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Ah, Chinese Beef and Broccoli! Just the name evokes such a comforting feeling, like wrapping up in your favorite blanket on a chilly evening. My first encounter with this beloved dish was during a chilly winter’s night in my small New York apartment. I had just moved in, and the aroma of sizzling garlic wafting from my neighbor’s kitchen left me curious and admittedly a bit envious. With a few humble ingredients, I recreated the magic in my own kitchen — and let me tell you, the moment I took my first bite, it was love at first taste!
The tender, marinated beef danced on my tongue with a delightful umami flavor, while the broccoli added a lovely crunch that balanced everything out. As I sautéed the garlic and ginger, my kitchen was filled with an intoxicating warmth that made me feel right at home. Since then, this dish has become a staple in my repertoire, cherished for its simplicity and scrumptiousness. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll see why it’s adored by so many!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Perfect for beginners; you’ll feel like a pro chef in no time!
- Quick: On the table in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights.
- Healthy: Packed with protein and veggies; it’s both nutritious and satisfying.
- Flavorful: A delicious mix of savory beef, fresh broccoli, and aromatic spices will tantalize your taste buds.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Great for family dinners or entertaining; everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, skirt steak, or other cut (see footnote 1): Use tender cuts for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds a savory depth—don’t skip this!
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil): For frying, it gives a lovely nutty flavor.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps create that perfect, glossy sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (Optionally – see footnote 1): It tenderizes the meat for extra juiciness.
- 1/2 cup chicken stock (or beef stock): Use homemade stock for a richer flavor, if possible.
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): This adds a wonderful complexity.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: For extra flavor, we can never have enough!
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (footnote 2): It adds color and a bit of sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar (or white sugar): Just a hint of sweetness balances out the savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: We need this again for the sauce!
- 1 head broccoli, cut to bite-size florets: Fresh broccoli adds a crunchy, vibrant touch.
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil) (Footnote 3): Essential for sautéing!
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: The aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth!
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced: Adds an unmistakable zing!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Slice the Beef
Slice the beef against the grain into 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick slices or 1-cm (1/2 inch) sticks. Keep it neat; this ensures tenderness. Transfer to a small bowl and add the soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch (Footnote 1).
Gently mix until each piece is coated with a delightful layer of marinade. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients for the sauce. Whisk it well! The sweet, salty blend is going to pack a punch and complement our dish perfectly.
Steam the Broccoli
Add 1/4 cup water to a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, toss in the broccoli and cover. Steam it for just about a minute until it turns bright green and is tender-crisp. Set the broccoli aside while you wipe the pan to keep things tidy.
Sear the Beef
Add the oil into the now-empty skillet and let it heat up. Once hot, spread the marinated beef in a single layer; don’t stir just yet! Let it sear without touching it for 30 seconds until you see a beautiful browning. Then, give it a flip and cook just a few more seconds until lightly charred on the outside but still juicy inside.
Add Aromatics
Throw in the minced garlic and ginger, and stir quickly. Oh, the scent! The garlic softens, becoming fragrant while the ginger adds a fresh zing.
Bring It Together
Return that beautifully bright broccoli to the pan and give everything a good stir. Don’t forget to mix your sauce again before pouring it into the skillet. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Look at that dreamy glaze!
Serve Hot
Transfer your dish to a plate and serve immediately while everything is still hot and vibrant. You deserve to enjoy every moment of this!
Pro Tips for Success
- Slice Against the Grain: It makes all the difference for tender meat!
- Prep Ahead: Marinate your beef an hour in advance for even more flavor.
- Steam the Broccoli Just Right: You want it tender but with a bit of crunch to keep it bright and fresh.
- Keep it Moving: Stir when needed to prevent anything from sticking, especially when searing beef.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or slices of fresh chili for a heat boost!
- Seasonal Veggies: Swap the broccoli for seasonal favorites like bell peppers, snow peas, or bok choy.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in some toasted sesame seeds or nuts for an added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this delicious dish with a side of fluffy jasmine rice or noodles to soak up all that scrumptious sauce. A light cucumber salad or steamed dumplings makes for a refreshing complement! For drinks, a chilled jasmine tea or a crisp white wine complements the flavors beautifully.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prep the beef and chop the broccoli a day ahead. Just store everything in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Cooked, this dish will last up to 3 days in the fridge — but trust me, it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Leftovers
Transform your leftovers into a fabulous stir-fry bowl by tossing them with some ramen or quinoa! You could also mix with eggs for a delicious breakfast scramble or stuff them into wraps for a quick lunch.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Chinese Beef and Broccoli! Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, ensuring as much air as possible is removed. It’ll keep for about 3 months. To thaw, simply place it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave on a low power setting.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to prevent sticking. You can also microwave, but be sure to do so in short bursts, stirring in between to keep it moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef?
Absolutely! You can use sirloin, ribeye, or even ground beef in a pinch. Just be mindful of the cooking time!
What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?
No worries! Dry sherry or even a splash of white wine works as a substitute.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Use tofu or seitan in place of beef, and vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef stock.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your stock is gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
Cooking Chinese Beef and Broccoli is not just about the food; it’s about creating joyful moments in your kitchen and sharing a delightful meal with loved ones. So as you gather your ingredients and turn on your stove, take a moment to breathe in the aromas and enjoy the process. Remember, cooking is an adventure, and with a little love and a sprinkle of joy, every dish is sure to be a cozy masterpiece. Happy cooking, dear friends!
Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- 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 and add the soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch. Mix until each piece is coated and let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and whisk well.
- Add 1/4 cup water to a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once boiling, toss in the broccoli and cover. Steam for about 1 minute until tender-crisp.
- Set the broccoli aside and wipe the pan clean.
- Add the oil into the skillet and heat. Spread the marinated beef in a single layer without stirring. Sear for 30 seconds until browned, then flip and cook for a few more seconds until lightly charred but juicy.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan, stirring quickly until fragrant.
- Return the broccoli to the pan, mixing everything well. Pour the sauce into the skillet and cook until it thickens, about 1 minute.
- Serve the dish hot on a plate.