If you have ever craved that perfect balance of tender beef and crisp broccoli coated in a luscious, savory sauce, then you will absolutely adore this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe. It comes together quickly and effortlessly, delivering bold flavors and a beautiful harmony of textures that feel just right on the palate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this dish brings an irresistible warmth and satisfaction that makes every bite a little celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each adding a vital touch to the final dish’s flavor, texture, or vibrant color. From the bright green broccoli to the rich marinade for the beef, every component works harmoniously.
- 1 lb flank steak: Thinly sliced against the grain to ensure tender bites that soak up all the delicious marinade.
- 1 head broccoli: Fresh and crisp, it brings a fresh crunch and bright green pop to the dish.
- Soy sauce: The salty-savory backbone that deepens the flavor of both the beef and sauce.
- Peanut oil: A neutral oil with a subtle nutty flavor perfect for quick, high-heat cooking.
- Garlic: Minced to infuse the beef with aromatic depth and a hint of pungency.
- Ginger: Fresh and minced, delivering warmth and a slight zing that complements garlic beautifully.
- Chicken stock: Used in the sauce for richness and to give the sauce a silky body.
- Shaoxing wine: Adds an authentic, slightly sweet complexity with subtle umami notes.
- Cornstarch: A double duty ingredient that tenderizes the beef and thickens the sauce to just the right consistency.
- Dark soy sauce: Gives the dish a deeper color and more robust, mellow flavor.
- Brown sugar: Balances the saltiness with a touch of sweetness, enhancing the overall profile.
- Baking soda: A secret trick to tenderize the beef even further for melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Beef
Begin by slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Marinate the beef strips with soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch for about 10 minutes. The soy sauce infuses savory flavor while the cornstarch helps seal in moisture, giving the beef a silky texture once cooked.
Step 2: Mix the Flavor-Packed Sauce
While the beef marinates, combine the chicken stock, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl. This luscious sauce will coat the beef and broccoli, marrying juices and enhancing every bite with complexity and depth.
Step 3: Steam the Broccoli
Add a small amount of water to a skillet and steam the broccoli until just tender but still vibrant and crisp. This process keeps the broccoli bright and nutritious while preparing it to absorb flavors without turning mushy.
Step 4: Cook the Beef with Aromatics
In the same skillet, cook the marinated beef strips until they brown beautifully on both sides. Toss in minced garlic and ginger, letting their aromas bloom and infuse the dish with a fragrant depth that’s utterly mouthwatering.
Step 5: Combine and Thicken
Return the steamed broccoli to the skillet and pour in the pre-mixed sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens to a glossy, clingy consistency that perfectly coats the beef and broccoli. This step brings all the flavors together in a harmonious finish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your freshly cooked Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe hot over steamed rice or your favorite noodles. The combination makes for a comforting, crave-worthy meal that tastes like a restaurant classic right from your own kitchen.
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving. These simple garnishes add a burst of freshness and a little crunch that complement the tender beef and broccoli beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or egg noodles to soak up every bit of the savory sauce. For a lighter option, steamed brown rice or even cauliflower rice adds wholesome texture without overpowering the main flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef and broccoli inside lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld meal. Alternatively, use it as a filling for soft steamed buns or alongside a crisp Asian-inspired salad to create a balanced feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The beef and broccoli will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days when you crave homemade comfort food.
Freezing
While this dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze it for longer storage. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. For best texture, consume within 1 to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium heat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating at high temperatures to maintain the tender, juicy texture of the beef and the crispness of the broccoli.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe?
Flank steak is ideal because it’s lean, flavorful, and becomes tender when sliced thinly against the grain and properly marinated.
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works in a pinch, but fresh broccoli provides a better texture and vibrant color that elevates the dish.
Is Shaoxing wine necessary?
Shaoxing wine adds authentic flavor, but if unavailable, dry sherry or a small amount of white wine can be a suitable substitute.
How do I ensure the beef stays tender?
Marinating with cornstarch and baking soda plus slicing against the grain are key steps that help keep the beef tender and juicy.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensure all other sauces and ingredients are certified gluten-free to adapt the recipe easily.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is truly a gem for anyone who loves easy, flavorful, and comforting meals made at home. It’s a dish that impresses with its simplicity yet delivers fantastic depth of taste every time. I encourage you to give it a try and watch it become one of your trusted favorites for weeknight dinners or anytime you want a little Chinese takeout magic in your kitchen.
Print
Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A classic Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe featuring tender marinated flank steak stir-fried with fresh broccoli in a savory, flavorful sauce made with soy, ginger, garlic, and Shaoxing wine. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced against the grain into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 head broccoli
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips and combine with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon peanut oil, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Let it marinate for 10 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup chicken stock, 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
- Steam the Broccoli: Add a small amount of water to a skillet, bring to a simmer, then place the broccoli in the skillet and cover to steam until just tender, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the broccoli and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon peanut oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef strips and cook until browned on both sides and nearly cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet with the beef, stirring frequently for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Combine and Thicken Sauce: Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet, pour in the prepared sauce, and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and everything is well coated, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the beef and broccoli hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
- Marinating the beef with baking soda helps tenderize the meat further.
- You can substitute Shaoxing wine with dry sherry if unavailable.
- To keep broccoli crisp, avoid over-steaming; it should be just tender.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
