Craving takeout but want something quicker, healthier, and just as satisfying? This broccoli beef Panda Express copycat recipe brings bold, savory sweet flavor straight to your kitchen in less than 25 minutes.
It’s a perfect balance of:
- Tender beef strips seared until juicy
- Crisp tender broccoli with a fresh bite
- A garlicky, gingery soy based sauce that coats every piece just right
Whether you’re a Panda Express fan or just love Asian style stir fries, this dish is a no fuss way to bring that familiar flavor to your table without the takeout price or extra oil.
In this recipe guide, you’ll learn:
- What makes Panda Express broccoli beef so addictive
- The exact ingredients to recreate it at home
- Chef Lucas Benette’s expert stir fry tips for perfect texture
- A quick, step by step method
- Simple swaps to fit your diet or pantry
- Plus, FAQs on storage, gluten free options, and the best beef cuts to use
What Makes Panda Express Broccoli Beef So Popular?
There’s a reason broccoli beef is one of the top picks at Panda Express: it’s comforting, balanced, and totally crave worthy. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Tender beef slices, marinated and cooked fast so they’re juicy, not chewy
- Fresh broccoli, blanched and tossed just enough to stay crisp
- A glossy, stir fry sauce that hits every note sweet, salty, garlicky, gingery, and savory
- It’s one of the lighter, veggie forward options on the menu (lower in calories and fat than orange chicken or chow mein)
And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to recreate at home with just a few fresh ingredients and a hot pan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This broccoli beef Panda Express copycat recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. With a few pantry staples and fresh produce, you can whip up a stir fry that tastes like your favorite takeout but fresher and faster.
Here’s everything you’ll need:
For the Beef Marinade:
- ¾ lb flank steak (or sirloin), thinly sliced across the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (optional, helps tenderize the meat)
For the Stir Fry:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or hoisin as a substitute)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- ¼ cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon sesame oil for added aroma
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Substitutions:
| Ingredient | Swap Option |
|---|---|
| Flank steak | Sirloin, skirt steak, or flat iron |
| Soy sauce | Tamari (for gluten free) |
| Oyster sauce | Hoisin sauce or mushroom stir fry sauce |
| Broccoli | Snow peas, green beans, or bok choy |
Prep Tip: Slice the beef thin while it’s still slightly frozen it’s easier to cut and cooks faster.
Chef Lucas Benette’s Tips for Perfect Stir Fry Texture
You don’t need a wok or years of experience to make your broccoli beef Panda Express dish taste like it came from a restaurant. According to Chef Lucas Benette, the key is in the preparation and timing.
“Stir fry is fast food in the best way hot pan, crisp veggies, tender meat. But you have to move quickly and prep smart,” says Lucas.
Here are his top stir fry strategies:
1. Slice Beef Thin & Against the Grain
This shortens the muscle fibers, making each piece more tender.
Pro Tip: Chill the beef in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before slicing it’ll be easier to get paper thin strips.
2. Blanch the Broccoli for Perfect Texture
For broccoli that’s crisp but not raw:
- Bring water to a boil
- Drop in the florets for 60-90 seconds
- Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water
This pre cooks the broccoli just enough so it stir fries in under a minute and keeps that bright green color.
3. Use High Heat + Preheated Pan
Whether you’re using a wok or a non stick skillet:
- Heat your pan until just smoking before adding oil
- Then cook the beef in batches, so it sears instead of steams
“Don’t crowd the pan. Two smaller batches are better than one soggy stir fry,” says Lucas.
4. Thicken the Sauce at the End
Mix your sauce and cornstarch beforehand. Once the beef and broccoli are in the pan, pour the sauce over and cook for 1-2 minutes, until glossy and thickened.
Bonus Tip: Add a drizzle of sesame oil after cooking not during to keep its flavor bold and fresh.
