BEST CHINESE BEEF AND BROCCOLI

Craving that classic takeout flavor without the takeout price (or the mystery ingredients)? Imagine tender slices of beef, perfectly coated in a savory sauce, mingling with crisp-tender broccoli florets – it’s the ultimate comfort food. This Chinese Beef And Broccoli recipe is your ticket to a restaurant-quality meal, made right in your own kitchen, and I promise it’s easier than you think!

Ingredients

For the Beef Marinade:

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Broccoli:

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup water

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Serving:

• Cooked white rice, brown rice, or noodles
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Chopped green onions (optional)

Essential Tools You’ll Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Trust me, having the right tools makes a huge difference!

• Large Wok or Skillet: A wok is ideal for high-heat cooking, but a large skillet will also work.
• Cutting Board: For slicing the beef and chopping the broccoli.
• Sharp Knife: A good knife is essential for thin, even slices of beef.
• Mixing Bowls: For marinating the beef and preparing the sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key for the sauce ingredients.

Prepping the Beef: The Secret to Tenderness

Okay, let’s talk beef. Getting that perfectly tender beef is all about the marinade and the slicing technique. Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. This breaks up the muscle fibers, making the beef more tender. Don’t skip the marinating step – it’s crucial for flavor and tenderness!

1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry), sesame oil, ground ginger, and black pepper.
2. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be.

Bring on the Broccoli: Perfectly Cooked Every Time

Nobody wants mushy broccoli! We’re aiming for crisp-tender florets that still have a bit of bite. Here’s how to achieve broccoli perfection:

1. Cut the broccoli into even-sized florets.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until they start to turn bright green.
4. Add 1/4 cup of water to the pan, cover, and steam for 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is crisp-tender. The steaming helps it cook through without becoming soggy.
5. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside.

Crafting the Sauce: Flavor Explosion!

The sauce is where the magic happens! This savory and slightly sweet sauce perfectly complements the beef and broccoli. Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking for a bit of heat.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid lumps in the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions: From Prep to Plate

Alright, let’s put it all together! Follow these steps and you’ll be enjoying delicious Chinese Beef And Broccoli in no time.

1. Cook the Beef: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the wok or skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, or the beef will steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the beef in batches.
2. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir-fry for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the Sauce: Pour the sauce into the pan and bring it to a simmer, stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken quickly.
4. Combine Everything: Add the cooked broccoli to the pan and toss to coat with the sauce.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve the Chinese Beef And Broccoli immediately over cooked white rice, brown rice, or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Beef and Broccoli

Want to take your Beef and Broccoli to the next level? Here are a few extra tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:

• Use High Heat: Stir-frying is all about cooking quickly over high heat. This helps to sear the beef and broccoli, locking in the flavors and creating a nice texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the beef and broccoli to steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar to suit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more brown sugar. If you like it saltier, add more soy sauce.
• Add Other Vegetables: Get creative and add other vegetables to your Beef and Broccoli! Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas would all be delicious additions.

Making it a Meal: Side Dish Suggestions

Beef and Broccoli is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right side dishes. Here are a few of my favorite options:

• Egg Rolls: Crispy and savory egg rolls are a classic Chinese appetizer that pairs perfectly with Beef and Broccoli.
• Wonton Soup: A warm and comforting bowl of wonton soup is the perfect complement to a flavorful stir-fry.
• Spring Rolls: Light and refreshing spring rolls are a great way to start your meal.
• Fried Rice: Can’t go wrong with a classic fried rice as a side dish!

Variations to Spice Things Up

Feel like experimenting? Here are a few variations you can try to put your own spin on this classic dish:

• Spicy Beef and Broccoli: Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, or include a dash of sriracha for an extra kick.
• Garlic Beef and Broccoli: Double or triple the amount of garlic in the recipe for a super garlicky flavor.
• Beef and Broccoli with Noodles: Serve the Beef and Broccoli over your favorite type of noodles, such as lo mein or chow mein.
• Healthier Beef and Broccoli: Use lean beef, reduce the amount of oil, and use a low-sodium soy sauce to make this dish healthier.

Other Beefy Delights to Explore

If you’re a fan of beef dishes, you’re in for a treat! Have you ever tried Salisbury Steak? It’s a comforting classic that’s always a crowd-pleaser. And for a fun twist on a classic, give Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups a try – they’re perfect for parties! Another great option is Baked Ground Beef Tacos – they’re easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Also, if you want to explore other Asian dishes, check out Chicken Lo Mein! Or perhaps try Philly Cheesesteak Pasta for a mashup of flavors!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat them properly:

• Storing: Let the Beef and Broccoli cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the Beef and Broccoli in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as crisp.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Recipe

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for the best Chinese Beef And Broccoli you’ll ever make! With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that your whole family will love. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to impress everyone with your cooking skills!

BEST Chinese Beef and Broccoli

This Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in your own kitchen. Tender beef slices and crisp-tender broccoli florets are coated in a savory sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce for beef marinade
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch for beef marinade
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar or dry sherry) (for beef marinade
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil for beef marinade
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger for beef marinade
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for beef marinade
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup water for steaming broccoli
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce for sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch for sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil for sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger for sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Cooked white rice, brown rice, or noodles, for serving
• Sesame seeds optional
• Chopped green onions optional

Equipment

• Large wok or skillet
• cutting board
• sharp knife
• mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula or Stir-frying Utensil
• Pot or Rice Cooker (for serving with rice)

Method

 

1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry), sesame oil, ground ginger, and black pepper.
2. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Cut the broccoli into even-sized florets.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until they start to turn bright green.
6. Add 1/4 cup of water to the pan, cover, and steam for 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is crisp-tender.
7. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
9. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the wok or skillet over high heat.
10. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked through. Cook in batches if necessary.
11. Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir-fry for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
12. Pour the sauce into the pan and bring it to a simmer, stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken quickly.
13. Add the cooked broccoli to the pan and toss to coat with the sauce.
14. Serve immediately over cooked white rice, brown rice, or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Notes

Use high heat for stir-frying. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Adjust the sauce to your liking by adding more soy sauce, oyster sauce, or brown sugar. Other vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas can be added. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through. For Spicy Beef and Broccoli, add more red pepper flakes or sriracha. For Garlic Beef and Broccoli, double or triple the amount of garlic.