Panda Express-Style Broccoli Beef Recipe

Panda Express-Style Broccoli Beef is a beloved takeout classic reimagined for home kitchens, combining tender slices of marinated beef with crisp broccoli in a rich, savory sauce. This dish captures the signature flavors of Panda Express with a balance of sweet, salty, and umami notes, elevated by the freshness of broccoli and aromatic ginger and garlic. The beef is marinated to infuse deep flavor before stir-frying, then tossed with broccoli and a glossy sauce that clings to every piece. The result is a hearty, restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect served over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for added crunch and visual appeal. This recipe provides a straightforward method to recreate the magic of your favorite Panda Express dish at home, bringing together vibrant colors, textures, and bold flavors in every bite.

Ingredients:

• For the Beef:

  • 1 lb (about 450 grams) flank steak or sirloin, sliced thin against the grain
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil, for stir-frying

• For the Broccoli:

  • 1 head of broccoli, cut into small florets
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

• For the Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional, for added flavor)

• For Serving:

  • Cooked rice or noodles (optional)
  • Sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or chopped red peppers for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch slurry, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
   • Add the sliced beef to the marinade, stirring to coat evenly. Let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

2. Prepare the Broccoli:

   • In a large skillet or wok, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil.
   • Add the broccoli florets and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook until the broccoli is tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Remove the broccoli from the heat, drain well, and set it aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch slurry, water, black pepper, and optional garlic. Set aside.

4. Cook the Beef:

   • Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Add the marinated beef, spreading it out in a single layer. Cook until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally, about 4-5 minutes.
   • If the beef starts to stick, add a small amount of the marinade to the pan.

5. Combine Broccoli and Sauce with Beef:

   • Once the beef is cooked, push it to the side of the pan.
   • Add the reserved sauce mixture to the center of the pan and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
   • Then, add the cooked broccoli to the pan, tossing to combine with the beef and sauce.

6. Serve:

   • Serve the Broccoli Beef over cooked rice or noodles, if desired.
   • Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or chopped red peppers for added flavor and presentation.

Enjoy your Panda Express-style Broccoli Beef!