Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

If you’re looking for a restaurant-worthy meal that’s easy to whip up at home, look no further than Chinese Beef and Broccoli. This dish dazzles with tender beef slices, vibrant green broccoli florets, and that unmistakable savory sauce you crave from your favorite takeout spot. Whether you’re cooking for a weekday dinner or impressing friends on the weekend, Chinese Beef and Broccoli brings big bold flavors to your table, and the best part is—you’re in the driver’s seat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chinese Beef and Broccoli lies in its simple yet purposeful ingredients. Each component is chosen for the way it contributes to the dish’s gorgeous texture, rich umami flavor, and irresistible aroma. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to make every bite shine.

• Flank steak: Thinly slice your 1 lb of steak against the grain for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
• Baking soda: Just 1 teaspoon, it gently tenderizes the beef, making it succulent and juicy.
• Shaoxing wine: Adds authentic aroma and depth—1 tablespoon for the marinade, plus another for the sauce.
• Light soy sauce: A tablespoon brings savory flavor to the beef and 2 tablespoons gives the sauce its punch.
• Oyster sauce: Key to lush umami—1 tablespoon in the marinade, 1½ tablespoons in the sauce.
• White pepper: A quarter teaspoon adds subtle warmth to the beef.
• Water: 2 tablespoons help keep the marinade moist and ensure even seasoning.
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon for marinating the beef, plus ½ tablespoon in the sauce, locks in juiciness and creates that glistening finish.
• Dark soy sauce: 2 tablespoons deliver gorgeous color and rich flavor to the stir-fry sauce.
• Granulated sugar: A tablespoon balances all the savory notes with a whisper of sweetness.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Half a cup brings body and lightness to the sauce.
• Broccoli: One pound, cut into bite-sized pieces, for crunch and vibrant color.
• Garlic: Five minced cloves boost that signature aroma as soon as it hits the pan.
• Ginger: Half a tablespoon, minced, for zingy freshness in every bite.
• Toasted sesame oil: A teaspoon adds nutty fragrance just before serving.

How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Place your thinly sliced flank steak in a mixing bowl and add the baking soda, Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, white pepper, water, and cornstarch. Gently massage the marinade into the beef until every piece is coated. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes—this magic window allows the flavors and tenderizing power to work together beautifully for perfect Chinese Beef and Broccoli.

Step 2: Mix the Stir-Fry Sauce

Grab a small bowl and blend together the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, chicken broth, and the remaining cornstarch. Whisk until smooth and set aside. This glossy stir-fry sauce is the heart and soul of your Chinese Beef and Broccoli, delivering each bite its craveable character.

Step 3: Boil the Broccoli

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your broccoli and let it cook for just 1 to 2 minutes. You want the broccoli vibrant and crisp-tender, not mushy. Drain well and set aside—blanching like this locks in that irresistible green color and gentle crunch that makes Chinese Beef and Broccoli pop.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, lay out the marinated beef in a single layer. Sear for about 30 seconds per side, just until browned and fragrant. Don’t overcrowd—work in batches if you need to, for maximum tenderness. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside while you work on the rest.

Step 5: Stir Fry Everything Together

Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan, and when it’s shimmering, drop in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for around 30 seconds, releasing a wave of good smells. Add your blanched broccoli, tossing for a minute to coat in those garlicky aromas. Return the beef to the pan, pour in the stir-fry sauce, and toss everything together for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the sauce thickens and everything is glossy. Finish with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil, combine, and prepare to serve!

How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Garnishes

A shower of freshly diced green onions adds a pop of color and bright freshness to your Chinese Beef and Broccoli. You can also sprinkle on toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch, or even a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of gentle heat. Serve it steaming hot for the most satisfying experience!

Side Dishes

Pile your Chinese Beef and Broccoli onto fluffy steamed white rice or, if you’re feeling adventurous, over brown rice or noodles. For a feast, pair it with simple sides like egg drop soup, cucumber salad, or savory scallion pancakes. Every bite is balanced and comforting—just like your favorite takeout, but made with love.

Creative Ways to Present

Give your presentation a playful twist by serving Chinese Beef and Broccoli in a large platter family-style, or portion it into individual bowls for everyone at your table. You can even tuck the saucy beef and broccoli into lettuce wraps for a fresh, hand-held appetizer. No matter the setting, it’s always a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (lucky you!), let the Chinese Beef and Broccoli cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days—the flavors actually deepen, making the next-day meal extra delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze Chinese Beef and Broccoli for meal prep or future cravings. Place the cooled stir-fry in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible, and store for up to two months. For best results, freeze the rice separately so each element keeps its ideal texture.

Reheating

To reheat, you can gently warm the Chinese Beef and Broccoli in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to trap the steam and keep everything tender. Stir midway to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Chinese Beef and Broccoli?

Absolutely! While flank steak is the classic choice for its tenderness, you can substitute with sirloin, skirt steak, or even ribeye. Just remember to slice thinly and against the grain to guarantee tender, juicy results.

Do I have to use Shaoxing wine?

Shaoxing wine adds a distinctive depth, but if you can’t find it, dry sherry or even mirin can be used in a pinch. You can also omit it entirely, though your Chinese Beef and Broccoli will have a slightly different but still delicious flavor.

What’s the best way to get crisp broccoli every time?

Blanching the broccoli quickly in boiling salted water, then draining immediately, ensures you lock in both the color and the crunch. Don’t overcook it—1 to 2 minutes is just right for that perfect fresh bite.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the beef for extra-firm tofu, tempeh, or even seitan for a vegetarian twist on Chinese Beef and Broccoli. Use vegetarian oyster sauce and vegetable broth to keep the flavors authentic and crave-worthy.

Is Chinese Beef and Broccoli gluten-free?

It can be! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari), a gluten-free oyster sauce, and double-check your broth. It’s an easy and flavorful option for anyone looking to avoid gluten in their meals.

Final Thoughts

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is one of those genuine joys of home cooking—a little slicing, a quick sauté, and suddenly you’ve got a comforting, flavor-packed classic ready to share. Treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this irresistible favorite, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to dinner in no time!

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