Name: Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
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 to bite-size florets; 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons ginger, minced

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

SPREAD LOVE

Why Make This Recipe

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a classic dish that combines tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce. It’s quick and easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe is not only delicious, but it also offers a great way to enjoy nutritious veggies along with protein. Plus, it’s a favorite for many, which makes it a hit at the dinner table!

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 to bite-size florets
1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons ginger, minced

Directions:

Slice the beef against the grain into 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick slices or 1 cm (1/2 inch) sticks. Transfer it to a small bowl.
Add soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch to the bowl. Mix gently until all beef slices are coated. Marinate for 10 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients for the sauce and mix well.
In a large nonstick skillet, add 1/4 cup water and heat over medium-high until boiling. Add broccoli and cover to steam for about 1 minute, or until just tender. Transfer broccoli to a plate and set aside.
Wipe any remaining water from the skillet with a paper towel.
Add oil to the skillet and heat until hot. Spread beef evenly in the pan and cook without stirring for 30 seconds or until browned. Flip the beef to cook the other side for a few seconds until lightly charred and inside remains pink.
Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir a few times to release their flavor.
Return the broccoli to the skillet. Stir the sauce again to dissolve any cornstarch and pour it into the skillet. Cook and stir for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
Serve hot as a main dish.

How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli hot, straight from the skillet. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for added flavor and presentation.

How to Store Chinese Beef and Broccoli

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, consider freezing it; it can be kept in the freezer for about 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet or microwave until hot.

Tips to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Make sure to slice the beef against the grain for tender bites.
Marinating the beef helps to enhance its flavor and tenderness.
Adjust the sauce to your taste; if you like it sweeter, add more sugar, or add more soy sauce for saltiness.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.

Variations

You can modify this recipe by using chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, replace meat with tofu. You can also try different sauces or spices to suit your taste preferences.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well too! Just steam it according to package instructions before adding it to the dish.

2. What can I serve with Chinese Beef and Broccoli?
This dish goes great with steamed rice or noodles. You could also serve it with a side of egg rolls or spring rolls for a complete meal.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and the sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and cook when ready to serve.