Ready to spice up dinner? We’re all about shaking things up in the kitchen. One ingredient that often gets overlooked is good ol’ beef and broccoli.
This dish is a classic that can feel a bit predictable. So why not give it a twist? We’ve tried all sorts of sides, and there are some seriously tasty options to level up your meal.
Think about pairing with rice, noodles, or even veggies. These sides can transform a straightforward dish into something special. Join us as we break down the 15 best side dishes to serve with beef and broccoli. Your weeknight dinners are about to get a little more exciting!
Top 15 Side Dishes for Beef and Broccoli
Here are some of our favorite side dishes that pair perfectly with beef and broccoli:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Steamed Jasmine Rice | Jasmine rice, water | Fragrant, plain | Easy | 20 mins |
| Garlic Soy Noodles | Noodles, garlic, soy sauce | Savory, umami | Medium | 20 mins |
| Egg Drop Soup | Eggs, chicken broth, soy sauce | Light, savory | Easy | 15 mins |
| Stir-Fried Bok Choy | Bok choy, garlic, soy sauce | Savory, fresh | Easy | 15 mins |
| Sesame Ginger Cucumber Salad | Cucumbers, sesame oil, ginger | Tangy, refreshing | Easy | 10 mins |
| Fried Wontons | Wonton wrappers, pork, ginger | Crispy, savory | Medium | 30 mins |
| Steamed Dumplings | Dumpling wrappers, pork, cabbage | Savory, tender | Medium | 40 mins |
| Spicy Szechuan Green Beans | Green beans, garlic, chili oil | Spicy, savory | Medium | 20 mins |
| Sweet and Sour Pickled Carrots | Carrots, vinegar, sugar | Tangy, sweet | Easy | 24 hrs |
| Pineapple Fried Rice | Rice, pineapple, soy sauce | Sweet, savory | Medium | 30 mins |
| Chinese Hot and Sour Soup | Mushrooms, tofu, vinegar | Tangy, spicy | Medium | 30 mins |
| Crispy Spring Rolls | Vegetables, wrappers, soy sauce | Crispy, savory | Medium | 30 mins |
| Kimchi Pancakes | Kimchi, flour, eggs | Spicy, savory | Medium | 25 mins |
| Honey Glazed Carrots | Carrots, honey, butter | Sweet, buttery | Easy | 25 mins |
| Garlic Chili Edamame | Edamame, garlic, chili flakes | Spicy, savory | Easy | 15 mins |
These side dishes are chosen to complement the savory and slightly sweet flavors of beef and broccoli, providing a mix of traditional Asian sides with diverse textures and tastes.
1 – Steamed Jasmine Rice
Who doesn’t love a good side dish?
Steamed jasmine rice is a staple that never fails us. It’s fluffy, aromatic, and fills in those gaps on our plates nicely.
This rice pairs incredibly well with beef and broccoli. It absorbs all that tasty sauce without stealing the show.
We like to cook it just right—don’t let it turn mushy!
A sprinkle of salt or a dash of sesame oil can really amp things up. Pair it with some herbs for a fresh twist.
2 – Garlic Soy Noodles
Got a craving for something quick? Garlic soy noodles are where it’s at. They’re super easy to whip up and boost any meal.
We can toss in some extra veggies for colour and crunch. Don’t skip the garlic—it’s a must. A splash of soy sauce adds that umami kick we all love.
These noodles soak up all the tasty sauce from the beef and broccoli, making every bite count. We like them a bit chewy, so don’t overcook.
Perfect for those nights when we want something simple yet satisfying!
3 – Egg Drop Soup
Egg drop soup is a classic we can’t ignore. It’s quick, warm, and a perfect companion for beef and broccoli.
A rich broth cradles silky strands of beaten eggs. We love how it’s light yet filling at the same time.
Add some green onions for crunch. It brings a fresh bite that really perks up the flavor.
This soup is super forgiving. Adjust the seasonings to fit our mood. Sometimes we like it spicier, and other times, we keep it mellow.
4 – Stir-Fried Bok Choy
Stir-fried bok choy is our go-to for a fresh crunch alongside beef and broccoli. It’s quick to whip up and adds that vibrant green we all need.
This veggie cooks fast, so keep an eye on it. We like it tender but still crisp. A drizzle of soy sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds works wonders.
It’s light yet provides a satisfying bite. We often toss in some garlic for an extra kick. It’s simple but makes a big impact on the plate.
5 – Sesame Ginger Cucumber Salad
Sesame ginger cucumber salad is a simple joy. This dish is all about crunch and zing. Thinly sliced cucumbers mingle with sesame oil and fresh ginger.
