Name: Restaurant-Style Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-489507H56M5S
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: ⅓ cup oyster sauce; ⅓ cup sherry; 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon white sugar; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; ¾ pound beef round steak, cut into 1/8-inch thick strips; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more if needed; 1 thin slice of fresh ginger root; 1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed; 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 44 reviews

If you’ve ever craved the perfect takeout but wished you could make it better at home, then this Restaurant-Style Beef and Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need. It balances tender, thinly sliced beef with vibrant, crisp broccoli, all coated in a luscious sauce that tastes so rich and satisfying, you might forget you didn’t dine out. The magic lies in the simple, well-chosen ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture, making this dish a favorite for busy weeknights and special dinners alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with various clear glass bowls and measuring cups holding ingredients for a meal. In the center, there is a clear glass bowl filled with bright green broccoli pieces. To its right, a larger clear glass bowl contains raw red slices of beef. On the top left, a measuring cup has a golden liquid, while below it a small glass bowl has a white granular powder next to a smaller cup with a light yellow clear liquid. At the top right, four small glass bowls hold a pale yellow stick (likely butter), a white peeled clove of garlic, a golden-brown liquid, and a dark brown liquid. To the bottom right, a measuring cup holds a thick black sauce. Everything is spaced neatly on the white marbled background, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe is in the simplicity of its ingredients, each chosen to build that authentic, bold flavor while keeping the dish fresh and colorful. Nothing complicated here—just the essentials that transform everyday staples into a sumptuous feast.

⅓ cup oyster sauce: This thick, savory sauce is the backbone of the dish’s deep umami flavor.
⅓ cup sherry: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the marinade, elevating the beef.
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil: A little goes a long way to infusing the dish with a nutty aroma that’s irresistible.
1 teaspoon soy sauce: Brings a salty richness that rounds out the flavor profile.
1 teaspoon white sugar: Balances the savory sauces with a hint of gentle sweetness.
1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps to thicken the sauce so it clings perfectly to each bite.
¾ pound beef round steak, cut into 1⁄8-inch thick strips: Thin slices ensure quick, tender cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more if needed: Provides a high-heat cooking base to achieve the ideal sear.
1 thin slice of fresh ginger root: Adds brightness and a subtle zing that livens up the dish.
1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed: A flavor powerhouse that complements the ginger perfectly.
1 pound broccoli, cut into florets: Delivers fresh crunch and vibrant green color to the dish.

How to Make Restaurant-Style Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by whisking together the oyster sauce, sherry, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl. This simple yet flavorful blend is what makes the beef shine with that unmistakable restaurant-style taste. Stir it well until the sugar fully dissolves to ensure your marinade is perfectly balanced and smooth.

Step 2: Marinate the Beef

Place those thinly sliced beef strips into a shallow bowl and pour the marinade over them, stirring to coat every piece generously. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is key because it tenderizes the meat and infuses it with layers of flavor, making every bite juicy and delicious.

Step 3: Flavor the Oil

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the fresh ginger slice and smashed garlic clove. Let them sizzle for about a minute, allowing the oil to soak up all those wonderful aromatics before discarding the solids. This simple technique brightens the whole dish and adds a subtle depth right from the start.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli

Toss the broccoli florets into the hot oil and stir them frequently for 5 to 7 minutes until they turn a vibrant green and become just tender but still maintain a nice crunch. Removing the broccoli at this stage prevents overcooking and keeps the texture invitingly crisp.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Beef

Add a bit more oil if needed, then pour in the marinated beef along with all the marinade. Keep the heat high as you stir and toss the meat for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens, glistens, and the beef loses its pink hue. This quick cooking seal locks in juiciness and delivers that signature silky coating.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked broccoli to the wok and stir everything together gently, cooking for an additional 3 minutes to warm the broccoli through and marry the flavors. This final step ensures every bite is perfect, with the tangy-sweet sauce hugging each tender strip of beef and crisp floret.

How to Serve Restaurant-Style Beef and Broccoli Recipe

A white plate holds a serving of white rice as the base layer, topped with tender brown slices of beef evenly spread across the rice. Bright green broccoli florets are placed between the beef pieces, adding fresh color and texture. The beef appears slightly glossy with a thin sauce coating. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a green cloth napkin and a fork placed to the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Bring extra visual appeal and flavor with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions. These garnishes add a lovely crunch and a pop of color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Serve this dish over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up all that wonderful sauce. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice also pairs excellently. You can also add simple sides like steamed dumplings or a fresh cucumber salad to balance richness with refreshing crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the beef and broccoli in individual lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on dinner experience. Or plate it on a large serving platter with extra sauce drizzled artistically over the top for a restaurant-worthy presentation that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover beef and broccoli in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or weekday dinners.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well. Simply cool the cooked dish completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When stored properly, it will maintain its taste and texture for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the beef and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving when possible to keep the broccoli crisp and the beef tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While round steak is ideal for thin slicing and quick cooking, flank steak or sirloin also work beautifully and may even provide a bit more tenderness depending on your preference.

Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?

If oyster sauce isn’t available, hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a bit of mushroom sauce can serve as alternatives, though the unique umami flavor of oyster sauce is hard to beat.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the beef for firm tofu or mushrooms, and substitute oyster sauce with a vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom-based sauce to keep the savory flavor intact.

How do I prevent the broccoli from getting mushy?

Cooking the broccoli just until it’s bright green and still crisp is key. Stir-frying over high heat briefly and removing the broccoli early helps preserve its texture and vibrant color.

Will the sauce thicken without cornstarch?

The cornstarch is essential for thickening the sauce to that glossy, clingy consistency typical of restaurant dishes. Without it, the sauce will be thinner and less coating, but still tasty.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Restaurant-Style Beef and Broccoli Recipe. It’s an easy, wholesome way to bring the flavors you love from your favorite Chinese restaurant right into your kitchen, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a staple on your dinner rotation, perfect for those nights when you want something cozy, delicious, and made just the way you like it.