Satisfy your Chinese takeout cravings with this homemade Panda Express broccoli beef copycat recipe. This crowd-pleasing Chinese-American dish features tender beef strips, crisp broccoli, and a flavorful ginger soy sauce. It's absolutely delicious and cooks in only 30 minutes.
Panda Express Beef and Broccoli
Ready to unravel the secrets of mouthwatering Chinese-American cuisine? Look no further than our broccoli beef stir fry recipe. Once you've conquered the art of making this rich brown sauce, you'll be on par with your favorite Chinese restaurant. Get ready to savor the flavors of this delectable homemade dish that's bound to impress your taste buds.
❤️ Why You Will Love This Copycat Panda Express Beef
- Authentic Flavor: Our copycat Panda Express broccoli beef recipe captures the true essence of this beloved dish, delivering the same delicious flavors you know and love.
- Healthier Ingredients: By making it at home, you have control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose high-quality beef and fresh broccoli, making it a healthier option.
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up this tasty dish in no time. It's a convenient and fuss-free way to satisfy your cravings without the need for takeout.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the seasonings and spices to suit your taste preferences. You can make it as mild or as spicy as you like, making it a versatile recipe for everyone.
- Cost-effective: Skip the expensive restaurant bills and make your own broccoli beef at a fraction of the cost. It's a budget-friendly alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor.
- Leftovers for Tomorrow: Make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers the next day. The flavors tend to meld together even more, making it even tastier for future meals.
- A Taste of Panda Express at Home: Recreate the magic of Panda Express in your own kitchen. Indulge in the familiar flavors and experience the joy of enjoying this popular dish without leaving the house.
Panda Express Broccoli Beef – Ingredient Notes
- Steak: Flank steak or Ribeye steak works well for this recipe. Be sure to thinly slice the steak against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Vegetable oil: Dividing the oil helps with cooking the beef and broccoli separately.
- Broccoli: Use about 1 pound of broccoli florets, which is approximately 6 cups. Fresh broccoli works best for a crisp texture.
- Fresh grated ginger and garlic: These aromatic ingredients provide a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Beef broth or water: Hot low-sodium beef broth or water is used to create the sauce.
- Soy sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Oyster Sauce: It enhances the overall taste of the dish and complements the beef and vegetables.
- Light brown sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Corn starch: Used as a thickening agent for the sauce, ensuring a glossy and velvety texture.
- Black pepper: A pinch of black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
- Sesame oil: It enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. Sesame oil has a rich, nutty taste that complements the other ingredients and brings a distinct Asian flair to the sauce.
- Sesame seeds: Use as a garnish to add a nice nutty flavor.
- Green onions: They add freshness and a mild onion flavor.
How to Make Panda Express Beef and Broccoli
Preparation: Begin by cooking white rice, ensuring it is cooked and ready when the stir fry is done. To make slicing easier, cover the steak and place it in the freezer for 30 minutes before cooking.
Make the Soy Ginger Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients for the stir fry sauce. Stir thoroughly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Set the sauce aside for later use.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 4-5 minutes, partially covered with a lid, stirring or tossing occasionally. Cook until the broccoli is vibrant green and tender-crisp. If you prefer the broccoli to be softer, add 2-3 tablespoons of water before covering with the lid. Once cooked, remove the broccoli from the pan.
Increase the heat to high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Arrange the beef in a single layer and sauté for 2 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through.
Add the stir fry sauce to the skillet, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add the cooked broccoli and stir to combine. If desired, you can also stir in 1-2 tablespoons of water to thin the sauce. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and garnish.
How to Store the Leftovers? How Long Does Beef Broccoli Last?
- To store the leftovers, transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
What is the best way to reheat Beef Broccoli?
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or broth to prevent sticking. Place the leftover beef broccoli in the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method helps retain the texture and flavors.
- Microwave: Transfer the beef broccoli to a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated thoroughly.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the beef broccoli in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated throughout. This method allows for gentle reheating while maintaining the moisture and flavors.
Can I make broccoli beef ahead?
This flavorful beef and broccoli dish is ideal for meal prepping and packing for school or work lunches. It reheats beautifully, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week. The protein and nutrients in beef provide the energy and strength you need for busy days.
To meal prep, simply add cooled rice to a heat-safe container and top it with the Beef Broccoli Stir Fry. Cover and refrigerate until you're ready to heat and serve. This dish can be safely refrigerated for up to 4 days, ensuring convenience and freshness.
Panda Express Beef Broccoli Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use flank steak, ribeye steak or sirloin steak for the best results. These cuts are tender and work well in stir-fry dishes.
While broccoli is traditional for broccoli beef, you can experiment with other vegetables like snow peas, bell peppers, cauliflower florets, or mushrooms to add variety to the dish.
The recipe contains soy sauce, which typically contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, you can use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Favorite Asian-Inspired Recipes
Miso Glazed Salmon-Perfect for seafood lovers and a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Shrimp Yaki Udon Noodles-These stir-fried udon noodles with succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce will transport your taste buds to culinary bliss.
Black Pepper Chicken-Tender chicken stir-fried with aromatic black pepper sauce, crisp vegetables, and a hint of heat. This quick and delicious dish will leave you craving for more.
Baked Pineapple Salmon-The tropical flavors and moist texture make this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken-Crispy, golden chicken bites coated in a tangy and sweet sauce, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. It's a guilt-free and delicious meal that the whole family will love.
More Panda Express Recipes You'll Love
Panda Express String Bean Chicken
Teriyaki Chicken Panda Express
Panda Express Shanghai Angus Steak
Panda Express Mushroom Chicken Copycat
If you make this recipe be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! I will be happy to hear from you!
Panda Express Broccoli Beef
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak or Ribeye steak, very thinly sliced against the grain into bite-sized strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
- 1 pound broccoli (about 6 cups of florets)
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Stir Fry Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup hot low sodium beef broth or water
- ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 ½ tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons corn starch
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
Instructions
- Preparation: Start by cooking white rice, ensuring it is ready when the stir fry is done. For easier slicing, cover the steak and freeze it for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Stir Fry Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients for the stir fry sauce. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set the sauce aside for later use.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 4-5 minutes, partially covered with a lid, stirring or tossing several times. Cook until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. If you prefer softer broccoli, add 2-3 tablespoons of water before covering with the lid. Remove the cooked broccoli from the pan.
- Increase the heat to high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Arrange the beef in a single layer and sauté for 2 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Add the sauce to the skillet, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens. Add the broccoli and stir to combine. If desired, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of water to thin the sauce.
- Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve the stir-fry over white rice.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
All rights reserved. CHEF JAR. All images and content are copyright protected. PLEASE do not use my images without my permission. If you want to share this recipe, PLEASE provide a link back to this post.
Lisa says
So easy and SO good! The beef was tender, and the sauce was just right. Served it over rice, and it was a hit with my family!
Tatiana says
So happy to hear that, Lisa! Sounds like a perfect dinner!