Make this easy Panda Express beef and broccoli recipe at home with tender slices of beef, crisp broccoli, and a rich savory sauce that coats every bite. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that tastes better than your favorite takeout order.
My husband orders from Panda Express at least twice a month, so I made it my mission to recreate their recipes at home. I was able to replicate their honey walnut shrimp successfully, and next on my list was their beef and broccoli. It didn’t disappoint.
The beef is succulent and the broccoli is tender but still has a little crunch. The sauce has a glossy, velvety texture that clings to every piece.
Best of all, it’s so easy to make. In just 30 minutes, dinner’s on the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this Panda Express beef and broccoli at home.
- Beef: Use flank or skirt steak, sliced thinly against the grain for a tender bite.
- Broccoli: This adds freshness and gives the dish that classic beef and broccoli look and texture.
- Soy sauce: This brings the salty, savory base that flavors both the beef and the sauce.
- Oyster sauce: This adds richness and that deep takeout-style flavor.
- Brown sugar: A little brown sugar balances the savory ingredients and gives the sauce a touch of sweetness.
- Sesame oil: This adds a subtle nutty flavor that makes the dish taste more like restaurant-style stir-fry.
- Cornstarch: This helps tenderize the beef and thickens the sauce so it coats everything nicely.
- Baking soda: A small amount helps soften the beef and gives it that velvety texture.
- Garlic: This adds bold flavor and goes right into the sauce.
- Ginger: A little ginger adds warmth and that classic stir-fry flavor.
How To Make Panda Express Beef And Broccoli
Homemade beef and broccoli is a lot easier than you think.
1. Marinate the beef.
In a bowl, mix the sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and baking soda. Let it sit for 20 minutes.
2. Mix the sauce.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and water until smooth.
3. Cook the broccoli.
Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until bright green and crisp-tender. Remove it from the pan and set it aside.
4. Brown the beef.
Add a little more oil if needed, then place the beef in the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until browned and just cooked through.
5. Pour in the sauce.
Whisk the sauce again, then pour it into the skillet with the beef. Let it bubble and cook until it thickens.
6. Add the broccoli back.
Return the broccoli to the pan and toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
7. Serve.
Garnish with sesame seeds. Serve over rice and enjoy.
Tips For Tender Beef And Crisp Broccoli
Here are a few simple tips to help you get tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a glossy sauce every time.
- Slice against the grain. Slice the beef thinly against the grain so it stays tender and easy to chew.
- Start with a hot pan. Let the pan get hot before adding the beef so it sears quickly instead of steaming. Cook in batches if needed, so it browns evenly.
- Do not overcook the broccoli. Cook just until bright green and crisp-tender, then take it out of the pan right away. Add it back at the end to keep it from getting overly tender.
- Whisk the sauce before pouring. Whisk the sauce again right before pouring it in since the cornstarch can settle at the bottom.
Best Beef To Use For Beef And Broccoli
Flank steak and skirt steak are the best choices for beef and broccoli because they stay tender and cook quickly. Be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain so it stays nice and tender.
What To Serve With Beef And Broccoli
Here are a few easy sides and mains to serve with beef and broccoli:
- Steamed white rice, for the classic takeout-style combo
- Chow mein, for a full Panda Express-inspired meal
- Honey walnut shrimp, for a sweet and savory pairing
- Garlic chicken bites, for another easy protein option
- Egg rolls or spring rolls, for a crispy side
How To Store And Reheat Leftovers
To Store: Store leftover beef and broccoli in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
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Panda Express Beef And Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ pound flank or skirt steak thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 ½ teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons oyster sauce
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon ginger minced
- ½ cup water
- 1 head small broccoli, cut into florets
- Neutral oil
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Mix the beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and baking soda. Let it sit for 20 minutes.
- Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and water.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and cook for 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add the beef in a single layer and cook until browned, about 2 minutes per side.
- Whisk the sauce again, then pour it in. Let it bubble and thicken. Add the broccoli back. Toss everything together until coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds. Serve with rice and enjoy!
