CHINESE BEEF AND BROCCOLI BEST

I’ll always remember the first time I attempted Chinese Beef And Broccoli; it was a weeknight, I was feeling ambitious, and the aroma of soy sauce and ginger filled my tiny apartment, creating a cozy haven against the city’s noise. Although the initial results were… less than stellar (slightly burnt broccoli and chewy beef, anyone?), the determination to master this classic dish ignited a culinary passion that I’m so excited to share with you today. Together, we’ll create a truly delicious version of Chinese Beef And Broccoli that tastes better than takeout, I promise!

Let’s Make the Best Chinese Beef And Broccoli!

Okay, friend, let’s dive into crafting the absolute best Chinese Beef And Broccoli you’ve ever tasted. This isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about understanding the techniques, mastering the flavors, and creating a dish that brings joy to your table. We’ll break it down step-by-step, covering everything from selecting the right ingredients to achieving that perfect, glossy sauce. Get ready to impress yourself (and anyone else who gets a taste!).

What Makes This Recipe So Special?

There are countless Chinese Beef And Broccoli recipes out there, so what makes this one stand out? It’s all about the details! We focus on:

• Tenderizing the Beef: We’ll use a simple yet effective method to ensure your beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Perfectly Cooked Broccoli: No more soggy broccoli! We’ll show you how to achieve that vibrant green color and slightly crisp texture.
• A Balanced Sauce: The sauce is the soul of this dish. We’ll create a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and umami flavors that will leave you wanting more.
• Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Beef:

• 1 pound flank steak or sirloin steak: Flank steak is ideal because it’s flavorful and relatively affordable. Sirloin is a good alternative.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: This helps to tenderize the beef and thicken the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor. If you don’t have any on hand you can substitute with water.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A little sesame oil goes a long way in adding a nutty aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is always best!

For the Broccoli:

• 1 large head of broccoli: Look for broccoli with firm, tightly closed florets and a vibrant green color.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For stir-frying.
• 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a pungent aroma and flavor.
• 1/4 cup water: Helps to steam the broccoli.

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup beef broth: Use low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce: Again, low-sodium is recommended.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to thicken the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional): Adds a rich, umami flavor. If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute with an extra tablespoon of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: To thicken the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Enhances the nutty aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Complements the ginger used for the beef.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat.

Equipment You’ll Need:

• Cutting board: For prepping your ingredients.
• Sharp knife: A good knife makes all the difference.
• Large bowl: For marinating the beef.
• Wok or large skillet: A wok is ideal for stir-frying, but a large skillet will work just fine.
• Small bowl: For mixing the sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s get cooking! Here’s a detailed guide to making perfect Chinese Beef And Broccoli:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

This is arguably the most important step in achieving tender, flavorful beef. Here’s how to do it:

1. Slice the beef: Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the flank steak against the grain. This will help to break down the muscle fibers and make the beef more tender. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Marinate the beef: In a large bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine (or dry sherry), sesame oil, ground ginger, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated.
3. Let it marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer the beef marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

Nobody wants mushy broccoli! Follow these steps for perfectly cooked broccoli:

1. Cut the broccoli: Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. You can also peel and slice the stalk into smaller pieces.
2. Blanch the broccoli (optional): For extra-tender broccoli, you can blanch it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This will also help to preserve its vibrant green color. If you skip this step, ensure the broccoli cooks a little longer in the pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

The sauce is what brings everything together. Here’s how to make it:

1. Whisk the ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid lumps in the sauce.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef and Broccoli

Now for the fun part! This is where the magic happens:

1. Heat the wok or skillet: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
2. Stir-fry the beef: Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef to the wok or skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
3. Stir-fry the broccoli and garlic: Add the broccoli florets and minced garlic to the wok or skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is slightly tender-crisp. Add 1/4 cup of water to the wok and cover it with a lid. Steam the broccoli for another 2-3 minutes, or until it’s tender but still has a slight bite.
4. Combine everything: Pour the sauce over the broccoli and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Add the cooked beef back to the wok and stir to combine.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Your delicious Chinese Beef And Broccoli is ready to serve! Here are some serving suggestions:

