Chinese Beef and Broccoli
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe brings the flavors of your favorite take-out right to your kitchen. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With tender beef and crisp broccoli enveloped in a savory brown sauce, this dish is not only delicious but also healthier than most restaurant options. Serve it over steaming rice for an authentic experience that will impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be made in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Sauce: The rich brown sauce elevates the beef and broccoli, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Healthy Option: With fresh ingredients and lean protein, you can enjoy this meal guilt-free.
- Customizable: Feel free to add other vegetables or adjust the seasoning based on your preferences.
- Gluten-Free Adaptable: Easily make this dish gluten-free by substituting soy sauce with tamari.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Chinese Beef and Broccoli, having the right tools makes all the difference. Below are essential items you will need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet: Ensures even cooking without sticking, making cleanup easier.
- Sharp knife: Aids in quickly cutting the beef into uniform slices, which cooks evenly.
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious Chinese Beef and Broccoli, gather the following ingredients:
For the Beef Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak, skirt steak, or other cut (see footnote 1)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (Optional) (see footnote 1)
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 ((footnote 2))
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar (or white sugar)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Stir-Fry
- 1 head broccoli, cut to bite-size florets
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil) ((Footnote 3))
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli
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 until all slices are coated with a thin layer of sauce.
- Marinate for 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine all ingredients for the sauce.
- Mix well to ensure even consistency.
Step 3: Steam the Broccoli
- Add 1/4 cup water into a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until boiling.
- Add broccoli and cover to steam until tender, about 1 minute.
- Transfer broccoli to a plate once cooked; wipe out any remaining water from the pan.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
- Add peanut oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high until hot.
- Spread steak in a single layer; cook without touching for about 30 seconds until browned on one side.
- Flip and cook briefly until lightly charred but still pink inside.
Step 5: Add Aromatics
- Stir in minced garlic and ginger; cook for a few seconds to release their flavors.
Step 6: Combine Everything
- Return steamed broccoli to the pan.
- Stir sauce again to dissolve cornstarch completely before pouring it into the skillet.
- Cook while stirring until sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
- Transfer everything to a plate immediately and serve hot as a main dish.
Enjoy this delightful homemade version of Chinese Beef and Broccoli!
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Chinese Beef and Broccoli is not just a delightful dish; it’s versatile too. You can serve it in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.
Over Steamed Rice
- Serve the beef and broccoli over fluffy steamed rice for a classic combination. The rice absorbs the rich sauce, making every bite delicious.
With Noodles
- Pair it with stir-fried noodles for a heartier meal. Use egg noodles or rice noodles to complement the flavors of the dish.
In Lettuce Wraps
- For a lighter option, serve the beef and broccoli in crisp lettuce leaves. This adds a refreshing crunch and makes a great appetizer or snack.
As Part of a Chinese Feast
- Include this dish in a larger spread of Chinese favorites like dumplings, spring rolls, and fried rice for an authentic banquet experience.
With Extra Sauce on the Side
- Offer additional sauce on the side for those who love extra flavor. This allows guests to customize their plates according to their taste preferences.
Garnish with Sesame Seeds
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving. This adds texture and enhances the visual appeal of your plate.
How to Perfect Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Achieving the perfect Chinese Beef and Broccoli requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Cut meat correctly: Slice the beef against the grain for tender pieces that melt in your mouth.
- Marinate effectively: Allowing the meat to marinate helps infuse flavor and tenderize it further.
- Use high heat: Cooking on high heat gives the beef a nice sear while keeping it juicy inside.
- Don’t overcook broccoli: Steam just until tender-crisp for maximum color and nutrients.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust soy sauce levels based on personal preference for saltiness.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your dish right after cooking for the best texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Serving side dishes alongside your Chinese Beef and Broccoli can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options that pair wonderfully with this dish.
-
Fried Rice
A colorful mix of vegetables, eggs, and rice stir-fried together provides a filling complement. -
Egg Rolls
Crispy egg rolls filled with veggies or meat add crunchiness that balances the tender beef and broccoli. -
Steamed Dumplings
These soft dumplings filled with pork or vegetables are perfect for dipping in soy sauce or chili oil. -
Hot and Sour Soup
A bowl of this flavorful soup offers contrasting flavors that excite your palate before the main course. -
Chow Mein
Stir-fried noodles tossed with vegetables create another delicious layer of texture to enjoy alongside your main dish. -
Cucumber Salad
A refreshing cucumber salad dressed with vinegar adds a cool crunch that complements the richness of beef and broccoli. -
Chinese Pickles
These tangy pickled vegetables provide a nice contrast to the savory flavors of your main dish. -
Miso Soup
Light miso soup serves as a gentle starter that won’t overwhelm before diving into the hearty beef stir-fry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chinese Beef and Broccoli, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Overcooking the Broccoli: This can lead to mushy texture. Steam only until just tender, about one minute.
- Using the Wrong Cut of Beef: Choosing a tougher cut can result in chewy meat. Opt for flank or skirt steak for tenderness.
- Not Marinating Long Enough: A short marination time can mean less flavor. Aim for at least 10 minutes to allow the beef to absorb the marinade.
- Skipping the Sauce Mixing Step: Failing to mix the sauce well can lead to uneven flavor. Always stir until all ingredients are fully combined before adding it to the pan.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold ingredients can lower the cooking temperature. Ensure your beef is at room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Chinese Beef and Broccoli
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Chinese Beef and Broccoli
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Chinese Beef and Broccoli that might help you.
How do I make my Chinese Beef and Broccoli sauce thicker?
To achieve a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch or let it simmer longer until it reduces.
Can I use frozen broccoli with this recipe?
Yes, but fresh broccoli provides better texture. If using frozen, reduce steaming time as it’s already partially cooked.
What is the best way to slice beef for Chinese Beef and Broccoli?
Slice against the grain into thin strips; this helps keep the meat tender.
Can I make this dish without soy sauce?
Yes! You can substitute tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option without losing flavor.
Is Chinese Beef and Broccoli healthy?
Absolutely! It’s packed with protein from beef and nutrients from broccoli, making it a balanced meal choice.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Beef and Broccoli is not only delicious but also simple to prepare at home. Its vibrant colors and rich flavors make it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Plus, you can customize it with additional vegetables or sauces based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Chinese Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the delightful flavors of Chinese Beef and Broccoli, a quick and healthy alternative to your favorite takeout. This savory dish features tender beef marinated to perfection, paired with crisp broccoli all enveloped in a rich brown sauce. In just 30 minutes, you can create a satisfying weeknight dinner that will impress your family and friends. Serve it over fluffy rice or alongside noodles for a complete meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. With the option to customize ingredients based on personal preference, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak
- 1 head broccoli
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- Soy sauce
- Peanut oil
- Garlic cloves
- Ginger
- Brown sugar
Instructions
- Marinate sliced flank steak with soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch for 10 minutes.
- Combine sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- Steam broccoli in a skillet until tender and set aside.
- Heat peanut oil in the skillet; cook beef until browned.
- Add garlic and ginger, then return broccoli to the pan.
- Pour in the sauce; stir until thickened. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
