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white bowl of Panda Express broccoli beef.
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4.50 from 4 votes

Panda Express Broccoli Beef Copycat

Find out our secrets to achieve tender beef and crispy broccoli every single time in this easy recipe!  Our Panda Express broccoli beef copycat recipe is so delicious, you'll want to make this healthy Chinese takeout dish at home tonight.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time13 minutes
Total Time43 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Calories: 248kcal
Author: Brooke & Emma

Ingredients
 

For the Marinade

  • 1 pound flank or skirt steak thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Shoaxing wine or dry sherry
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup reduced sodium chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • ¾ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For the Stir Fry

  • 2 tablespoons high smoke point oil
  • 1 ½ tablespoons garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger minced
  • 1 pound broccoli florets rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  • Place the thinly sliced beef in a large bowl, then pour and sprinkle the marinade ingredients on top.  Use tongs or your hands to mix everything together, then cover with plastic wrap and chill for a minimum of 20 minutes.
  • Whisk all the sauce ingredients except the cornstarch in a 2 cup measuring cup.  Mix the cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of chicken stock to make a slurry, then pour it into the sauce and whisk.  You should have one cup of sauce.
  • Place the broccoli florets in a large bowl along with ½ cup of water.  Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 3 minutes.  Remove the plastic wrap carefully, possible with tongs, as steam will escape, then drain the broccoli in a colander.
  • Heat up 2 tablespoons of high smoke point oil in a large wok over high heat until wisps of white smoke appear.  Cook the beef in two batches, roughly a minute per batch, until it is 50 to 75% cooked.  Make sure to stir continuously to prevent the meat from sticking.
  • Lower the heat to medium high and cook the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.  Whisk the sauce, then pour it into the wok and stir constantly until thickened, about 1 minute.  Add the beef back in and toss to coat, then add the steamed broccoli and cook for 2 minutes to heat everything through.
  • If you want, sprinkle on some sesame seeds to add a bit of color as a garnish.
  • Serve this copycat Panda Express broccoli beef immediately with steamed rice, chow mein, or other copycat Panda Express side dishes.  If you're on a diet, serve it with quinoa, cauliflower rice or zoodles.

Notes

  • Use the right cut of beef; something tender and quick to cook like flank or skirt steak are the best choices.
  • Prepare the beef by cutting against the grain in thin slices called tiles.  If necessary, freeze for 30 minutes to make cutting easier.
  • Use baking soda along with other ingredients to help tenderize and marinate the beef.
  • Prep all ingredients ahead of time, as this cooks fast.
  • Be careful not to overcook the broccoli in the microwave.  You'll want it to be a deep green and still a bit crunchy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 723mg | Potassium: 509mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 479IU | Vitamin C: 68mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 2mg