Name: Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak, 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 into bite-size florets; 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons ginger, minced

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a classic dish that combines the tender, juicy texture of beef with the freshness of broccoli, all enveloped in a rich and savory sauce. It’s quick to prepare, with minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. The beauty of this recipe lies in how easily you can adjust it to suit your dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a healthier take-out alternative or a gluten-free option, this dish has you covered. Plus, it’s loaded with flavor and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare!

Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Meat and Marinade

1 lb flank steak, 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)

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
2 teaspoons brown sugar (or white sugar)
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Stir-fry

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 1/4 inch thick slices or 1/2 inch sticks. Transfer the beef to a small bowl, and add soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch. Mix by hand until the beef is evenly coated. Marinate for 10 minutes.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ingredients for the sauce: chicken stock, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Mix well.
In a large nonstick skillet, add 1/4 cup of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and cover. Steam for about 1 minute or until the broccoli is tender. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Wipe the skillet with a paper towel to remove any remaining water. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan and heat over medium-high. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Let it cook without stirring for 30 seconds to brown the bottom. Flip the beef and cook the other side for a few seconds. Stir and cook until lightly charred but still pink in the center.
Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
Return the steamed broccoli to the pan. Stir the sauce again to dissolve the cornstarch completely, then pour it into the skillet. Cook, stirring, for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
Transfer everything to a plate and serve hot as a main dish, ideally over steamed rice.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2 to 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free: Substitute Shaoxing wine with dry sherry and use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or tempeh in place of beef for a plant-based alternative.
Different Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for extra flavor and color.
Spicy: Add some sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili sauce to the stir-fry for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

1. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, replace soy sauce with tamari and Shaoxing wine with dry sherry. These substitutions will keep the dish gluten-free without compromising on flavor.

2. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! Flank steak is commonly used for this dish, but skirt steak, sirloin, or ribeye can also be used for tender results.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the beef marinade and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir-fry and assemble the dish just before serving.

4. How can I make the beef more tender?

Marinating the beef in soy sauce, cornstarch, and peanut oil helps to tenderize it. Additionally, using a cut like flank steak or skirt steak, which is naturally tender, will yield the best results.

5. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.

6. Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

Yes! You can add chili flakes, sliced fresh chilies, or chili oil to make the dish spicier according to your preference.

7. What type of rice should I serve with this dish?

Serve this dish with steamed jasmine rice or any other rice you prefer. White or brown rice works great, as well as cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

8. Can I make this dish ahead for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe can be made in advance for meal prep. Store it in individual containers in the refrigerator and enjoy it within 3 days.

9. Can I freeze this recipe?

While it’s not recommended to freeze the beef and broccoli for the best texture, you can freeze the cooked beef and sauce separately for up to a month. When ready to eat, defrost and reheat on the stove.

10. What is the secret to a great stir-fry?

The key to a great stir-fry is high heat and quick cooking. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the beef and garlic to get that perfect char on the beef and a rich, flavorful sauce.

Conclusion

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a quick and easy recipe that brings bold, delicious flavors into your kitchen. With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce, it’s the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings for Chinese take-out, without the guilt. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative or a simple dinner, this recipe delivers. Customize it to fit your dietary needs, and enjoy it with rice for a truly satisfying meal.