Juicy beef, tender broccoli, and a savory sauce make this Panda Express beef and broccoli copycat recipe a family favorite. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Marinate the Beef: Combine the soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl or Ziploc bag. Add the flank steak and toss to coat the beef evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and the second amount of cornstarch and water. Set aside.
Steam the Broccoli: Bring the water to a boil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and cover the pan, allowing the broccoli to steam for about 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Beef: Heat the avocado oil over high heat in the same wok or skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Combine Everything: Lower the heat to medium and pour the prepared sauce into the skillet or wok. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Return the cooked beef and steamed broccoli to the pan, tossing everything together to coat with the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to heat everything through.
Serve: Serve your homemade beef and broccoli over steamed rice or noodles, and garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions. Enjoy!
Notes
Slice the Beef Thinly: Thin slices ensure tender meat.
Steam the Broccoli Just Right: Tender-crisp broccoli retains its bright color and nutritional value and won't be soggy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beef in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.