This Chinese Beef and Broccoli dish is a tasty stir-fry that’s quick to make. Juicy beef pairs perfectly with crispy broccoli in a yummy soy sauce blend. What’s not to love?
I enjoy making this on busy nights since it’s ready in no time. Plus, my kids think it’s fun to pick the broccoli off their plates! Who knew veggies could be so popular? 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Flank Steak: This cut is great for stir-frying because it’s lean and tender when sliced thin. If flank steak is hard to find, consider using sirloin or ribeye, which also work well.
Vegetable Oil: While vegetable oil is standard, you could use canola or peanut oil instead. Peanut oil can add a lovely flavor, especially if you’re aiming for that authentic Asian taste.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are ideal, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli works too. Just make sure to thaw and drain well before adding.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari soy sauce. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on sodium intake without sacrificing flavor.
Oyster Sauce: If you don’t have oyster sauce, try hoisin sauce or a mushroom stir-fry sauce. They both add depth to your dish.
How Do You Get Tender Beef in Stir-Fry?
Getting tender beef is all about slicing and marinating. Always slice against the grain into thin strips. This keeps the meat from being chewy. Marinating is key too, as it helps to break down fibers for a softer texture.
- Marinate sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch for at least 15 minutes.
- When cooking, don’t overcrowd the pan; cook beef in batches if necessary.
How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
To Serve:
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes of prep and around 10-15 minutes of cooking. So, in about 30 minutes total, you’ll have a wonderful beef and broccoli dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a bowl, take your sliced beef and add the soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix it well, so each piece of beef is coated with the marinade. Let this sit for about 15 to 30 minutes. This helps to tenderize the meat and gives it great flavor.
2. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until it’s nicely browned. After cooking, carefully remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Broccoli:
In the same pan, toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and are still slightly crisp. Then add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan, stir-frying everything together for an additional 30 seconds until it smells amazing!
4. Combine and Finish:
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Return the beef to the pan and pour in the oyster sauce, brown sugar, and beef broth. Stir everything well and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken up a bit.
5. Season and Serve:
Give the mixture a taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Once it’s just right, serve the beef and broccoli hot over a bed of cooked white rice. If you’d like, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for a nice touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Beef Instead of Flank Steak?
Absolutely! You can substitute flank steak with sirloin, boneless ribeye, or even skirt steak. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for the best texture!
What if I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No problem! If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar. This won’t replicate the exact flavor, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the marinated beef and cook the broccoli earlier in the day. Store them separately in the fridge and combine them for a quick stir-fry when you’re ready to serve!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to loosen the sauce.
