Chinese Beef and Broccoli

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why make this recipe

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a classic dish that is beloved by many. It offers a delightful combination of tender beef and fresh broccoli, all coated in a savory sauce that is both satisfying and nutritious. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to get some vegetables into your diet while enjoying the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine.

how to make Chinese Beef and Broccoli

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 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 head broccoli (cut into bite-size florets)
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 teaspoons ginger (minced)

Directions:

1. 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.
2. Add soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch to the beef. 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.
3. In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the ingredients for the sauce and mix well.
4. Add 1/4 cup of water to a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until the water boils. Add the broccoli and cover. Steam until tender, about 1 minute. Transfer the broccoli to a plate. Wipe the pan if there’s any water left.
5. Add oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high heat until hot. Spread the marinated steak in a single layer. Cook without touching for 30 seconds, or until browned. Flip to cook the other side for a few seconds. Stir until the surface is lightly charred and the inside is pink.
6. Add minced garlic and ginger. Stir to release their flavor.
7. Return the broccoli to the skillet. 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

You can serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Add extra sesame seeds or sliced green onions on top for garnish. It also pairs well with a side of egg rolls or dumplings for a full Chinese feast.

how to store Chinese Beef and Broccoli

To store leftover Chinese Beef and Broccoli, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through or in the microwave in short bursts.

tips to make Chinese Beef and Broccoli

1. Make sure to slice the beef against the grain to ensure it stays tender.
2. For extra flavor, consider marinating the beef for a longer time, up to 30 minutes.
3. You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more color and nutrition.

When to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli

CHINESE BEEF AND BROCCOLI IS PERFECT FOR NIGHTS WHEN YOU WANT SOMETHING FAST BUT STILL HOMEMADE AND SATISFYING. IT WORKS GREAT AS A SIMPLE WEEKDAY DINNER, BUT IT’S ALSO NICE ENOUGH TO SERVE WHEN YOU HAVE FRIENDS OR FAMILY OVER. YOU CAN DOUBLE THE RECIPE TO FEED A CROWD, OR PACK LEFTOVERS FOR LUNCH THE NEXT DAY. WHETHER YOU’RE CRAVING TAKEOUT FLAVORS OR JUST WANT A BALANCED MEAL WITH PROTEIN AND VEGGIES, THIS DISH FITS RIGHT IN.

variation

You can easily make this recipe with chicken instead of beef. Simply replace the beef with sliced chicken breast or thighs and follow the same cooking method.

FAQs

CAN I USE FROZEN BROCCOLI?
YES, YOU CAN USE FROZEN BROCCOLI, BUT FRESH BROCCOLI USUALLY HAS A BETTER TEXTURE AND STAYS A LITTLE CRISPIER. IF YOU USE FROZEN, THERE’S NO NEED TO THAW COMPLETELY—JUST ADD IT TO THE SKILLET A BIT EARLIER AND COOK UNTIL HEATED THROUGH AND TENDER. KEEP AN EYE ON THE SAUCE, AS FROZEN BROCCOLI CAN RELEASE EXTRA WATER, SO YOU MAY NEED TO COOK IT FOR AN EXTRA MINUTE TO THICKEN.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE SHAOXING WINE?
IF YOU DON’T HAVE SHAOXING WINE, YOU CAN SUBSTITUTE IT WITH DRY SHERRY, WHICH GIVES A VERY SIMILAR DEPTH OF FLAVOR. IF YOU PREFER TO SKIP ALCOHOL ALTOGETHER, USE EXTRA CHICKEN OR BEEF STOCK INSTEAD. THE FLAVOR WILL BE A LITTLE MILDER, BUT THE DISH WILL STILL BE DELICIOUS AND SAUCY.

CAN I MAKE THIS DISH GLUTEN-FREE?
YES! TO MAKE THIS RECIPE GLUTEN-FREE, USE TAMARI OR A CERTIFIED GLUTEN-FREE SOY SAUCE IN PLACE OF REGULAR SOY SAUCE. ALSO CHECK YOUR CHICKEN OR BEEF STOCK TO MAKE SURE IT’S LABELED GLUTEN-FREE. WITH THESE SIMPLE SWAPS, YOU CAN ENJOY THE SAME RICH, SAVORY FLAVOR WITHOUT THE GLUTEN.

Chinese Beef and Broccoli

A classic Chinese dish featuring tender beef and fresh broccoli in a savory sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

Beef Marinade

• 1 lb flank steak (or skirt steak, or other cut) Sliced against the grain for tenderness.
• 1 tbsp soy sauce Use tamari for gluten-free option.
• 1 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable oil) For marinating the beef.
• 1 tbsp cornstarch Helps to tenderize and create a glaze.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda Optional, for tenderizing the beef.

Sauce and Main Ingredients

• 1/2 cup chicken stock (or beef stock)
• 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry) Substitute with chicken stock if avoiding alcohol.
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce For deeper flavor.
• 2 tsp brown sugar (or white sugar) Balances the salty soy sauce.
• 1 head broccoli (cut into bite-size florets) A great source of nutrients.
• 1 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable oil) For cooking the beef.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced) Adds aromatic flavor.
• 2 tsp ginger (minced) Enhances the dish's flavor profile.

Instructions

 

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 to the beef. Gently mix well by hand until all the slices are coated with a thin layer of sauce. Marinate for 10 minutes.
• In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the ingredients for the sauce and mix well.

Cooking

• Add 1/4 cup of water to a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until the water boils. Add the broccoli and cover. Steam until tender, about 1 minute. Transfer the broccoli to a plate.
• Add oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high heat until hot. Spread the marinated steak in a single layer. Cook without touching for 30 seconds, or until browned. Flip to cook the other side for a few seconds.
• Stir until the surface is lightly charred and the inside is pink.
• Add minced garlic and ginger. Stir to release their flavor.
• Return the broccoli to the skillet. 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.

Notes

Make sure to slice the beef against the grain to ensure it stays tender. For extra flavor, consider marinating the beef for a longer time, up to 30 minutes. You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more color and nutrition.

Keyword beef stir fry, Chinese Beef and Broccoli, Chinese cuisine, Healthy Recipe, quick dinner

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