Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a classic dish popular in Chinese cuisine. It features tender slices of beef, vibrant green broccoli, and a flavorful sauce. This dish is beloved for its balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors, making it a reliable favorite for families and food enthusiasts alike. It’s quick to prepare, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Why make this recipe
There are several reasons to make Chinese Beef and Broccoli at home. First, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Second, the ingredients are simple and easy to find, and the cooking process is quick, usually taking less than 30 minutes. Lastly, you can adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste, making it a flexible recipe that can cater to everyone’s preferences.
How to prepare Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Preparing Chinese Beef and Broccoli is straightforward. With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak, skirt steak, or other cut (*see footnote 1)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (Optional) (*see footnote 1)
- 1/2 cup chicken stock (or beef stock)
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (*footnote 2)
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar (or white sugar)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 head broccoli, cut to bite-size florets
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil) (*Footnote 3)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
Steps:
- Slice the beef against the grain into 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick slices or 1-cm (1/2 inch) sticks. Transfer to a small bowl.
- Add soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch (*Footnote 1). Gently mix well by hand until all the slices are coated with a thin layer of sauce. Marinate for 10 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
- Combine all the ingredients for the sauce in a medium-sized bowl. Mix well.
- Add 1/4 cup water into a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until the water begins to boil. Add the broccoli and cover. Steam until the broccoli just turns tender, about 1 minute. Transfer broccoli to a plate and wipe the pan with a paper towel if there’s any water left.
- Add the oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Heat over medium-high heat until hot. Spread the beef in a single layer. Allow to cook without touching for 30 seconds, or until the bottom side is browned. Flip the beef to cook the other side for a few seconds. Stir and cook until the surface is lightly charred and the inside is still pink.
- Add the garlic and ginger. Stir a few times to release the flavor and fragrance.
- Return the broccoli to the pan. Stir the sauce again to dissolve the cornstarch completely and pour it into the skillet. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Transfer everything to a plate immediately. Serve hot as a main dish.
How to serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Chinese Beef and Broccoli is best served hot, right after cooking. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice or alongside fried rice for extra flavor. You can also pair it with other dishes, like spring rolls or dumplings, to create a complete meal.
How to store Chinese Beef and Broccoli
To store leftover Chinese Beef and Broccoli, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to keep the dish from getting too dry.
Tips to make Chinese Beef and Broccoli perfectly
- Choose Quality Meat: Flank steak is a great choice for this recipe since it’s flavorful and tender when cooked correctly.
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: To keep the beef tender, avoid overcooking it. Aim for a slight pink in the middle.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor. They add a wonderful aroma to the dish.
Variations
You can customize Chinese Beef and Broccoli in several ways:
- Add Other Vegetables: Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots can be added for extra colors and nutrition.
- Make It Spicier: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for some heat.
- Use Chicken or Tofu: Swap out the beef for chicken or use tofu for a vegetarian option.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts like sirloin or ribeye. Just ensure the beef is tender.
2. What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?
If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry is a good substitute.
3. Can I freeze Chinese Beef and Broccoli?
It’s best to eat it fresh, but you can freeze leftovers. Just keep in mind that the texture of the broccoli may become softer upon reheating.
Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Chinese Beef and Broccoli dish at your next meal!
Chinese Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic Chinese dish featuring tender beef and broccoli in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or other cut
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (Optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken stock (or beef stock)
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar (or white sugar)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 head broccoli, cut to bite-size florets
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
Instructions
- Slice the beef against the grain into 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick slices or 1-cm (1/2 inch) sticks. Transfer to a small bowl.
- Add soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch. Gently mix well by hand until all the slices are coated. Marinate for 10 minutes.
- Combine all the ingredients for the sauce in a medium bowl and mix well.
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1/4 cup water over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli, cover, and steam until just tender, about 1 minute. Transfer to a plate.
- Wipe the pan, add oil, and heat over medium-high until hot. Spread the beef in a single layer, cooking without touching for 30 seconds. Flip and cook until lightly charred and inside is still pink.
- Add garlic and ginger, stirring to release flavor.
- Return broccoli to the pan and pour in the sauce. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Serve hot.
Notes
Best served hot over steamed rice or alongside fried rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese