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