One-Pan Chinese Beef & Broccoli: Restaurant-Quality Takeout in 30 Minutes

Chinese Beef and Broccoli (One Pan Take-Out)

Introduction

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a beloved classic for a reason: it delivers bold, savory-sweet flavor in every bite and comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. If you’re seeking a restaurant-style meal that brings genuine satisfaction yet requires minimal time and effort, this one pan take-out recipe checks every box. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when a craving for take-out strikes but you want a healthier, homemade solution.

Deliciously Simple Chinese Beef and Broccoli (One Pan Take-Out)

This version captures the magic of your favorite Chinese restaurant with tender strips of beef, vibrant, crisp broccoli, and an aromatic garlic-ginger sauce that’s tantalizingly glossy. The best part? One pan means less mess, and the streamlined process ensures dinner lands on the table fast—even on your busiest evenings.

Mastering the Signature Stir-Fry Sauce

The rich yet balanced sauce is the heart of this dish. Soy sauce, hoisin (or oyster sauce), a splash of rice vinegar, and a touch of brown sugar combine with fresh garlic and ginger to create deep umami flavor. Cornstarch adds thickness, coating the beef and broccoli evenly for that authentic silky finish. Marinate the beef briefly for extra tenderness and maximum taste.

Perfect Timing for Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Getting that signature beef and broccoli texture is simple: cook the beef until just browned but still juicy, then set it aside while the broccoli stir-fries in the flavorful pan. A quick toss in the thickened sauce brings everything together. This technique keeps the broccoli crisp-tender and ensures every piece is coated in flavor.

Serving Suggestions for a Standout Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Serve steaming hot over fluffy rice or toss with noodles for a satisfying meal. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or freshly sliced green onions offers a lovely finishing touch. Pair it with a side of steamed dumplings, spring rolls, or even a light cucumber salad for a complete restaurant-inspired dinner at home.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, making it ideal for families or meal prepping. Each serving of beef and broccoli provides around 350 calories (without rice), along with a good dose of protein and fiber thanks to the broccoli. It’s a balanced, nourishing meal that satisfies both taste and nutrition goals.

Chinese Beef and Broccoli (One Pan Take-Out) Recap

Fast, flavorful, and healthier than take-out, this stir fry is a weeknight hero and a crowd-pleasing favorite. The simple ingredients and one-pan approach make it accessible for cooks of any experience level while still promising authentic taste.

Ingredients

3/4 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce (plus extra for serving)
2 tablespoons oyster sauce or hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
3 cups broccoli florets
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1/3 cup beef broth (or water)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Optional: Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced steak with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster (or hoisin) sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, beef broth, and the other teaspoon of sesame oil. Set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add beef in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned (it does not need to be cooked through). Remove beef to a plate.
  4. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Add broccoli and a splash of water, stir-frying for 2–3 minutes until broccoli is bright green and barely tender.
  5. Push the broccoli to one side and add garlic and ginger. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Return beef to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together. Cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until the sauce has thickened and everything is hot and glossy.
  7. Serve immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is perfect for prepping ahead—make a double batch to enjoy for lunch the next day or schedule it as part of your meal rotation. Save and schedule this recipe so you can plan which days to enjoy it and automatically generate shopping lists customized for all your planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

  • Automatically sums up ingredient amounts across recipes
  • Organizes shopping lists by store section
  • Helps avoid duplicate purchases and ensures nothing is forgotten
  • Streamlines your entire weekly meal prep process

Pro tip: When planning multiple meals, schedule your recipes and let CookifyAI show you where ingredients like soy sauce and ginger overlap. It saves time, reduces waste, and keeps your week deliciously organized.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

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