Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe: Tender Beef and Crisp Broccoli in a Savory Sauce

If you love classic Chinese takeout, Chinese Beef and Broccoli is likely at the top of your list. This iconic dish features tender, juicy slices of beef perfectly paired with crisp, vibrant broccoli florets, all coated in a luscious, flavorful sauce that’s savory with a hint of sweetness. Best of all, you can recreate this restaurant favorite quickly and easily in your own kitchen.

This recipe is designed for busy home cooks who want a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal without sacrificing flavor. Using simple ingredients like flank steak, fresh broccoli, soy sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger, you’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Plus, we’ve included expert tips and variations to help you customize this dish to your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in about 25-30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Authentic flavors: Uses Shaoxing wine and dark soy sauce to replicate restaurant-quality taste.
• Tender beef: Marinated with cornstarch and optional baking soda to keep the meat juicy and tender.
• Healthy and balanced: Fresh broccoli adds vibrant color, crunch, and nutrition.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable for dietary preferences and ingredient swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meat and Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless flank steak or skirt steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon baking soda (optional, for tenderizing)

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup chicken stock (or beef stock)
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional, adds depth and color)
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 head broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ginger, minced

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare and Marinate the Beef

Thinly slice the flank steak across the grain. To maximize tenderness, sprinkle the optional baking soda on the beef, let it sit 15-20 minutes, then rinse and pat dry. This simple step breaks down tough fibers and yields a more tender bite.

Mix the sliced beef with soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch in a bowl. Toss until the beef is fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb flavors and lock in moisture.

2. Whisk Together the Sauce

Combine chicken stock, Shaoxing wine, soy sauces, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside. This mixture will thicken beautifully when heated, creating a glossy coating for the beef and broccoli.

3. Blanch the Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and blanch for 1-2 minutes, just until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to halt cooking and preserve crispness and color. Drain well and set aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon peanut oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, just until the edges brown but the beef is not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

5. Sauté Aromatics and Broccoli

In the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the blanched broccoli and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors and heat through.

6. Combine Beef and Sauce

Return the beef to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir continuously over medium-high heat until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients evenly—about 1-2 minutes.

7. Serve and Garnish

Transfer your Beef and Broccoli to a serving dish. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or your favorite noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Expert Tips for Perfect Beef and Broccoli

• Slice beef thinly and against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Marinate the beef at least 15 minutes to develop flavor and moisture retention.
• Use high heat and a wok or heavy skillet for quick, even cooking and searing.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook beef in batches if necessary.
• Adding a splash of toasted sesame oil at the end enhances aroma and flavor.
• Blanch broccoli to keep it bright and crunchy, not soggy.

Variations to Try

• Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
• For heat, sprinkle in red chili flakes or serve with chili garlic sauce.
• Swap beef for chicken, pork, or tofu for a different protein twist.
• Use gluten-free tamari soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
• Replace Shaoxing wine with dry sherry or omit if preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What cut of beef works best?

Flank or skirt steak are ideal because they’re flavorful and tender when sliced thin. Sirloin works as well.

What does baking soda do in the marinade?

It tenderizes beef by raising surface pH, breaking down proteins, and producing a softer texture.

Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes! Marinate beef and prepare sauce in advance. Blanch broccoli fresh and combine everything just before serving.

Can I substitute Shaoxing wine?

Yes, dry sherry is a good alternative. If avoiding alcohol, try a splash of rice vinegar mixed with a pinch of sugar.

How do I keep broccoli from getting mushy?

Blanch broccoli briefly and shock in ice water to retain color and crunch before stir-frying.

Final Thoughts

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a classic dish that beautifully marries tender, flavorful beef with fresh, crisp broccoli in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. This recipe makes it easy to enjoy the authentic taste of your favorite takeout right at home—without the extra preservatives or additives.

By marinating the beef to maximize tenderness and blanching the broccoli to lock in its bright color and crunch, you ensure every bite is both delicious and satisfying. Cooking on high heat with fresh aromatics like garlic and ginger enhances the depth of flavor, making this dish truly stand out.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dinner, this recipe offers a perfect balance of nutrition, taste, and convenience. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles, garnish with fresh scallions or sesame seeds, and you’ve got a wholesome, restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to impress.

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