Chinese Beef and Broccoli (牛肉炒西兰花)
Better than takeout, this homemade beef and broccoli recipe is packed with juicy beef, crisp broccoli, and flavorful Chinese-style sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade
1 lb flank steak, skirt steak, or similar cut
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon peanut oil or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for extra tender beef)
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
2 teaspoons brown sugar or white sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Stir Fry
1 head broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
1 tablespoon peanut oil or vegetable oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Slice the beef against the grain into thin 1/4-inch slices or thin strips.
Transfer to a bowl and add soy sauce, peanut oil, cornstarch, and baking soda if using.
Mix thoroughly by hand until the beef is evenly coated. Let marinate for 10 minutes while preparing the remaining ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine:
Chicken stock
Shaoxing wine
Soy sauce
Dark soy sauce
Sugar
Cornstarch
Whisk until smooth and set aside.
Step 3: Steam the Broccoli
Add 1/4 cup water to a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
Add broccoli florets and cover. Steam for about 1 minute until bright green and just tender.
Transfer broccoli to a plate and carefully wipe out any remaining water from the skillet.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Add oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high heat until hot.
Spread the beef in a single layer and let it sear undisturbed for about 30 seconds until browned underneath.
Flip and cook briefly on the other side. Stir and cook until lightly charred on the outside while still tender inside.
Step 5: Add Aromatics
Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet.
Stir quickly for a few seconds until fragrant.
Step 6: Finish the Stir Fry
Return the broccoli to the pan.
Stir the sauce again to fully dissolve the cornstarch, then pour it into the skillet.
Cook while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
Transfer immediately to a serving plate and serve hot.
Notes
Slicing the beef against the grain keeps it tender.
Baking soda helps create the velvety texture often found in Chinese restaurant stir fries.
Dark soy sauce adds richer color and deeper flavor.
Avoid overcooking the broccoli to maintain its bright color and slight crunch.
Serve with steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal.
