Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a beloved dish that beautifully balances tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce. This quick and easy stir-fry is a perfect weeknight meal that brings the delicious flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your table.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 320
- Protein: 30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 18 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
Why Make This Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Making Chinese Beef and Broccoli at home is not only easy, but it also offers a satisfying and nutritious option for dinner. With its vibrant colors, rich flavors, and tender textures, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both young and old. Plus, preparing it from scratch guarantees that you can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences. The combination of soy sauce and Shaoxing wine brings depth to the dish, while the garlic and ginger add fragrance and zest.
How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Preparation
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 you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Mixing
In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the ingredients for the sauce, mixing well. This sauce includes chicken stock (or beef stock), Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and brown sugar, creating a blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Step 3: Cooking
Add 1/4 cup of 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 turns just tender and the water evaporates, about 1 minute. Transfer the broccoli to a plate and wipe the pan to remove any excess water.
Add the tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the skillet. Heat over medium-high heat until hot. Spread the marinated steak in a single layer, allowing it to cook without touching for about 30 seconds, or until the bottom side is browned. Flip to cook the other side briefly, stirring until the surface is nicely charred but the inside remains pink.
Step 4: Finishing
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring a few times to release their flavors. Return the cooked broccoli to the pan. Stir the sauce again to ensure the cornstarch is well dissolved, and pour it into the skillet. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Transfer everything to a plate immediately and serve hot as a main dish.
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Serve this delicious dish over a mound of fluffy steamed rice or with a side of noodles to soak up the wonderful sauce. Adding some sesame seeds or chopped green onions as a garnish will provide an appealing crunch and fresh flavor.
How to Store Chinese Beef and Broccoli
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chinese Beef and Broccoli
- For the best texture, slice the beef against the grain; this ensures tenderness.
- Let the beef marinate for at least 10 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Steam the broccoli just until tender; it should maintain its vibrant green color and crunchy texture.
- Use a nonstick skillet for easy release and cleanup.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix in a little extra cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water).
Delicious Variations
- Swap flank steak for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.
- Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to increase the vegetable diversity.
- For a spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different cut of beef? Absolutely! Skirt steak or sirloin works well too.
- Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
- What can I use instead of Shaoxing wine? Dry sherry or cooking wine can be a good alternative.
- Can I add more vegetables? Yes, feel free to include any veggies you enjoy like baby corn, mushrooms, or bok choy.
- How do I ensure my beef stays tender? Marinating your beef for a bit and not overcooking it will keep it tender.
Conclusion
Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a delightful dish that can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into something exceptional. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and offers a nutritious meal option that the whole family will love. So gather your ingredients and give this easy recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how flavorful homemade Chinese food can be! Enjoy your culinary adventure!
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Chinese Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A quick and easy stir-fry balancing tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce, perfect for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced into 0.5 cm thick slices
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp peanut oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup chicken stock (or beef stock)
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Marinate the sliced beef in soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch for 10 minutes.
- Combine sauce ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Boil water in a nonstick skillet and steam broccoli for 1 minute. Transfer and wipe the pan.
- Heat oil, add marinated steak in a single layer, cooking for 30 seconds until browned. Flip and cook until charred but pink inside.
- Add garlic and ginger, stirring for flavor release, then return broccoli to the pan.
- Pour in sauce and cook until thickened, about 1 minute. Serve hot.
Notes
Serve over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
