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Chinese Beef and Broccoli

A comforting dish featuring tender marinated beef and vibrant broccoli, quickly stir-fried with aromatic garlic and ginger.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Marinade
  • 1 lb flank steak, skirt steak, or other cut 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 (optional) It tenderizes the meat for extra juiciness.
For the Sauce
  • 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 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 Needed again for the sauce!
For the Stir-Fry
  • 1 head broccoli, cut to bite-size florets Fresh broccoli adds a crunchy, vibrant touch.
  • 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil) Essential for sautéing!
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced The aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth!
  • 2 teaspoons ginger, minced Adds an unmistakable zing!

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice the beef against the grain into 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick slices or 1-cm (1/2 inch) sticks.
  2. 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.
Sauce Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and whisk well.
Cooking
  1. 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.
  2. Set the broccoli aside and wipe the pan clean.
  3. 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.
  4. Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan, stirring quickly until fragrant.
  5. Return the broccoli to the pan, mixing everything well. Pour the sauce into the skillet and cook until it thickens, about 1 minute.
  6. Serve the dish hot on a plate.

Notes

Keep the beef sliced against the grain for tenderness. Marinate ahead for more flavor. Adjust steaming for broccoli to maintain crunch.