Chinese Beef and Broccoli, a dish that dances on your palate with savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich flavors, is a weeknight dinner champion for good reason. Imagine tender slices of beef, perfectly stir-fried to a delightful crisp-tender texture, nestled amongst vibrant green broccoli florets, all coated in a luscious, glossy sauce. Are you already drooling? I know I am!
While often associated with Chinese takeout, the version of Beef and Broccoli we know and love is actually a relatively modern invention, largely popularized in North America. It draws inspiration from Cantonese cuisine, adapting traditional stir-fry techniques and flavors to suit local tastes and available ingredients. This adaptation is what makes it so accessible and universally appealing.
What’s not to love? The combination of tender beef and slightly crunchy broccoli provides a delightful textural contrast. The savory sauce, often featuring soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, creates a depth of flavor that is both comforting and exciting. Plus, this Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a satisfying and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home!
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Ingredients:
- For the Beef:
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of white pepper
- For the Broccoli:
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup water
- For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- For Serving:
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Preparing the Beef:
Okay, let’s get started with the beef! This is a crucial step, as tender and flavorful beef is key to a great Beef and Broccoli. We’re going to marinate the beef to ensure it’s both tender and packed with flavor.
- First, take your flank steak and make sure it’s thinly sliced against the grain. This is super important! Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the beef much more tender. If you’re not sure which way the grain runs, look closely – you’ll see faint lines running through the meat. Slice perpendicular to those lines. Aim for slices about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of white pepper.
- Mix everything together really well, making sure all the beef slices are coated in the marinade. The cornstarch will help to tenderize the beef and create a nice coating when it’s cooked.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the beef will be. I usually aim for at least an hour, but even 30 minutes will make a difference. You can even marinate it overnight for maximum flavor!
Preparing the Broccoli:
Next up, let’s get the broccoli ready. We want it to be tender-crisp, not mushy, so we’ll be stir-frying it quickly.
- Wash the head of broccoli thoroughly. Cut it into florets, making sure they’re all roughly the same size so they cook evenly. If the stems are thick, you can peel them and slice them into smaller pieces as well. Don’t waste those stems – they’re perfectly edible!
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Set aside.
Making the Sauce:
The sauce is what brings everything together, so let’s make sure it’s perfect! This sauce is a balance of savory, sweet, and a little bit of umami.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of beef broth, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using).
- Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the liquid. This is important to prevent lumps in your sauce. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
- Set the sauce aside. We’ll be adding it to the wok later.
Cooking the Beef and Broccoli:
Now for the fun part – cooking! This is where everything comes together. Make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go, as the cooking process moves quickly.
- Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. You want it to be really hot! If you don’t have a wok, a large cast iron skillet works well too.
- Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the hot wok. Swirl the oil around to coat the bottom and sides of the wok.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated beef to the wok in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the wok, or the beef will steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the beef in batches.
- Stir-fry the beef for 2-3 minutes, or until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside.
- Add another 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the wok.
- Add the minced garlic to the wok and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Add the broccoli florets to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender-crisp.
- Add 1/4 cup of water to the wok. Cover the wok with a lid and let the broccoli steam for another 2-3 minutes, or until it’s tender-crisp. This helps to cook the broccoli through without making it mushy.
- Remove the lid and return the cooked beef to the wok.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli.
- Stir-fry everything together for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the beef and broccoli evenly. The cornstarch in the sauce will help it to thicken quickly.
Serving:
Time to eat! Serve this delicious Beef and Broccoli over a bed of fluffy white rice.
- Spoon the cooked white rice into bowls.
- Top the rice with the Beef and Broccoli.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. These add a nice visual appeal and a little extra flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- High Heat is Key: Stir-frying requires high heat to quickly cook the ingredients and create that characteristic wok hei (smoky flavor). Make sure your wok or skillet is screaming hot before adding the oil and ingredients.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Wok: Overcrowding the wok will lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Prep Everything in Advance: Stir-frying is a fast-paced cooking method, so it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This includes slicing the beef, cutting the broccoli, mincing the garlic, and whisking together the sauce.
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes in the sauce to suit your personal preferences. If you like it sweeter, add more brown sugar. If you like it saltier, add more soy sauce. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients will always result in a better-tasting dish. Use fresh broccoli, garlic, and ginger whenever possible.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: The broccoli should be tender-crisp, not mushy. Steam it just until it’s tender but still has a slight bite.
- Marinate the Beef for as Long as Possible: The longer the beef marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better.
Variations:
- Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas.
- Use Different Protein: If you’re not a fan of beef, you can substitute chicken, pork, or tofu.
- Make it Vegetarian: To make this dish vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead
Conclusion:
This isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! I truly believe this Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe is a must-try for anyone craving authentic Asian flavors without the takeout price tag. The tender beef, perfectly cooked broccoli, and that luscious, savory sauce – it all comes together in a symphony of deliciousness that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
What makes this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami, achieved with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the level of spice to your liking by adding more or less chili garlic sauce. And the best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
But don’t just take my word for it! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the magic for yourself. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this dish, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving this Chinese Beef and Broccoli. Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
* Classic Style: Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for a complete and satisfying meal. The rice soaks up all that delicious sauce, making every bite a delight.
* Noodle Power: Toss it with your favorite noodles, such as lo mein or chow mein, for a heartier dish. The noodles add a delightful texture and complement the flavors perfectly.
* Veggie Boost: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra nutrients and a pop of color. This is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for picky eaters.
* Spice It Up: If you’re a fan of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick.
* Make it Gluten-Free: Simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free friendly.
* Protein Swap: While this recipe is designed for beef, you can easily substitute it with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
I’m always looking for new and creative ways to enjoy this dish, so I’d love to hear your serving suggestions and variations!
Share Your Experience!
I’m so excited for you to try this Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe! Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what you thought of the flavors, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to improve my recipes.
Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation and share it on social media using [Your Hashtag]. I can’t wait to see your culinary masterpieces! Happy cooking! I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your household, bringing joy and deliciousness to your dinner table for years to come. Remember, cooking should be fun and rewarding, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Enjoy!
Chinese Beef and Broccoli: The Ultimate Recipe Guide
Classic Beef and Broccoli stir-fry with tender beef and crisp-tender broccoli in a savory-sweet sauce, served over rice.
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of white pepper
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Thinly slice the flank steak against the grain. In a medium bowl, combine the beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, vegetable oil, sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic powder, and white pepper. Mix well and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or longer for better flavor).
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash the broccoli and cut into florets. Mince the garlic.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add vegetable oil. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary). Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Add more vegetable oil to the wok. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender-crisp.
- Steam the Broccoli: Add 1/4 cup of water to the wok. Cover and steam for 2-3 minutes, until tender-crisp.
- Combine and Thicken: Remove the lid and return the cooked beef to the wok. Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and coats everything evenly.
- Serve: Serve the Beef and Broccoli over cooked white rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
Notes
- High Heat is Key: Use high heat for stir-frying to achieve a smoky flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the beef in batches to avoid steaming.
- Prep in Advance: Have all ingredients prepped before starting to cook.
- Adjust Sauce: Adjust the sauce ingredients to your taste.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Tender-Crisp Broccoli: Don’t overcook the broccoli.
- Marinate Beef: Marinate the beef for as long as possible for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Variations: Add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Substitute chicken, pork, or tofu for beef. Use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
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