What to Serve with Beef and Broccoli: 15 Delicious Side Dishes That Pair Perfectly

Beef and broccoli is a classic Chinese-American dish that has become a staple in many households. With its savory, tender beef and crisp, fresh broccoli florets, it’s no wonder this dish is so beloved. But what should you serve alongside this flavorful entree to round out the meal?

Having the right side dishes can take your beef and broccoli to the next level. The ideal sides will complement the flavors of the main dish while also adding extra textures, flavors, and nutrients. After scouring recipes, here are 15 of the best side dishes to serve with beef and broccoli.

Jasmine Rice

• Fluffy, fragrant jasmine rice is a no-brainer with beef and broccoli. Its pleasant floral aroma and slightly sweet taste pair beautifully with the rich, umami flavors of the beef and sauce. The soft yet toothsome texture soaks up the sauce perfectly. This is a classic accompaniment that completes the Asian-inspired meal.

Bok Choy

• Bok choy, sometimes called Chinese cabbage, adds a fresh, crisp element as a side. Its crunchy stalks and leafy greens offset the tender beef and broccoli. Lightly cooked until just wilted, bok choy is slightly sweet and pairs nicely with the garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other typical beef and broccoli seasonings.

Steamed Dumplings

• What’s better than dim sum with beef and broccoli? Steamed dumplings make an appetizing side, with each bite revealing a tasty filling like pork, shrimp, chicken, or vegetables. Their soft, pillowy texture contrasts the beef’s chew. Dip them in soy sauce, black vinegar, hot oil or chili sauce to round out the flavors.

Chow Mein

• Chow mein noodles, when crispy and crunchy, provide great textural contrast to the softer broccoli and beef. Made with egg noodles or thin Cantonese noodles, chow mein is stir fried with veggies like cabbage, bean sprouts, peppers and onions and seasoned with soy sauce. The light smoky wok flavors pair nicely with beef and broccoli.

Brown Rice

• For a healthier, fiber-filled side, choose nutty brown rice instead of white. Its pleasantly chewy texture and rich, nutty taste stands up well to the bold beef and broccoli. Brown rice makes the meal feel lighter yet still substantial. Toss in some garlic, carrots, peas or eggs for extra flavor and nutrition.

Quinoa

• With its lightly nutty taste and fluffy yet toothsome texture, quinoa is an interesting alternative to rice. High in protein, fiber and vitamins, quinoa has a pleasant crunch. Season it simply with some garlic powder and soy sauce or sesame oil to complement the beef and broccoli.

Mashed Potatoes

• What may seem like an unconventional pairing is actually pleasantly comforting. Smoothed mashed potatoes provide the perfect starchy, creamy foil for the Asian-flavored beef and broccoli. Use Yukon Gold or russet potatoes and fluff them with butter and cream or milk. Garlic, parsley, sour cream and parmesan are tasty additions.

Spring Rolls

• Crispy, crunchy spring rolls make a fantastic starter or side with beef and broccoli. Filled with shredded veggies and sometimes pork or shrimp, they provide great textural contrast. The cool, fresh fillings balance the warm beef and broccoli. Dip them in sweet chili sauce, plum sauce or peanut sauce.

Hong Kong Noodles

• Also called pan-fried noodles, Hong Kong style noodles have a delightfully chewy, slippery texture and absorb the sauce beautifully. Cooked until crispy, golden brown with scallions, soy sauce and sesame oil, these noodles make a scrumptious pairing with the classic beef and broccoli.

Potstickers

• Savory pan-fried potstickers, filled with pork and vegetables, complement beef and broccoli wonderfully. Their chewy skins and flavorful fillings provide the perfect bites in between bites of beef and broccoli. Ginger soy sauce makes a tasty dipping companion to balance the richness.

Asian Cucumber Salad

• For some added crunch and brightness, Asian cucumber salad hits the spot. Thinly sliced cucumbers are doused in a tangy dressing of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and chili flakes for a cooling, pickle-like side. This light salad balances the heartier main dish.

Fried Rice

• No-fuss fried rice utilizes leftover cooked rice and whatever veggies you have on hand for an easy yet flavor-packed side. Try carrots, peas, cabbage, bean sprouts or egg. The lightly smoky, savory flavors from sesame oil and soy sauce pair excellently with beef and broccoli.

Egg Drop Soup

• A warm, comforting bowl of egg drop soup makes a soothing appetizer for your beef and broccoli dinner. This quick broth is infused with aromatic ginger, green onions and seasoned with soy sauce or oyster sauce. Silky ribbons of egg swirl gracefully throughout the light, savory broth.

Sautéed Spinach

• For a healthy vegetable side, look no further than sautéed spinach. Cooked with slivers of garlic and seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil or oyster sauce, the spinach wilts down while retaining its bright green color. Its softness contrasts with the beef’s hearty textures.

Sesame Noodles

• Chewy sesame noodles drizzled with a rich, nutty sauce provide the perfect cooling contrast to piping hot beef and broccoli. Cooked al dente, they’re tossed with a creamy sauce of tahini, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and spices. Garnish with scallions and diced cucumbers for a refreshing pairing.

With so many wonderful sides to choose from, you can serve up beef and broccoli multiple times without getting bored. Round out the meal with an aromatic jasmine rice, crunchy vegetable like bok choy, or chewy noodles or dumplings. Or go for comfort with mashed potatoes or fried rice. With flavorful options like these, you can’t go wrong!