Chinese Beef and Broccoli

You know that wonderful scent that wafts from a Chinese kitchen? It wraps around you like a soft blanket on a chilly evening. This Chinese Beef and Broccoli dish evokes that very feeling, bringing a cozy warmth to your dinner table. The perfectly tender beef pairs beautifully with bright, crisp broccoli, all kissed with a savory sauce that gives it that delightful umami burst. Each bite is comforting and satisfying, making this dish a family favorite that you’ll want to pull into your weeknight rotation.

Chinese Beef and Broccoli

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A comforting dish with tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce that brings warmth to your dinner table.

• Author: amanda-miller
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: None

Ingredients

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• 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 into bite-sized florets)
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 teaspoons ginger (minced)

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Instructions

1. Slice the beef against the grain into 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick slices or 1 cm (1/2 inch) sticks. Mix with soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch, then marinate for 10 minutes.
2. In a medium bowl, combine chicken stock, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and brown sugar; set aside.
3. Bring water to a boil in a nonstick skillet. Steam the broccoli for 1 minute, then set aside.
4. Heat peanut oil in the skillet. Cook the marinated beef for 2–3 minutes until browned.
5. Add minced garlic and ginger, then return the steamed broccoli to the pan.
6. Pour the sauce into the skillet, cooking until it thickens, about 1 minute. Serve hot over rice.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate beef longer and consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes for heat.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Let’s Make It Together

Cooking this Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a breeze! With just a handful of steps, you’ll find yourself savoring a restaurant-quality meal right from the comfort of your kitchen. Let’s gather our ingredients, roll up our sleeves, and create something unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 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 into bite-sized florets)
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 teaspoons ginger (minced)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Start by slicing the beef against the grain into 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick slices or 1 cm (1/2 inch) sticks. Transfer the beef to a bowl and mix it with the soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare your other ingredients.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the sauce ingredients: chicken stock, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and brown sugar. Set this aside; it will be the magic that pulls everything together.
3. Fill a nonstick skillet with water and bring it to a boil. Add the broccoli and steam it for about 1 minute until it brightens in color and softens slightly. Transfer the broccoli to a plate and set it aside.
4. In the same skillet, heat some peanut oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned and aromatic, about 2–3 minutes.
5. Next, stir in the minced garlic and ginger, letting those flavors swirl through the beef. Return the steamed broccoli to the pan and stir gently to combine.
6. Pour your pre-mixed sauce into the skillet and cook everything together until the sauce thickens slightly, which takes about 1 minute. Let the aroma fill your kitchen—it’s time to serve!
7. Serve hot over a fluffy bed of rice, soaking up all that savory sauce that’s clinging to the beef and broccoli. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this wonderful dish!

Nutritional Snapshot

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: Approximately 400
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 20g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 4g

Packed with protein and fiber, this recipe keeps you full without feeling heavy. It’s a delicious way to nourish your body while indulging your senses.

When to Enjoy It

This dish is perfect for a family dinner where everyone gathers around the table and shares stories of their day. Pair it with jasmine rice, perhaps a crisp cucumber salad on the side, or a warm spring roll for that extra touch of comfort. A chilled glass of jasmine tea balances the meal beautifully and enhances those rich flavors.

Keep It Fresh

To store your leftover Chinese Beef and Broccoli, simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, feel free to freeze it. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to restore that delightful moisture.

Betty’s Secrets

• For extra flavor and tenderness, consider marinating the beef for longer than 10 minutes—30 minutes would really elevate the taste!
• Use a heavy-bottomed pan to cook the beef quickly and evenly, ensuring a nice sear without overcooking.
• When adding the garlic and ginger, don’t let them linger in the pan too long before incorporating the broccoli; you want them fragrant, not burnt.
• If you’re a fan of a touch of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes during the cooking process can add a lovely kick.
• For a luscious sauce, try adding a teaspoon of sesame oil just before serving to enhance the flavor.

Creative Twists

• Swap out broccoli for seasonal vegetables, like snap peas or asparagus, in the spring for a fresh touch.
• Add a handful of roasted cashews or peanuts just before serving for a delightful crunch and extra nutty flavor.
• For a hint of citrus, zest some fresh orange or lime over the finished dish, which brightens up the flavors beautifully.

Your Questions Answered

What’s the best cut of beef for Beef and Broccoli? Flank steak or skirt steak are excellent choices for their tenderness and flavor, perfect for quick cooking.

Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes! Substitute soy sauce with tamari, which is gluten-free, and you’re good to go!

How can I make the sauce thicker? A little cornstarch mixed with water can create a slurry to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.

Can I use frozen broccoli? Absolutely! Just add it directly to the skillet with the beef, and it will cook perfectly when you simmer everything together.