Name: Delicious Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb flank or skirt steak, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon peanut or vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; ½ teaspoon baking soda (*optional for tenderizing tough cuts); ½ cup chicken or beef stock; 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (*optional); 2 teaspoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 head broccoli, cut into florets; 1 tablespoon peanut or vegetable oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced

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If you love takeout, you’re going to adore making this Chinese Beef and Broccoli right in your own kitchen! Imagine tender strips of beef, perfectly seared to a delicious caramelized crust, and combined with crisp broccoli florets. All of this is enveloped in a rich and savory sauce that is downright irresistible. The best part? This recipe brings the classic flavors of a popular Chinese restaurant dish straight to your dinner table in a quick, easy, and rewarding process. Perfectly paired with steaming hot rice, this beef and broccoli dish will become a weeknight favorite for your family.

This easy one-pan recipe for Chinese Beef and Broccoli not only satisfies your cravings for Asian cuisine but does so with convenience in mind. One pan means less cleanup, and the speed at which you can whip this together makes it a champion in weeknight meals. With simple ingredients like flank steak, vegetables, and a few pantry staples, you’ll find that making a decadent meal at home doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. Whether you are a novice in the kitchen or an experienced home cook, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Flavor-Packed: The combination of beef, broccoli, and a savory sauce creates a delightful flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
Speed and Simplicity: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and relax after a long day.
Customizable: Easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste, such as adding more veggies or adjusting the spice level.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to have a well-prepared kitchen. Start by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure your beef is thinly sliced; you can ask your butcher for help or freeze the meat for a bit to make slicing easier. This recipe requires minimal tools, but it’s best to have a sturdy skillet or wok that can handle high heat as you sear the beef and sauté the veggies.

Additionally, you will need a couple of mixing bowls—one for the beef marinade and another to prepare the sauce. A sharp knife and cutting board will simplify your prep work, allowing you to mince garlic and ginger with ease. Finally, keep a spatula or wooden spoon handy to stir and combine your ingredients seamlessly!

Ingredients

1 lb flank or skirt steak, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon peanut or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon baking soda (*optional for tenderizing tough cuts)
½ cup chicken or beef stock
2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (*optional)
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 head broccoli, cut into florets
1 tablespoon peanut or vegetable oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Begin by preparing your beef. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch. You can also add baking soda at this stage if you have chosen to tenderize the meat further. Allow this mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it not only flavors the beef but also helps to achieve that coveted tender texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

While the beef marinates, you can prepare the sauce that will bring everything together. In a separate bowl, mix the chicken or beef stock, Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), soy sauces, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk them together until combined and smooth. This flavorful sauce is the key to making your dish taste authentic and restaurant-quality.

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

Now it’s time to give your broccoli a quick steam. Pour about ¼ cup of water into your skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a gentle boil, add the broccoli florets, covering the pan with a lid. Steam the broccoli for roughly 1 minute, then remove it from the skillet and set it aside. This quick steaming will help maintain its bright green color and delightful crunch.

Step 4: Sear the Beef

With your ingredients prepped, it’s time to sear the beef. In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of peanut oil and allow it to heat over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 30 seconds until browned, then flip the beef and give it a brief cook time until the other side is browned as well. This technique locks in the flavors while ensuring that the beef remains tender and juicy.

Step 5: Add Aromatics

After the beef is beautifully seared, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. These aromatics should be sautéed for just a minute, stirring continuously until they become fragrant. The aroma will fill your kitchen, setting the stage for the delicious dish you are about to create.

Step 6: Combine Everything

It’s time to bring all the components together! Add the steamed broccoli back into the skillet, then stir the prepared sauce to ensure everything is combined. Pour it over the beef and broccoli, stirring well to coat. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute, letting the sauce thicken slightly while coating the beef and broccoli with a luscious finish. Serve hot over a bed of fluffy rice for the perfect weeknight meal!

Variations

Protein: Swap the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for a more colorful stir-fry.
Spices: For some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or Szechuan peppercorns to elevate the flavors.

Cooking Notes

Always slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer after adding it to the skillet.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the beef and broccoli over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a traditional touch.
To make it low-carb, consider serving it over cauliflower rice or a bed of sautéed greens.

Tips

Prep all your ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process.
For an added depth of flavor, marinate the beef for longer if you have time—up to 1 hour in the refrigerator works wonders.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
Protein: 32 grams
Sodium: 800 mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

While fresh broccoli is preferred for texture, frozen broccoli can be used. Just ensure to steam it until heated through rather than overcooked.

Is it okay to use different cuts of beef?

Yes, cuts like sirloin or ribeye can also work, but they may have different textures and cooking times.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can marinate the beef ahead and keep the ingredients ready to cook. It’s best cooked fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

What can I serve with Chinese Beef and Broccoli?

This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or can be enjoyed on its own for a low-carb option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe combines the ease of one-pan cooking with flavors that transport you to your favorite takeout spot. It’s a perfect balance of savory sauce, tender beef, and vibrant vegetables, making it a dish that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to prepare. Take a moment to relish the rewards of home-cooked meals by giving this recipe a try. Feel free to share your thoughts or any variations you made in the comments below!