Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry because it’s easy to prepare, cooks quickly, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. The thinly sliced beef is tender and coated in a flavorful marinade, while the broccoli is steamed to just the right crisp-tender texture. Combined with a savory sauce that thickens perfectly, this dish comes together in minutes and is great served over steamed rice or noodles.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds beef (ribeye or sirloin), sliced against the grain into 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick slices or 1-cm (1/2 inch) sticks
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 cup sauce ingredients (typically soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, water – combine as preferred)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup water (for steaming broccoli)

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

Directions

1. Marinate the Beef: 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. Add soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch. Gently mix by hand until all slices are coated with a thin layer of sauce. Marinate for 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
2. Prepare Sauce: Combine all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well.
3. Steam Broccoli: Add 1/4 cup water to a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When the water boils, add broccoli and cover. Steam until broccoli is just tender and water evaporates, about 1 minute. Transfer broccoli to a plate and wipe the pan dry with a paper towel.
4. Cook Beef: Add vegetable oil to the skillet and swirl to coat. Heat over medium-high until hot. Spread the beef in a single layer and cook without stirring for 30 seconds or until the bottom side browns. Flip and cook the other side for a few seconds. Stir and cook until lightly charred on the surface but still pink inside.
5. Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Stir a few times to release fragrance.
6. Combine and Thicken Sauce: Return broccoli to the skillet. Stir the sauce again to fully dissolve cornstarch, then pour it into the pan. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
7. Serve: Transfer everything to a plate and serve hot as a main dish.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Vegetables: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added crunch and color.
• Sauce Flavor: Include a splash of hoisin sauce or oyster sauce for deeper flavor.
• Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes or sliced chili for a spicy kick.
• Protein Options: Substitute beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for variety.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as broccoli texture may degrade.

FAQs

Can I use a different oil instead of peanut oil?

Yes, vegetable oil, canola oil, or sesame oil are good alternatives.

What cut of beef works best?

Ribeye or sirloin are preferred for tenderness, sliced thinly against the grain.

How do I slice the beef thinly?

Freeze the beef for 20-30 minutes beforehand to make slicing easier.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Fresh broccoli is best, but you can use frozen; just reduce steaming time accordingly.

How long should I marinate the beef?

At least 10 minutes; marinating longer enhances flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and check other sauce ingredients for gluten.

How do I prevent the beef from overcooking?

Cook over medium-high heat quickly, and avoid stirring too much while searing.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, add vegetables during cooking as desired, but adjust timing to keep them crisp.

Is cornstarch necessary?

It helps thicken the sauce and coats the beef for a nice texture.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can marinate the beef ahead, but best to cook and serve fresh for optimal texture.

Conclusion

This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal that combines tender beef and crisp broccoli in a rich, savory sauce. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s an ideal choice for busy nights when you want a homemade dinner that satisfies. The balance of textures and bold flavors will make this recipe a regular favorite in your kitchen.

Print