Description
This delicious Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe features tender slices of marinated flank steak stir-fried with crisp broccoli florets in a savory, slightly sweet soy-based sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this classic dish balances bold flavors with a satisfying texture, perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak, skirt steak, or other cut
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (Optional)
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
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 head broccoli, cut to bite-size florets
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
Instructions
- Prepare 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 the slices to a small bowl. Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon peanut oil, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and optional baking soda. Gently mix by hand until all slices are thinly coated. Let marinate for 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine chicken stock, Shaoxing wine, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Stir well to ensure cornstarch dissolves completely.
- Steam the Broccoli: Pour 1/4 cup water into a large nonstick skillet and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and cover the pan. Steam until broccoli is just tender and water has evaporated, approximately 1 minute. Transfer broccoli to a plate and wipe the pan dry with a paper towel.
- Cook the Beef: Add 1 tablespoon peanut oil to the skillet and swirl to coat the bottom. Heat over medium-high until hot. Spread marinated beef in a single layer. Let cook without stirring for 30 seconds until the bottom is browned. Flip slices and cook for a few seconds on the other side. Stir and cook until the beef is lightly charred but still pink inside.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and ginger. Cook and stir briefly to release their flavors and fragrance.
- Combine and Thicken: Return broccoli to the skillet with the beef. Stir the prepared sauce again to mix any settled cornstarch, then pour it into the pan. Cook and stir for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli evenly.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving plate immediately and serve hot as a satisfying main dish.
Notes
- Cutting the beef across the grain ensures tenderness.
- Baking soda is optional but helps tenderize the beef further.
- ShaoXing wine adds authentic flavor but can be substituted with dry sherry.
- Use peanut oil or vegetable oil for best flavor and high-heat cooking ability.
- Steaming broccoli briefly helps preserve its bright green color and crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese