Beef and Broccoli
Tender beef and broccoli in glossy ginger-soy sauce.
Beef and Broccoli is a classic protein-forward Chinese recipe built around a handful of pantry staples. It serves 3 and comes together in roughly 20 minutes from prep to plate. It is an approachable, beginner-friendly dish — the kind of recipe you can put on the table in about 20 minutes without much fuss. The method leans on high-heat searing, which is what gives the finished dish its signature texture and depth.
The headline ingredients here are beef sirloin, broccoli and garlic. Spend a little time choosing well: fresher, more carefully-sourced versions of these will lift the whole plate, while every other element is mostly there to support them. A few sensible swaps: beef sirloin can be replaced with a similar-cut alternative, just keep the fat content roughly the same.
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239
kcal
14g
Protein
14g
Carbs
14g
Fat
Ingredients
- beef sirloin400 g
- broccoli1 head
- garlic3 cloves
- ginger1 tbsp
- soy sauce3 tbsp
- oyster sauce2 tbsp
- cornstarch1 tbsp
- sugar1 tsp
- sesame oil1 tsp
- oilstaple
Method
- 1Step 1 ~5 min
Slice beef thin; toss with cornstarch and 1 tbsp soy.
- 2Step 2 ~5 min
Blanch broccoli florets 1 minute; drain.
- 3Step 3 ~5 min
Sear beef in hot oil; remove.
- 4Step 4 ~6 min
Sauté garlic and ginger; add broccoli, sauce ingredients and beef. Toss till glossy.
Per-step times are approximate and based on the total cook time of 20 minutes.
Pro tips & common mistakes
- Rest the protein for a few minutes after cooking. Slicing straight away lets the juices run onto the board instead of into the bite.
- Taste a small spoonful just before serving and adjust salt, acid (lemon or vinegar) and heat — that final balance check is what separates a good home cook from a great one.
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Frequently asked questions
- How long does Beef and Broccoli take to cook?
- From prep to plate, Beef and Broccoli takes about 20 minutes and yields 3 servings. About a third of that is hands-on; the rest is the cooking itself.
- Is Beef and Broccoli vegetarian?
- No — this version contains non-vegetarian ingredients (beef sirloin, broccoli, garlic). For a vegetarian take, replace the main protein with paneer, halloumi, mushrooms or extra-firm tofu and keep the same spices.
- What are the key ingredients in Beef and Broccoli?
- The headline ingredients are beef sirloin, broccoli, garlic. The rest of the list is supporting cast — spices, aromatics and pantry staples — that round out the flavour rather than carry it.
- Can I scale this recipe up or down?
- Yes. The ingredient quantities scale linearly: halve for 2 servings or double for 6. Cooking times stay roughly the same, except for anything that depends on pan surface area — if you double a stir-fry, cook it in two batches rather than crowding the pan.
- How should I store the leftovers?
- Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently — low heat on the stove with a splash of water, or short bursts in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel so it does not dry out.
- Can I freeze Beef and Broccoli?
- Yes. Cool fully, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently; you may need a splash of water or stock to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
- What should I serve with Beef and Broccoli?
- Beef and Broccoli pairs naturally with classic chinese sides — a simple grain, a fresh salad, or a light pickle to cut through richness. Aim for something that contrasts the main dish in texture or temperature rather than echoing it.
- What if I do not have one of the main ingredients?
- Most ingredients in this recipe have sensible swaps. Match like-for-like by texture and cooking time and you will land somewhere close to the original.