Description
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick, flavorful, and comforting Asian dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Tender slices of beef are paired with crisp broccoli florets and tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that balances umami and freshness. Ready in under 30 minutes, it uses simple, common ingredients and offers a satisfying, family-friendly meal that can be customized easily to fit dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Marinate briefly with soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, and cornstarch to lock in juices and create a silky texture during cooking.
- Blanch the Broccoli: Quickly blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to ice water. This step preserves their bright color and ensures they stay crisp but tender.
- Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Add the beef in batches and sear quickly, just until it’s browned but not overcooked. Remove and set aside to keep it juicy.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add a touch more oil and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Then add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, and a little sugar, stirring to combine and create a flavorful sauce base.
- Combine and Finish: Return the beef and broccoli to the pan. Stir everything together, letting the sauce thicken slightly with the help of a cornstarch slurry. Cook just until everything is heated through and coated with the glossy sauce.
Notes
- Slice beef thinly to ensure tenderness and quick cooking.
- Use high heat when stir-frying to keep vegetables crisp and beef juicy.
- Do not skip marinating the beef for enhanced flavor and tender texture.
- Blanch broccoli to maintain its bright green color and crunch.
- Add cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken the sauce without making it gloopy.
- Optional garnishes: toasted sesame seeds or finely sliced green onions for a fresh finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Chinese beef and broccoli, Asian stir fry, quick Chinese dinner, beef stir fry, broccoli recipe, weeknight meal
