If you’re a fan of Panda Express, you know how irresistible their Beef Broccoli is. This savory dish blends tender beef slices, fresh broccoli, and a flavor-packed sauce into a memorable dining experience. So why not bring a taste of Panda Express into your kitchen with this step-by-step recipe?
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipments
- Wok or large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cooking spoon
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make Panda Express Beef Broccoli – Step By Step
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Add the thinly sliced flank steak to the bowl and mix until the beef is fully coated with the marinade. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. During this time, the soy sauce and oyster sauce blend will infuse the beef with umami-rich undertones, giving it the signature Panda Express taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In another bowl, whisk together beef broth, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This step is crucial as it creates the base of your sauce, ensuring it will thicken up nicely when it hits the heat, enveloping the beef and broccoli in a glossy, flavorful glaze that coats every bite.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fresh broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3 minutes until they become vibrant green and just tender. Remove broccoli from the wok and set it aside. This quick cooking helps the broccoli retain its crunch while also caramelizing some of its natural sugars, which enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
Add garlic and ginger to the remaining oil in the wok. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until the garlic is golden and fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. The aromatics release their flavor-packed oils, setting the stage for the beef to soak up these notes of warmth and depth.
Step 5: Cook the Beef
Add the marinated beef to the wok. Cook on high heat for about 3–4 minutes until the beef is browned on both sides. The high heat is essential to sear the beef, locking in juices while giving it that irresistible golden crust. If your wok is small, consider cooking the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than searing.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Return the broccoli to the wok and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and broccoli. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors meld perfectly, creating a harmonious dish that is both visually appealing and delectable.
How to Serve Panda Express Beef Broccoli
Serve the Beef Broccoli hot over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an added layer of texture and freshness. This dish pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp green salad or a bowl of miso soup, balancing the rich flavors of the beef and soy sauce.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For the juiciest beef, ensure you slice against the grain, which shortens the meat fibers, making each bite tender. Feel free to adjust the sauce’s sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to match your taste preference. For a spicier kick, include a dash of chili flakes or a sliced red chili into the wok when sautéing the aromatics. Experiment with adding other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for a more colorful dish.
A Protein-Packed Punch: High-Protein Variation
For those looking to increase the protein content, consider using lean beef cuts like sirloin or top round, which offer higher protein with lower fat. Adding a splash of egg whites into the marinade can also boost the protein without altering the flavor. You could also serve the Beef Broccoli alongside a side of tofu or edamame to increase the dish’s overall nutritional profile.
Low Carb Delight: Keto-Friendly Beef Broccoli
If you’re following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, substitute traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to reduce carb content. Use a low-carb sweetener instead of brown sugar in your sauce mixture. Serving this dish on a bed of cauliflower rice rather than traditional rice is an easy way to cut down on carbs, keeping this meal both delicious and diet-friendly.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or use a microwave with periodic stirring to ensure even heating. Avoid freezing as this can alter the texture of the broccoli, making it soggy upon reheating.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to prevent excess moisture from altering the sauce’s consistency. - What can I use instead of flank steak?
Skirt steak or sirloin cut into thin strips are great substitutes. - Is there a vegan version of this dish?
Yes, substitute the beef with tofu slices and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. - How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder or xanthan gum as gluten-free alternatives. - Can I prep ingredients in advance?
Certainly! Marinade the beef and prepare the sauce a night before to save time.
Try This Classic Dish Today: Recipe Wrap-Up & Call to Action
Now that you have all the secrets to making a mouthwatering Panda Express Beef Broccoli, it’s time to bring this dish to life in your kitchen! Share your cooking experience by leaving a comment below or tagging us in your food photos on social media. Your thoughts and creativity can inspire others, so let’s build a community of food enthusiasts together!
Panda Express Beef Broccoli
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- flank steak
- broccoli florets
- soy sauce
- oyster sauce
- brown sugar
- vegetable oil
- sesame oil
- garlic
- ginger
- cornstarch
- beef broth
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
Steps
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Add the thinly sliced flank steak to marinate.
- Whisk together beef broth, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok. Stir-fry broccoli for 3 minutes until tender.
- Add garlic and ginger to the wok, and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- Add marinated beef and cook for about 3–4 minutes until browned.
- Return broccoli to wok and pour in prepared sauce. Stir to combine and heat through.