PF Chang’s beef and broccoli is hands down the best I’ve ever made at home! The sauce is rich, the beef is tender, and the whole dish comes together in minutes.
The secret to getting that high-quality beef texture is slicing it thin and marinating it in cornstarch and soy sauce.
I always use flank steak for this dish. It stays juicy and absorbs the sauce better than other cuts.
A hot pan is a must—if the wok or skillet isn’t sizzling, the beef will steam instead of sear, which changes the whole texture.
One of my favorite parts of this recipe is how the broccoli stays crisp yet soaks up every drop of that sauce without turning soggy.
For the best results, mix the sauce separately before adding it to the pan. Whew, I’m getting huuuungry!
How to Make PF Chang’s Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 lb Flank Steak (sliced thinly)
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Rice Wine
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1/4 cup Water
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 cups Broccoli Florets
- 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger (minced)
- 2 tbsp Garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 tbsp Hoisin Sauce
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Combine soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch in a bowl.
Add the flank steak slices, mix well, and let them marinate for about 15 minutes.
Step 2:
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated steak slices and cook for about 2-3 minutes until browned.
Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
Step 3:
In the same pan, add broccoli florets, ginger, and garlic.
Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
Step 4:
Return the steak to the pan.
Add oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes.
Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
Step 5:
Pour in the water and let the mixture simmer for another 2 minutes.
This helps blend all the flavors together nicely.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choose Fresh Ingredients:
Always choose fresh broccoli and good-quality steak to enhance the flavor of your dish and keep it nutritious.
Marinate for Flavor:
For the best results, let the steak marinate for at least 15 minutes, or longer if possible, to really absorb all the flavors.
Adjust Spice Levels:
Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preference for spice; add more if you like it hotter, or omit if not!
Cooking Broccoli:
Ensure your broccoli remains bright green and slightly crisp by not overcooking it; this keeps the color and crunch intact!
What to Serve with PF Chang’s Beef and Broccoli
Steamed White Rice
You really can’t go wrong with a side of steamed white rice.
It soaks up the savory garlic soy sauce and provides a mild backdrop to the flavorful beef and broccoli.
If you prefer brown rice, that’s a great option too!
Cauliflower Rice
For a lower-carb alternative, cauliflower rice works wonderfully with PF Chang’s Beef and Broccoli.
It absorbs flavors well, and you won’t miss out on the delicious sauce!
Plus, it’s a great way to sneak more vegetables into your meal.
Garlic Noodles
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try serving garlic noodles alongside your dish?
The rich garlic flavor pairs exceptionally with the beef and broccoli.
They add a touch of indulgence and complement the dish beautifully.
Stir-Fried Mushrooms
Stir-fried mushrooms are a wonderful addition to PF Chang’s Beef and Broccoli.
Their earthy flavor brings another layer of taste to the meal.
Try using shiitake or button mushrooms for best results.
Asian Slaw
For a fresh and crunchy side, consider making an Asian slaw.
It’s typically made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy sesame dressing.
This vibrant side dish provides a refreshing balance to the rich main dish.
Edamame
A bowl of edamame seasoned with sea salt is oh-so delish with beef and broccoli.
They provide a nice contrast with their nuttiness and are a fun, interactive side dish.
Enjoy popping the soybeans out of their pods!
Variations and Substitutions
You can easily switch out flank steak with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
Simply adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure your choice is cooked to your liking!
Sauce Alternatives
If you’re not a fan of oyster sauce, try using hoisin sauce or even just soy sauce.
Some people enjoy adding a splash of cooking sherry for a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
Vegetable Substitutions
Want to mix things up?
You can replace broccoli with other veggies like bok choy, snap peas, or even bell peppers!
Using a mix of veggies can add a burst of color and flavor to your dish.
Sides and Extras
Instead of traditional white rice, consider using brown rice or quinoa.
You might also like to add some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for extra flavor.
How to Store Leftover PF Chang’s Beef and Broccoli
Refrigeration Tips
To keep your leftover PF Chang’s Beef and Broccoli fresh, make sure you store it properly right after your meal!
Use an airtight container to preserve the flavors and prevent any odors from permeating into the dish.
This way, you can enjoy the leftovers for up to four days if kept in the refrigerator.
Freezing Guidelines
Are you thinking about storing it for longer?
Freezing is a fantastic option for PF Chang’s Beef and Broccoli.
Transfer the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or bags and label them with the date.
In the freezer, it should last for up to three months, perfect for a future meal plan.
Portion Control
If you’re like me, you might want to enjoy it in smaller servings without reheating the entire batch.
Consider portioning the dish into individual servings before you freeze it.
This allows you to easily defrost only what you need, keeping the rest perfectly preserved for later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Beef
Cooking the beef for too long can make it tough and chewy.
Keep an eye on the cooking time, and sauté it until it’s just cooked through.
If your beef ends up overcooked, it might be because the heat is too high.
Not Preparing Ingredients Ahead
Preparing ingredients ahead of time is essential for this quick-cooking dish.
It helps everything cook evenly and prevents any burnt bits.
Make sure to have everything ready to toss in the pan before you start heating it up.
Forgetting to Marinate the Beef
Skipping the marination step can leave your beef lacking in flavor.
Marinating tenderizes the meat and infuses it with delicious taste.
You should let the beef marinate for at least a few hours, or overnight if possible.
PF Chang's Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 lb Flank Steak sliced thinly
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Rice Wine
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1/4 cup Water
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 cups Broccoli Florets
- 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger minced
- 2 tbsp Garlic minced
- 3 tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 tbsp Hoisin Sauce
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch in a bowl.
- Add the flank steak slices, mix well, and let them marinate for about 15 minutes.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated steak slices and cook for about 2-3 minutes until browned.
- Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add broccoli florets, ginger, and garlic.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
- Return the steak to the pan.
- Add oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
- Pour in the water and let the mixture simmer for another 2 minutes.
- This helps blend all the flavors together nicely.