We love to toss in a splash of rice vinegar for tang. It keeps everything fresh and vibrant. Add some sesame seeds for a hint of nuttiness.
Perfect for a light side, especially with beef and broccoli. It’s quick to prep, just chop and mix! The flavors pop, making it a go-to for any meal.
6 – Fried Wontons
Fried wontons are a solid choice when we want a crispy crunch to go with beef and broccoli.
They are super easy to make and totally addictive! We love how they can be filled with anything from cream cheese to veggies.
Dipping them in soy sauce is a must. It adds that salty kick we crave.
Cooking time is quick, but we keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
These little pockets are perfect for snacking or serving at parties!
7 – Steamed Dumplings
Next up, we have steamed dumplings. These are a classic and for good reason! They’re quick to make and perfect with beef and broccoli.
We love the sound they make when they steam, almost like little hearts beating with flavor. We dip them in soy sauce or chili oil—both work great.
They’re fun to fill and any extra can be frozen for later. These bad boys come in handy on busy nights!
8 – Spicy Szechuan Green Beans
We love spicy Szechuan green beans. These crunchy veggies come with a real kick. They’re quick to whip up but pack tons of flavor.
We simply stir-fry them with garlic and Szechuan peppercorns. This combo brings a nice, tingling heat. Toss in a splash of soy sauce for that umami we crave.
A little sesame oil gives it depth. These beans are perfect alongside beef and broccoli. They add crunch and complement the meal flawlessly. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
9 – Sweet and Sour Pickled Carrots
Sweet and sour pickled carrots are our go-to for a crunchy zing.
They add a fresh twist to any meal. The bright, tangy flavour complements beef and broccoli perfectly.
We love their crispiness. Slice carrots and mix them in a vinegar-based brine with some sugar and spices.
They’re super easy to make! Let them chill for a few hours, and you’re golden.
These pickled beauties are great for snacking, too. They’ll bring a pop of colour to your plate.
10 – Pineapple Fried Rice
Pineapple fried rice is a classic that always surprises us. It’s sweet, savory, and full of flavor.
Rice gets a tropical twist with pineapple chunks. We toss in some veggies and proteins to make it a meal.
Keep it fresh with a dash of soy sauce. We love to add a sprinkle of green onions for that extra crunch.
This dish is super versatile. Use leftover rice for a no-fuss option. Just stir-fry, and it’s ready to enjoy!
11 – Chinese Hot and Sour Soup
Chinese hot and sour soup is a bowl full of fun. It hits the right balance of spicy and tangy. We love the mix of fresh mushrooms and tofu.
This soup brings comfort and warmth—perfect for chilly nights. A splash of vinegar adds a punch that brightens everything up. Adding egg on top makes it even better.
We often whip this up when we want something quick. It’s simple but super flavourful every time!
12 – Crispy Spring Rolls
Crispy spring rolls are the ultimate crunchy treat. We love how they pack so much flavor in a bite.
These little rolls are super fun to fill with veggies or proteins. Frying them gives that addictive crunch we can’t resist.
Keep an eye on cooking time. Overcooking turns them from crispy to sad. We like to dip ours in a mix of soy sauce and chili paste for that extra kick.
Shipping these bad boys to your plate is a breeze.
13 – Kimchi Pancakes
If kimchi pancakes don’t scream “yum,” we don’t know what does!
They’re loaded with flavor. We love how crispy they get on the outside while staying soft inside.
Chop up some kimchi and green onions, then mix them into the batter.
Frying them in oil creates magic. Just don’t rush the cooking time.
Pair with soy sauce or chili paste for a fun dip. These are perfect for brunch or a quick snack.
We often sneak leftovers into lunchboxes, too!
14 – Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey glazed carrots are a must-try for any meal. They bring a sweet and sticky twist to the table. Simply chop up some carrots and toss them in a mix of honey and butter.
Cook them until they’re tender and beautifully caramelised. These little bites serve up flavour quickly. We love how vibrant they look, too!
They make a fab side dish for any protein. Toss in some herbs for an extra kick if you’re feeling fancy. These are total crowd-pleasers!
15 – Garlic Chili Edamame
Last but not least, garlic chili edamame is super tasty. These little green gems are packed with flavor. We steam them until soft but still a little firm.
Next, we toss them with garlic and chili flakes. It brings a nice kick. It’s easy and quick to make.
We love serving these as a snack or side. They’re also great for parties. Everyone gets hooked; we can’t help ourselves! You can snack on these any day of the week.
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