Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade Chinese Beef and Broccoli is not only packed with delicious flavors but also healthier than takeout. The marinade helps tenderize the beef, and the stir-fry technique keeps the broccoli crisp-tender. The sauce is rich, with the perfect balance of savory soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. The addition of fresh garlic and ginger brings a delightful fragrance to the dish, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what you have in your pantry!

Ingredients

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

Meat and Marinade

• 1 lb boneless flank steak, skirt steak, or other cut (*see footnote 1)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (Optional) (*see footnote 1)

Sauce

• ½ cup chicken stock (or beef stock)
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (*footnote 2)
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar (or white sugar)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Stir-fry

• 1 head broccoli, cut into bite-size florets
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil) (*Footnote 3)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons ginger, minced

Directions

1. Prepare the Meat and Marinade:
   • Slice the beef thinly against the grain into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, peanut oil, cornstarch, and baking soda (if using). Add the sliced beef and toss to coat. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, marinate it for up to 30 minutes for extra tenderness.
2. Make the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken stock (or beef stock), Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
3. Stir-fry the Broccoli:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and become tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside.
4. Cook the Beef:
   • In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of peanut oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the beef, as it will become tough.
5. Combine Everything:
   • Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet with the beef, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, return the cooked broccoli to the skillet.
   • Pour the prepared sauce into the pan, tossing everything to coat. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become glossy.
6. Serve:
   • Once everything is well-coated and heated through, serve the Chinese Beef and Broccoli hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 15-20 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish. You may want to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before frying it.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas to the stir-fry for extra color and texture.
• Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or a bit of Sriracha to the sauce for some heat.
• Rice Substitutes: For a low-carb version, serve this dish over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Chinese Beef and Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef, such as sirloin or ribeye. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for the best texture.

2. What is the purpose of baking soda in the marinade?

Baking soda helps tenderize the beef by breaking down the proteins, making it more tender when stir-fried. It’s optional but can improve the texture of the meat.

3. Can I make this dish without Shaoxing wine?

Shaoxing wine is a traditional Chinese cooking wine that adds depth to the flavor of the dish, but you can substitute it with dry sherry or white wine.

4. How do I prevent the beef from getting tough?

To avoid tough beef, make sure to slice the beef thinly and against the grain. Marinating the beef with cornstarch and oil also helps create a tender texture.

5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a quick stir before using it.

6. Can I make this dish without cornstarch?

Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce, but you can substitute it with arrowroot powder or omit it for a thinner sauce. Just be aware that the sauce may not be as thick.

7. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

While fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen broccoli if necessary. Just be sure to cook it until it’s heated through, and avoid overcooking.

8. Can I add other sauces to the stir-fry?

Yes, you can experiment with adding hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, or a little bit of fish sauce for additional layers of flavor.

9. Is this dish spicy?

No, this dish is not spicy by default. However, you can add chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh chilies to the stir-fry if you want to spice things up.

10. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content of the dish. You may want to adjust the amount of soy sauce used to achieve your desired flavor.

Conclusion

This Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe is a delicious, quick, and healthier alternative to takeout. With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a flavorful sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy your craving for Chinese stir-fry. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to make, customizable, and always a hit!

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