Broccoli Beef from Panda Express features tender slices of beef stir-fried with fresh, crisp broccoli florets in a savory, garlic-infused soy sauce, delivering a flavorful and wholesome Asian-inspired dish.
Equipments
- Wok
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Tongs or spatula
- Small bowl (for sauce)
- Plate or tray (for holding prepped ingredients)
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
When selecting your flank steak, choose a cut with even marbling for tenderness and better flavor. Fresh broccoli florets should be crisp and bright green to maintain texture after stir-frying. Using low sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the dish, ensuring a balanced flavor. Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, so dissolve it completely in beef broth or water to avoid lumps. Your homemade Broccoli Beef from Panda Express copycat menu will deliver a savory and satisfying taste closely resembling the restaurant favorite.
Instructions
- Slice the flank steak thinly across the grain.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sliced beef with half of the cornstarch (1/2 tablespoon), half of the soy sauce (2 tablespoons), and black pepper. Mix to coat and set aside to marinate for 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth or water, brown sugar, sesame oil, and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch to create the sauce. Set aside.
- Wash and cut broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- Heat wok over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add marinated beef to wok and stir-fry until browned and nearly cooked through. Remove beef and set aside on a plate.
- Add remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the wok.
- Add minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add broccoli florets to the wok and stir-fry for about 2 minutes.
- Add a splash of water to help steam and soften the broccoli, stir-frying for an additional 2-3 minutes until just tender-crisp.
- Return cooked beef to the wok with the broccoli.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and stir-fry everything together until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and broccoli.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Broccoli Beef from Panda Express copycat menu uses flank steak, which you can substitute with sirloin or skirt steak for similar tenderness and flavor. If fresh broccoli florets are unavailable, frozen broccoli can be a convenient alternative without sacrificing texture. The oyster sauce adds depth, but if you have a shellfish allergy, using hoisin sauce or a vegetarian mushroom sauce works well. You can adjust the thickness of the sauce by varying the cornstarch amount, mixing it thoroughly to avoid lumps. Your cooking process benefits from a hot wok to sear the beef quickly, locking in juices and preserving broccoli's crispness.
Tips
Slice the flank steak very thinly across the grain to ensure tenderness when cooked. Marinate the beef with cornstarch and soy sauce, which helps to seal in moisture and create a velvety texture. Keep the wok at high heat for quick stir-frying, preventing the beef and broccoli from becoming soggy. When steaming broccoli, add only a small splash of water to retain its bright green color and crisp texture, enhancing Your final dish's flavor and appearance.
Nutritions
Broccoli Beef offers a rich source of protein from the flank steak, supporting muscle maintenance and repair. The broccoli florets provide dietary fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants that contribute to overall health and immune function. The low sodium soy sauce and oyster sauce used in the recipe help reduce excessive sodium intake while maintaining flavor. Your meal provides a balanced combination of nutrients essential for a wholesome diet.
Storage
Store your leftover Broccoli Beef in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and flavor. Consume within 3-4 days, reheating thoroughly in a wok or microwave until steaming hot. For longer storage, freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute flank steak with sirloin or skirt steak for a different texture while maintaining tenderness. Instead of steaming the broccoli with water, try blanching it briefly in boiling water and shocking it in ice water to keep its bright color and crispness. For a richer flavor, replace vegetable oil with peanut or sesame oil when stir-frying. Adjust the sauce by adding a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or fresh ginger for a spicy and aromatic twist.
Allergies
Broccoli Beef from Panda Express contains soy sauce and oyster sauce, both of which typically include soy and shellfish allergens that may trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. The dish also uses sesame oil, a common allergen that can cause problems for those with sesame allergies. You should check ingredient labels carefully and consult with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about potential allergic reactions.
Why this recipe?
Broccoli Beef from Panda Express is beloved for its tender slices of beef perfectly combined with fresh, crunchy broccoli in a savory, slightly sweet soy-based sauce. This dish delivers a balanced taste profile that appeals to a wide range of palates while offering a nutritious option rich in protein and vitamins. Attempting a copycat recipe allows you to customize ingredients to suit Your dietary preferences and ensures a fresher, healthier experience without preservatives. Mastering this popular menu item at home provides the satisfaction of recreating a favorite dish and the flexibility to adjust flavors exactly to Your liking.