Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a tasty dish that brings tender beef and crisp broccoli together in a savory soy sauce. It’s simple to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Who could resist that combination? I often load my plate with extra broccoli because it’s just that good. 😄 Plus, it’s quick to whip up—just stir-fry, and dinner is ready!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Sirloin or flank steak is best for this dish because they are tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian choice.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add a nice crunch and color. In a pinch, you can use frozen broccoli, just be sure to thaw and drain it well first.
Vegetable Oil: While vegetable oil works perfectly, you could use sesame oil for a richer flavor. Just note it has a lower smoke point, so cook at a slightly lower heat.
Sauces: Soy sauce and oyster sauce give this dish its deep umami flavor. If you’re avoiding shellfish or want a gluten-free version, try using tamari instead of soy sauce and hoisin sauce instead of oyster sauce.
How Do I Get Tender, Flavorful Beef?
The key to tender beef is the marination process. By mixing your sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch, you’re essentially creating a tenderizing coating. You only need to let it sit for 15-20 minutes, which enhances flavor and helps create a nice texture.
- Slice the beef thinly and against the grain; this breaks up muscle fibers and keeps it tender.
- Combine beef with soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. Let it marinate while you prepare the rest of your ingredients.
And when stir-frying, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This helps achieve that lovely brown sear without steaming the meat.
Simple Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for sauce)
For the Broccoli and Flavor:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked rice (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at approximately 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
Start by placing the sliced beef into a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix everything together until the beef is well coated. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes while you gather your other ingredients.
2. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Next, toss in the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing them for about 30 seconds until they smell wonderful and fragrant.
4. Add Broccoli:
Now, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. This helps to keep them crunchy and yummy!
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the broccoli. In a small bowl, mix the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and beef broth (or water) together. Pour this sauce over the beef and broccoli mix.
6. Simmer and Adjust:
Stir everything well to combine and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the beef and broccoli. If needed, add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your steaming hot beef and broccoli over a fluffy bed of cooked rice. Enjoy your homemade Chinese classic!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak are recommended for their tenderness, you can also use cuts like ribeye or skirt steak. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if using a thicker cut to ensure it cooks through without becoming tough.
What if I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a touch of sugar for sweetness. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little water or beef broth to prevent drying out.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works fine! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the skillet. You may need to decrease the cooking time slightly since frozen broccoli is often blanched prior to freezing.
