Chinese Beef and Broccoli
why make this recipe
Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a classic dish that brings delicious flavors and healthy ingredients to your table. It combines tender beef with fresh broccoli in a savory sauce, making it a favorite for families and food lovers alike. This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner parties. Plus, it allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality food at home without the hassle.
how to make Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak (skirt steak or other cut, *see footnote 1)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (Optional, *see footnote 1)
- 1/2 cup chicken stock (or beef stock)
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (*footnote 2)
- 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, *Footnote 3)
- 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 to a small bowl.
- Add soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch. Mix well by hand until all the pieces are coated with a thin layer of sauce. Marinate for 10 minutes.
- While marinating, combine all the sauce ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and mix well.
- In a large nonstick skillet, add 1/4 cup water over medium-high heat until boiling. Add the broccoli and cover. Steam until tender, about 1 minute. Transfer broccoli to a plate.
- Wipe the pan with a paper towel if there’s any water left. Add oil and heat until hot. Spread the steak in a single layer and cook without touching for 30 seconds, or until browned. Flip and cook the other side briefly. Stir until lightly charred and still pink inside.
- Add garlic and ginger to the skillet and stir briefly to release their flavors.
- Return the broccoli to the pan. Stir the sauce again, then pour it into the skillet. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Transfer everything to a plate and serve hot.
how to serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. You can also garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation. Enjoy this dish as a main course, sharing with family and friends.
how to store Chinese Beef and Broccoli
To store leftover Chinese Beef and Broccoli, allow it to cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to reheat it thoroughly in the microwave or on the stove before serving again.
tips to make Chinese Beef and Broccoli
- Use thin slices of beef to ensure quick cooking and tenderness.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli; you want it to stay bright and slightly crunchy.
- Adjust the sauce to your taste by adding more soy sauce or sugar.
- Experiment with adding other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for variety.
variation (if any)
You can create variations of this dish by substituting different proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. You can also switch out the broccoli for other vegetables such as snow peas or bok choy to change the flavor and texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess water before adding it to the pan.
2. Is there a substitute for Shaoxing wine?
You can use dry sherry or skip it altogether if you prefer not to use alcohol.
3. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! If you like spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers to the garlic and ginger while cooking.
Print
Chinese Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This classic dish combines tender beef with fresh broccoli in a savory sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak (skirt steak or other cut) (*see footnote 1)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (Optional) (*see footnote 1)
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken stock (or beef stock)
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (*footnote 2)
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar (or white sugar)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Stir-Fry
- 1 head broccoli (cut into bite-size florets)
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil) (*Footnote 3)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons ginger (minced)
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. Mix well by hand until all pieces are coated with a thin layer of the marinade. Marinate for 10 minutes.
- While marinating, combine all the sauce ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and mix well.
Cooking
- In a large nonstick skillet, add 1/4 cup water over medium-high heat until boiling. Add the broccoli and cover. Steam until tender, about 1 minute. Transfer broccoli to a plate.
- Wipe the pan with a paper towel if there’s any water left. Add oil and heat until hot. Spread the steak in a single layer and cook without touching for 30 seconds, or until browned. Flip and briefly cook the other side, stir until lightly charred and still pink inside.
- Add garlic and ginger to the skillet and stir briefly to release their flavors.
- Return the broccoli to the pan. Stir the sauce again, then pour it into the skillet. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Transfer everything to a plate and serve hot.
Notes
Serve hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, and garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor. Use thin slices of beef for quick cooking and tenderness. Don’t overcook the broccoli to keep it bright and slightly crunchy. Adjust the sauce to your taste by adding more soy sauce or sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30