• Serve over rice: White rice, brown rice, or fried rice are all great options.
• Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and visual appeal.
• Add some heat: Serve with a side of chili oil or sriracha for those who like a bit of spice.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Results

Want to take your Chinese Beef And Broccoli to the next level? Here are some helpful tips and tricks:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Stir-frying works best when the ingredients have enough room to cook evenly. If you’re using a smaller wok or skillet, cook the beef and broccoli in batches.
• Use high heat: High heat is essential for achieving that signature stir-fry flavor. Make sure your wok or skillet is nice and hot before adding the ingredients.
• Adjust the sauce to your liking: Taste the sauce before adding it to the wok and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more brown sugar for a sweeter sauce, more soy sauce for a saltier sauce, or more red pepper flakes for a spicier sauce.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will always deliver the best flavor.
• Prep everything in advance: Stir-frying is a fast-paced cooking method, so it’s important to have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This will help to ensure that everything cooks evenly and doesn’t burn.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to customize your Chinese Beef And Broccoli? Here are some ideas:

• Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the stir-fry, such as bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms.
• Use different protein: If you’re not a fan of beef, you can substitute it with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the beef and use tofu or tempeh instead. Be sure to use vegetable broth and omit the oyster sauce.
• Add nuts: Sprinkle with roasted peanuts or cashews for added crunch and flavor.

What to Serve With Chinese Beef And Broccoli

Chinese Beef And Broccoli is a complete meal on its own, but here are some side dishes that pair well with it:

• Egg rolls: A classic appetizer that complements the flavors of the stir-fry.
• Wonton soup: A light and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a cold day.
• Spring rolls: A refreshing appetizer that’s filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
• Fried rice: A simple side dish that’s easy to make and goes well with just about anything. If you love the idea of quick and easy meals, you should check out Beef Stir Fry With Vegetables

Other Great Chinese Recipes to Try

If you’re looking for more delicious Chinese recipes, here are a few of my favorites:

• Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken: A sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal.
• One-pan Beef Broccoli Takeout: Similar to this recipe but prepared in a single pan for an even easier cleanup.
• Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions: A classic dish that’s full of flavor and easy to make. Also try this version: Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions
• Chinese Pepper Steak: A slightly different variation on pepper steak.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or stir-fry until heated through.

Is This Recipe Healthy?

Homemade Chinese Beef And Broccoli can be a healthy option. You control the ingredients, so you can reduce sodium and sugar compared to takeout versions. It provides protein from the beef and fiber and vitamins from the broccoli. Using lean beef and plenty of vegetables makes it a balanced meal.

Conclusion

And there you have it: a delicious and easy recipe for Chinese Beef And Broccoli that’s sure to impress. With a little practice and these helpful tips, you’ll be able to whip up this classic dish in no time. So go ahead, grab your wok, and get cooking! You’ve got this!

Lady Maria

Chinese Beef and Broccoli Best

This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating delicious Chinese Beef and Broccoli at home. It emphasizes using tender beef, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a balanced savory-sweet sauce, resulting in a dish that tastes better than takeout.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce, low-sodium
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup beef broth, low-sodium
• 1/4 cup soy sauce, low-sodium
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce optional
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Chopped green onions, for garnish
• Chili oil or sriracha optional

Equipment

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Large bowl
• small bowl
• Wok or large skillet
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Lid for wok or skillet
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Slice the beef thinly against the grain.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine, sesame oil, ground ginger, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
4. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Optionally blanch broccoli in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
7. Add the marinated beef to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef and set aside.
8. Add the broccoli florets and minced garlic to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is slightly tender-crisp. Add 1/4 cup of water, cover, and steam for another 2-3 minutes, or until tender.
9. Pour the sauce over the broccoli and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
10. Add the cooked beef back to the wok and stir to combine.
11. Serve over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve with chili oil or sriracha, if desired.

Notes

For extra tender beef, marinate for the full 2 hours. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Adjust the sauce to your liking by adding more brown sugar, soy sauce, or red pepper flakes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet. Add other vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots. Substitute beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for variations.