Looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy dinner that the whole family will love? Look no further! This Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s packed with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a great option for those looking for healthy dinner recipes that are both flavorful and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep
- Healthy and flavorful, with a balance of protein and vegetables
- Customizable to suit your taste preferences
- Great for families or singles alike
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe. Don’t worry, the full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
For the beef:
- 1 lb boneless flank steak (or skirt steak)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional)
For the sauce:
- 1/2 cup chicken stock (or beef stock)
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar (or white sugar)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the broccoli:
- 1 head broccoli, cut into bite-size florets
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s walk through the steps to make this Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe. It’s easier than you think, and the result is well worth the effort!
Step 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 well by hand until all the slices are coated with a thin layer of sauce. Marinate for 10 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Combine all the ingredients for the sauce in a medium-sized bowl. Mix well and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Add 1/4 cup water into a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until the water begins to boil. Add the broccoli and cover. Steam until the broccoli just turns tender and the water evaporates, about 1 minute. Transfer broccoli to a plate. Wipe the pan with a paper towel held in a pair of tongs if there’s any water left.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
Add the oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Heat over medium-high heat until hot. Spread the steak in a single layer. Allow to cook without touching for 30 seconds, or until the bottom side is browned. Flip to cook the other side for a few seconds. Stir and cook until the surface is lightly charred and the inside is still pink.
Step 5: Combine Beef and Broccoli
Add the garlic and ginger. Stir a few times to release the flavor and fragrance. Return the broccoli to the pan. Stir the sauce again to dissolve the cornstarch completely and pour it into the skillet. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Transfer everything to a plate immediately. Serve hot as a main dish.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use the right cut of beef: Flank steak or skirt steak works best for this recipe. If you can’t find either, you can also use other cuts, but make sure to slice them thinly.
- Don’t overcook the beef: The beef should be cooked just until it’s lightly charred on the outside and still pink inside. Overcooking will make it tough.
- Steam the broccoli: Steaming the broccoli before stir-frying helps retain its color and texture. It also ensures it’s tender without being mushy.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger make a big difference in the flavor. Don’t skip them if you can help it.
- Stir the sauce before adding: Cornstarch can settle at the bottom of the bowl, so make sure to stir the sauce well before adding it to the pan.
How to Serve
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a versatile dish that can be served in several ways:
- As a main dish: Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a filling meal.
- As a side dish: If you’re preparing a multi-course meal, this can be one of the main dishes.
- With other veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to make it even more colorful and nutritious.
Make Ahead and Storage
While this recipe is best made fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time:
- Marinate the beef: You can marinate the beef up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it refrigerated until ready to cook.
- Prepare the sauce: The sauce can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Store leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat until warmed through.
There you have it! A quick, easy, and delicious Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave a flavorful meal. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Chinese Beef and Broccoli (牛肉炒西兰花)
Ingredients
Method
- Slice beef into thin strips and marinate in soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch for 10 minutes.
- Steam broccoli until tender, then set aside.
- Cook beef in a hot pan until browned, then set aside.
- Add garlic and ginger, then return broccoli and beef to the pan.
- Stir in sauce and cook until thickened. Serve immediately.