Sarah BrownBefore diving into the magic of Panda Express Broccoli Beef, let’s talk pairings. This dish shines brightly alongside a fragrant jasmine rice or a fluffy bowl of steamed white rice. The rice captures the savory sauce, ensuring every grain is delicious.
You could also whip up some crispy spring rolls or egg rolls on the side. Their crunch complements the tender beef and broccoli perfectly. Want something refreshing? A simple cucumber salad offers a cool contrast, cutting through the richness of the dish.
Alright, now let’s dig in!
I still remember the first time I tasted Panda Express’s Broccoli Beef. The flavors hit me like a flavor freight train—rich, savory, and just a hint of sweetness. As I savored that dish, I thought, “I need to recreate this.”
Trust me, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a plate of homemade Broccoli Beef with all the smell and taste you love, and without even thinking about that take-out bill.
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What is a Panda Express Broccoli Beef Copycat?
So, what exactly is this famous dish? In simple terms, it’s a delightful stir-fry featuring tender slices of flank steak and vibrant broccoli, all enveloped in a savory, slightly sweet sauce.
While it’s usually found as a fixture on the Panda Express menu, you can whip it up right in your kitchen, making it an everyday feast.
This copycat recipe hits all the right notes, creating that beloved restaurant taste without needing to leave your home.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
Every bite of Broccoli Beef dances on your palate. You start with the savory umami from the soy and oyster sauce, which forms a rich background. The Shaoxing wine adds depth and warmth.
Meanwhile, the fresh ginger and garlic introduce a bright, aromatic punch. The slight sweetness from the brown sugar beautifully balances the saltiness of the sauce, ensuring it’s not one-dimensional.
And don’t forget the broccoli! Its earthiness holds the whole dish together, giving it that needed crunch.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Panda Express Broccoli Beef Copycats?
Many recipes miss the finesse of the original dish, but my version retains the rich flavor while being easy enough for a weeknight. Using flank steak guarantees tenderness, while the combination of sauces—soy, oyster, and Shaoxing—delivers that familiar mouthfeel.
Plus, you’ll find techniques here that bring out the flavors more effectively than boiling the steak alone. It’s not just about replicating a dish; it’s about elevating it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we embark on our culinary adventure, let’s gather our ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 tablespoons Shaoxing wine, divided
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil (such as canola or vegetable)
- ¼ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 lb broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (for brightness and balance)
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (for a mild heat)
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine the flank steak slices with 2 tablespoons of Shaoxing wine and cornstarch. This helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. It’s a game-changer that separates tender meat from tough strips.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of water, and the remaining tablespoon of Shaoxing wine. Set this aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of the neutral cooking oil. Once it’s hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Let it sear for about 1-2 minutes without stirring, allowing that delicious brown crust to form. Flip the beef, cooking it until it’s just done before removing it from the pan.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Next, add the remaining tablespoon of oil back to the hot pan. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for a minute until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes. Keep it vibrant and crisp.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the beef to the pan with the broccoli. Pour in the prepared sauce and add the rice vinegar and chili flakes. Stir well to combine everything and heat until bubbling. This part is crucial, as you want the sauce to coat every piece of broccoli and beef beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once bubbling, remove it from heat. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds if using. This dish is now ready to impress!
Tips On Making Panda Express Broccoli Beef Copycat
Here are five tips to ensure your dish is a knockout:
- Choose the Right Cut: Flank steak is key. It’s tender and cooks quickly. You can also use sirloin if you can’t find flank.
- Slice Against the Grain: This helps achieve tender bites. Slant your knife in a diagonal manner for optimal texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of searing—nobody wants that.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic and ginger makes a world of difference. It adds that punchy flavor that dried alternatives can’t replicate.
- Adjust for Spice: If you like heat, feel free to toss in more chili flakes or even a splash of hot sauce into the sauce mix before combining.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a rough breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
Of course, values will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands used.
How Can I Store This Panda Express Broccoli Beef Copycat?
Storing leftovers is simple. Allow the dish to cool down, then place it in an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking the beef.
If the Items Are Not Available in Your Kitchen, Here Are Some Substitute Options for the Ingredients:
- • Flank Steak: Sirloin or round steak can be used. Feel free to use chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- • Shaoxing Wine: Dry sherry or rice vinegar can stand in. If you want an alcohol-free option, use a splash of water with extra soy sauce.
- • Oyster Sauce: Hoisin sauce can be a good alternative for a sweeter flavor. If you’re avoiding seafood, use soy sauce mixed with a little sugar.
- • Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour can help thicken the sauce if cornstarch is unavailable.
Panda Express Broccoli Beef Copycat Recipe
Equipment
- large pan
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 tablespoons Shaoxing wine divided
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil such as canola or vegetable
- ¼ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger finely grated
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 lb broccoli florets chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar for brightness and balance
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes for a mild heat
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds optional, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, combine the flank steak slices with 2 tablespoons of Shaoxing wine and cornstarch. This helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. It’s a game-changer that separates tender meat from tough strips.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of water, and the remaining tablespoon of Shaoxing wine. Set this aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef
- Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of the neutral cooking oil. Once it’s hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Let it sear for about 1-2 minutes without stirring, allowing that delicious brown crust to form. Flip the beef, cooking it until it’s just done before removing it from the pan.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
- Next, add the remaining tablespoon of oil back to the hot pan. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for a minute until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes. Keep it vibrant and crisp.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the beef to the pan with the broccoli. Pour in the prepared sauce and add the rice vinegar and chili flakes. Stir well to combine everything and heat until bubbling. This part is crucial, as you want the sauce to coat every piece of broccoli and beef beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Once bubbling, remove it from heat. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds if using. This dish is now ready to impress!
Notes
- Choose the Right Cut: Flank steak is key. It’s tender and cooks quickly. You can also use sirloin if you can’t find flank.
- Slice Against the Grain: This helps achieve tender bites. Slant your knife in a diagonal manner for optimal texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of searing—nobody wants that.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic and ginger makes a world of difference. It adds that punchy flavor that dried alternatives can’t replicate.
- Adjust for Spice: If you like heat, feel free to toss in more chili flakes or even a splash of hot sauce into the sauce mix before combining.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the beef and broccoli in advance and store them separately. Just combine and heat up when you’re ready to serve.
2. How can I add more vegetables?
Feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or even carrots. Just adjust cooking time to ensure everything remains crisp.
3. Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes, just choose gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and you’re on your way to a gluten-free version!
4. How do I prevent the broccoli from getting mushy?
Make sure to blanch the broccoli beforehand. Cook in boiling water for a minute, then transfer it to cold water before stir-frying to stop the cooking process.
5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The stovetop is ideal. Gently reheat over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Conclusion
Creating Panda Express Broccoli Beef at home is simpler than you might think. With the right ingredients and steps, you can bring the flavors of that restaurant right into your kitchen.
And trust me, it’s worth it—there’s nothing like eating something you’ve crafted yourself, especially when it’s as delicious as this dish! I hope you enjoy this culinary journey as much as I did. Grab your apron, get cooking, and let those flavors take you back to that beloved eatery!
