Name: Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak (or skirt steak); 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional); 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; 1 head broccoli (cut into bite-size florets); 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil); 3 garlic cloves (minced); 2 teaspoons ginger (minced)

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chinese beef and broccoli cozy blend of beef 1 edited — Chinese Beef and Broccoli 9

Why Make This Recipe

Welcome to a cozy blend of beef and greens that will have your tastebuds doing a little dance! Chinese Beef and Broccoli is not just a meal; it’s a tradition that brings families together. With its savory flavors and tender textures, this dish beautifully showcases the comforting power of home-cooked meals. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings. Plus, with easy-to-find ingredients, it’s a wonderful way to make a memorable meal, reminding us all of the joy that comes from sharing good food.

How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Ingredients:

1 lb flank steak (skirt steak or another cut *see footnote 1)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking soda (Optional; *see footnote 1)
1/2 cup chicken stock (or beef stock)
2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (*see footnote 2)
2 teaspoons brown sugar (or white sugar)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 head broccoli (cut into bite-size florets)
1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil; *see footnote 3)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
2 teaspoons ginger (minced)

Directions:

Slice the beef against the grain into thin slices, about 0.5 cm thick. Place it in a bowl.
Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, peanut oil, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the beef. Mix by hand until each piece is coated. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients for the sauce and mix well.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with 1/4 cup of water until it starts boiling. Add the broccoli and cover it to steam for about 1 minute until tender. Transfer the broccoli to a plate. If there’s any water left in the pan, wipe it out with a paper towel.
Add the oil to the pan and swirl it around. Heat until hot, then spread the steak in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 30 seconds, letting it brown on one side. Flip and cook for a few more seconds until it’s lightly charred but still pink inside.
Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring a few times to release their fragrant flavors.
Return the broccoli to the skillet. Give the sauce a final stir and pour it into the pan. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Immediately transfer everything to a plate and serve hot.

How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Serve this dish hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce. You can also garnish it with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for that extra touch! It’s a lovely centerpiece for a family dinner or a comforting meal for one.

How to Store Chinese Beef and Broccoli

If you have leftovers (which I doubt!), allow the dish to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Slice the beef against the grain for tender bites.
Marinating the beef helps to enhance its flavor and tenderness.
For more crunch, consider adding bell peppers or snow peas to the broccoli.
Adjust the sweetness of the sauce according to your taste by varying the amount of sugar.

chinese beef and broccoli cozy blend of beef 1 — Chinese Beef and Broccoli 10

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a splash of oyster sauce or some red pepper flakes for a kick! You can also swap out the broccoli for other vegetables like bok choy or asparagus.

FAQs

What can I use instead of flank steak for Chinese Beef and Broccoli?

You can substitute flank steak with skirt steak or even sirloin. Each cut has its own flavor and tenderness. Just make sure to slice it thinly for the best results.

Can I make Chinese Beef and Broccoli ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, and then quickly stir-fry them together with the broccoli when you’re ready to eat!

Is Chinese Beef and Broccoli gluten-free?

Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, but you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this dish gluten-free. Always check labels to ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños when cooking the garlic and ginger for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level to your liking for a flavorful twist!

Conclusion

Generously seasoned and beautifully balanced, Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. It’s a wonderful reminder of how food can connect us, much like the stories we share around our kitchen tables. I invite you to make this dish and savor each bite as you create your own memories. Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest and Medium for more home-cooked goodies and culinary inspiration!