How to Make Broccoli Beef Panda Express (Step by Step)
This copycat Panda Express broccoli beef recipe is quick, bold in flavor, and works great for dinner or meal prep. Here’s how to bring it all together in under 25 minutes:
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, toss together:
- ¾ lb thinly sliced flank steak
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tbsp oil
- (Optional: ½ tsp baking soda for extra tenderness)
Let it sit for 10-15 minutes while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli
Boil water in a pot. Add:
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cook for 1-2 minutes
- Drain and place in an ice water bath
This keeps them vibrant and crisp.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- ¼ cup beef broth or water
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- (Optional: ¼ tsp sesame oil + pinch of chili flakes)
Set aside.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
Add the beef in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned.
Remove and set aside.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Broccoli & Sauce
In the same pan, add:
- 1 tbsp oil, then 2 cloves minced garlic + ½ tsp ginger
- Sauté for 30 seconds
- Add blanched broccoli
- Pour in the sauce mixture and stir
Let it bubble and thicken about 1 minute.
Step 6: Add Beef & Toss to Coat
Return the cooked beef to the pan.
Toss everything until coated in sauce and warmed through another 1-2 minutes.
Serve hot with:
- Steamed rice
- Cauliflower rice (for low carb)
- Sesame seeds or green onion for garnish
Make it a meal: Add egg rolls or a simple miso soup for a full takeout style dinner homemade and healthier.
Ingredient Substitution Table
Not everyone has the exact ingredients on hand or maybe you want to tweak the recipe for a dietary need or personal taste. This table shows how to customize your broccoli beef stir fry without losing that signature Panda Express flavor.
Smart Substitutions for Broccoli Beef
| Ingredient | Swap Option | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Flank steak | Sirloin, flat iron, skirt steak | All are tender cuts that cook fast and stay juicy |
| Soy sauce | Tamari (gluten free), coconut aminos | For gluten free or soy free diets |
| Oyster sauce | Hoisin sauce, mushroom stir fry sauce | Similar depth and sweetness with slight flavor variation |
| Cornstarch | Arrowroot powder, tapioca starch | Great for grain free or paleo friendly thickening |
| Broccoli | Green beans, snap peas, bok choy | These hold texture well and stir fry quickly |
| Beef broth | Chicken broth, mushroom broth, water | Adds savory base flavor to the sauce |
| Brown sugar | Honey, maple syrup, low carb sweetener | Choose based on taste or dietary preferences |
Tip: Don’t be afraid to add veggies like red bell pepper, zucchini, or mushrooms if you want a more colorful and filling dish.
Low carb tip: Serve over cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage stir fry instead of regular rice for a keto friendly meal.
FAQs About Broccoli Beef Panda Express
1. Is the beef and broccoli at Panda Express healthy?
Yes, it’s one of the healthier options on the Panda Express menu. Compared to fried dishes like Orange Chicken or Beijing Beef, broccoli beef is lower in calories, sugar, and saturated fat. It’s made with lean beef and fresh broccoli in a light, savory sauce especially if you pair it with steamed rice or mixed vegetables.
2. Is the broccoli beef at Panda good?
If you’re looking for a light but flavorful stir fry, broccoli beef is a solid choice. It’s tender, not too saucy, and the beef to veggie ratio is balanced. Many fans appreciate it as a less greasy, protein rich alternative to heavier dishes. Making it at home gives you full control over flavor, salt, and portion size.
3. How many calories are in Panda Express beef broccoli?
According to the official Panda Express nutrition facts, a serving of broccoli beef has approximately 150 calories. It also contains:
- 7g of fat
- 13g of protein
- 9g of carbs
This makes it a relatively light, high protein choice especially when compared to fried entrees.
4. Is Panda Express Beijing beef real beef?
Yes, Beijing Beef is made with real beef, but it’s prepared differently than broccoli beef. The meat is battered and deep fried, then tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce with bell peppers and onions. While tasty, it’s higher in calories and sugar, making broccoli beef the better choice for a lighter meal.
Final Thoughts – Homemade Panda Express, Anytime You Want
Making your own broccoli beef Panda Express at home is easier than you think and probably faster than waiting in line. You’ll love how customizable, flavorful, and satisfying it is.
This recipe is:
- Quick (ready in 25 minutes)
- Healthier than takeout
- Packed with protein + veggies
- Easy to adapt with gluten free or low carb swaps
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking for a crowd, this dish delivers that takeout style flavor without the takeout bill.
