower temperatures and creates a clear, glossy glaze without adding a starchy flavor, which is ideal for Asian stir‑fry sauces. Flour would make the sauce cloudy and heavier.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, you can prep the sauce, slice the beef, and chop the vegetables up to a day ahead. Store each component in airtight containers in the refrigerator and re‑stir‑fry quickly before serving. Keep the cooked dish refrigerated and consume within 3 days.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel OneStopChop specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel OneStopChop focuses on fast, approachable home‑cooking tutorials that emphasize minimal equipment, clear step‑by‑step instructions, and everyday ingredients for busy cooks.

channel
Q

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

A

OneStopChop breaks down classic take‑out dishes into simple, quick‑cook techniques using pantry staples and high‑heat wok methods, whereas many other channels may focus on elaborate plating or traditional Chinese techniques that require specialized tools.

channel

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