Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a classic stir-fry dish that combines tender beef with crisp broccoli in a flavorful sauce. This meal is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Whether you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine or just looking to spice up your dinner routine, this recipe will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Why make this recipe
There are many reasons to make Chinese Beef and Broccoli. First, it’s a well-balanced dish that includes protein and vegetables, making it a healthy option for dinner. Second, the dish is quick to cook, often taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Lastly, the combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic creates a mouthwatering flavor that your whole family will enjoy.
How to prepare Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Preparing Chinese Beef and Broccoli is straightforward. Follow the steps below, and you will have a tasty meal ready in no time!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak (or 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 (*see footnote 2)
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar (or white sugar)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 head broccoli (cut into bite-size florets)
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil) (*see 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 (*see 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 and the water evaporates, about 1 minute. Transfer broccoli to a plate. Wipe the pan with a paper towel held in a pair of tongs if there’s any water left.
Add the oil to the skillet and swirl to coat the bottom. Heat over medium-high heat until hot. Spread the steak in a single layer. Allow to cook without touching for 30 seconds, or until the bottom side is browned. Flip 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 to the skillet. 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
Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli hot, straight from the pan. It pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or fried rice, allowing you to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for added flavor and presentation.
How to store Chinese Beef and Broccoli
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
Tips to make Chinese Beef and Broccoli perfectly
- Make sure to slice the beef against the grain to ensure it’s tender.
- Marinating the beef is key to adding flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust the sauce ingredients to your taste, like adding more sugar or soy sauce for a sweeter or saltier flavor.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should be tender but still crisp.
Variations
You can easily customize this dish based on your preferences. Consider adding sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra color and crunch. If you prefer chicken or shrimp, feel free to substitute the beef for a different protein. You can also make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes! You can use skirt steak, sirloin, or even chicken or shrimp if you prefer.
Q2: What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?
Dry sherry can be used as a substitute, or you may simply omit it if you don’t have either on hand.
Q3: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Enjoy your cooking!
Chinese Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A classic stir-fry dish combining tender beef and crisp broccoli in a flavorful sauce, perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak (or skirt 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 head broccoli (cut into 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 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 boiling. Add the broccoli and cover. Steam until the broccoli is tender, about 1 minute. Transfer broccoli to a plate and wipe the pan if necessary.
- Add oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high until hot. Spread the steak in a single layer. Allow it to cook for 30 seconds until browned, flip and cook for a few seconds until lightly charred inside.
- Add garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring to release their fragrance.
- Return the broccoli to the pan, stir sauce to dissolve cornstarch, and pour it into the skillet. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Transfer everything to a plate immediately. Serve hot.
Notes
Serving with white rice or fried rice is recommended.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese