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If you love the perfect combination of tender, flavorful beef paired with crisp-tender broccoli in a rich, savory sauce, you are going to adore this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe. It’s a classic dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors into your kitchen in about 30 minutes. The balance of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a sauce that’s both deeply satisfying and incredibly comforting. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who appreciates authentic Chinese-style cooking at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a crucial role, from the juicy flank steak to the fresh broccoli, all coming together to create a symphony of flavors and textures that’s both vibrant and hearty.
- Flank steak (1 lb): Choose a well-marbled piece for juicy, tender beef once cooked.
- Broccoli (1 head): Fresh, firm stalks give a satisfying crunch and vibrant color.
- Soy sauce: Provides the salty, umami backbone essential for authentic flavor.
- Peanut oil: Ideal for high-heat cooking and adds a subtle nutty aroma.
- Garlic: Freshly minced to infuse the dish with a warm, aromatic kick.
- Ginger: Adds a zesty, fresh note that balances the savory sauce perfectly.
- Chicken stock: Boosts the sauce’s depth with a subtle meaty richness.
- Shaoxing wine (2 tablespoons): This Chinese cooking wine adds complexity and a touch of sweetness.
- Dark soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Enhances color and intensifies flavor.
- Brown sugar (2 teaspoons): Balances the salty soy with a hint of caramel sweetness.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons total): Used for both marinating and thickening the sauce to glossy perfection.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps tenderize the beef for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by slicing the flank steak thinly, always cutting against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness. Marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch, and add baking soda to tenderize the meat. Let it sit for about 10 minutes—this step is key for that silky texture that makes this dish stand out.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the beef marinates, mix together your sauce ingredients: chicken stock, Shaoxing wine, both soy sauces, brown sugar, and cornstarch. This flavorful blend forms the luscious sauce that will coat your beef and broccoli, marrying all the elements beautifully.
Step 3: Steam the Broccoli
Place the broccoli in a skillet with a splash of water and steam it until it’s just tender but still retains a slight crunch. This technique keeps the broccoli bright green and perfectly textured, a must for authentic Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe.
Step 4: Cook the Beef with Garlic and Ginger
Using the same skillet, quickly cook the marinated beef over high heat until it’s browned on both sides. As the beef sizzles, add freshly minced garlic and ginger to release their fragrant oils, infusing every bite with warmth and depth.
Step 5: Combine Broccoli and Sauce
Return the steamed broccoli to the skillet with the beef and pour in your prepared sauce. Stir everything together and cook until the sauce thickens to a glossy coating that clings to every piece of beef and broccoli. This final step brings the dish together in both flavor and presentation.
Step 6: Serve it Up
Serve your sizzling Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe hot over fluffy white rice or your favorite noodles. The sauce soaked into the grains creates a perfect bite every time.
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or finely sliced green onions to enhance the visual appeal and add subtle, complementary flavors. These simple touches elevate the dish, making it feel restaurant-worthy at home.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice for an indulgent twist, or even simple garlic noodles. Light sides like a crisp cucumber salad or pickled vegetables provide refreshing contrasts to the rich sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe in lettuce cups for a hand-held delight. Alternatively, use it as a filling for steamed bao buns or wrap it in rice paper for fresh spring rolls that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The beef and broccoli will maintain their flavor well, though the broccoli may soften slightly, which can be tasty in a quick stir-fry refresh.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to separate the beef and broccoli before freezing to preserve texture. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. This prevents drying out and brings back the succulent flavors and satisfying sauce consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe?
Yes! While flank steak is preferred for its texture and flavor, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin. Just remember to slice thinly against the grain to keep the beef tender and delicious.
Can I substitute broccoli with another vegetable?
Definitely. Chinese broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas all make excellent substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time so the vegetable stays crisp and vibrant.
Is Shaoxing wine necessary?
Shaoxing wine adds a unique depth of flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, dry sherry or a splash of mirin can be used as substitutes without losing the essence of the dish.
How do I get the beef so tender and silky?
The secret is marinating the beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a touch of baking soda. This combination breaks down proteins and locks in moisture, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and double-check that all other ingredients like Shaoxing wine or chicken stock are gluten-free to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like diving into a homemade Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and warmth. It’s a dish that feels special but comes together so easily, making it perfect for any weeknight or casual dinner party. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and add it to your list of kitchen favorites. You’re going to love every bite!
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Print
Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This classic Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe features tender strips of flank steak stir-fried with fresh broccoli florets in a savory soy-based sauce. Perfectly balanced with garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness, it’s a quick and delicious meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
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, cut into florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain and combine it in a bowl with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon peanut oil, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Mix well and let it marinate for 10 minutes to tenderize and flavor the beef.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk 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: In a skillet, add a small amount of water and steam the broccoli florets over medium heat until they are just tender but still crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Beef and Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add the marinated beef strips and cook over medium-high heat until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine and Thicken Sauce: Return the steamed broccoli to the skillet with the beef. Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and broccoli, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the beef and broccoli hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, slice the flank steak very thinly and against the grain.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace beef with firm tofu and use vegetable stock.
- Shaoxing wine adds authentic flavor but can be substituted with dry sherry if unavailable.
- Adjust soy sauce and sugar amounts to taste, depending on your preference for saltiness and sweetness.
- Steaming broccoli instead of boiling helps retain its crunch and nutrients.
