Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

If you have ever craved that perfectly balanced, flavorful combination of tender beef and crisp broccoli from your favorite takeout spot, then you are about to fall in love with this homemade Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe. Bursting with savory umami notes and a silky, glossy sauce, this dish is fast, simple, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or aiming to impress friends with an authentic yet approachable stir-fry, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors right into your kitchen. The tender strips of beef perfectly complement the vibrant green broccoli, all coated in a rich sauce made from soy, garlic, ginger, and a hint of Chinese five spice, marrying taste and texture in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are surprisingly straightforward but essential for creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture in your Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s tenderizing the beef, building a luscious sauce, or adding that final aromatic touch.

• 12 oz beef fillet, flank, or rump: Choose a tender cut for easy slicing and quicker cooking, ensuring juicy, flavorful beef.
• 4-5 cups cooked broccoli florets: Crisp-tender broccoli adds a fresh, bright green color and necessary crunch.
• 2 tbsp oil: A neutral oil helps sear the beef perfectly without overpowering the sauce.
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped: Garlic infuses every bite with a warm and aromatic base flavor.
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely chopped: Ginger provides a spicy zest that livens up the dish.
• 1 cup water: Used to create the sauce’s silky consistency and to help steam the broccoli.
• 2 tbsp cornstarch: This thickens the sauce beautifully, giving it that glossy texture you expect from takeout.
• 1/4 cup water (for slurry): Combined with cornstarch to avoid lumps in the sauce.
• 1 tsp sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the salty and savory elements in the sauce.
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce: Adds depth with its richer, slightly sweeter soy flavor.
• 1.5 tbsp light soy sauce: Brings salty brightness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
• 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine: Adds a distinct aromatic quality that rounds out the beef’s flavor.
• 1/8 tsp Chinese five spice powder: Brings subtle warmth with a blend of star anise, cinnamon, and cloves.
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional): Adds a nutty aroma that finishes the dish with a lovely fragrance.
• 1/8 tsp black pepper: A hint of heat that complements the savory sauce without overpowering.

How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Mixture

The magic begins with combining cornstarch and water to make a smooth slurry – this prevents any lumps while thickening the sauce later. Next, add sugar, dark and light soy sauces, Chinese cooking wine, five spice powder, optional sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly now and set it aside so the flavors meld as you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Slice and Marinate the Beef

Cut your beef against the grain into thin 1/4-inch slices – this is crucial for tenderness and easy chewing. Toss the slices in about two tablespoons of your prepared sauce, coating every piece evenly. Let this marinate briefly to absorb flavor while you heat your pan.

Step 3: Heat the Oil for Searing

Using a skillet or wok, heat two tablespoons of oil over high heat until it’s shimmering. This high temperature is key to achieving a good sear, locking in that meaty flavor and creating a lovely crust on the beef.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

Spread the beef strips in a single layer and resist the urge to stir for about a minute. This allows the beef to brown beautifully. Then stir for about ten seconds to cook evenly without crowding the pan.

Step 5: Add Aromatics

Toss in the finely chopped garlic and ginger and stir for roughly 30 seconds until the beef is mostly browned and the fragrant aroma fills your kitchen. This step brings the dish’s flavor to life.

Step 6: Pour in the Remaining Sauce and Water

Add the rest of your sauce mixture along with 1 cup of water to the skillet. Stir gently so the beef and garlic mix are well coated. This starts to create the signature saucy base of this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe.

Step 7: Add Broccoli to the Skillet

When you see the sauce beginning to bubble, fold in your cooked broccoli florets. Stir well to make sure the bright greens are glistening with that rich sauce, marrying the two elements in perfect harmony.

Step 8: Let the Sauce Thicken

Simmer gently over medium heat for about one minute or until the sauce thickens and adheres beautifully to the beef and broccoli. This step is where the dish gains its luscious texture.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat immediately to prevent the beef from overcooking. Serve hot over steamed rice and optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra touch of texture and flavor. That’s it! Your homemade Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe is ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

While the beef and broccoli dish is spectacular on its own, adding sesame seeds or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil on top enhances the nutty aroma and provides a little crunch. Freshly sliced green onions also brighten the dish visually and lift the flavor with a mild pungency.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or white rice, which soaks up the savory sauce perfectly. For extra veggies, you can add a simple cucumber salad or steamed dumplings on the side. Even a bowl of hot miso soup or egg drop soup complements this meal beautifully, turning it into a more substantial Asian-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the beef and broccoli over cauliflower rice or toss it into noodles for a stir-fried noodle variation. You can also plate it in individual serving bowls garnished with chopped cilantro or crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor surprises.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the beef and broccoli separately from rice for quality. Place the cooked beef and broccoli in freezer-safe containers or bags, and they will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid drying out the beef. Adding a splash of water or broth will help loosen the sauce and keep everything moist and tasty. Avoid microwaving if possible for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works as a convenient alternative. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water making the sauce too thin. Cook it briefly before adding it to the stir-fry for best texture.

What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?

Flank, rump, or beef fillet are ideal cuts because they are tender and slice thinly against the grain. This ensures each bite is juicy and easy to chew, which is important for this quick-cooking dish.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in place of the regular soy sauces to keep the flavors intact without gluten. Also, check that the Chinese cooking wine is gluten-free or substitute it with dry sherry.

Is Chinese five spice absolutely necessary?

It adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the sauce, but if you don’t have it, you can omit it. The dish will still taste delicious thanks to the garlic, ginger, and soy sauce base.

How long does it take to make this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe?

From prep to plate, it typically takes about 20 minutes. It’s a fantastic quick meal option when you want Chinese takeout flavors without the wait or the expense.

Final Thoughts

There is something so comforting and satisfying about a well-made batch of Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe. It’s a dish that feels like a treat, yet you can whip it up with simple ingredients in no time. Give it a try and you’ll find it’s not only delicious but also a perfect way to bring a bit of your favorite takeout home. Once you’ve mastered it, you’ll want to make it again and again, sharing the warmth and joy this flavorful dish delivers.

Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 3 servings 1x

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Description

A quick and flavorful Chinese Beef and Broccoli stir-fry featuring tender beef slices and crisp cooked broccoli in a rich, savory soy-based sauce with hints of garlic, ginger, and Chinese five-spice. Ready in 20 minutes, this classic dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner served over steamed rice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 12 oz (360 g) beef fillet, flank, or rump, sliced
• 4–5 cups cooked broccoli florets

Sauce and Marinade

• 2 tbsp (15 g) cornstarch
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
• 1 tsp (5 g) sugar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) dark soy sauce
• 1.5 tbsp (22 ml) light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Chinese cooking wine
• 1/8 tsp (0.25 g) Chinese five spice powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil (optional)
• 1/8 tsp (0.25 g) black pepper

Other

• 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tsp (5 ml) fresh ginger, finely chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce mixture: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 1/4 cup water until smooth to avoid lumps. Stir in 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce, 1.5 tablespoons light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine, 1/8 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder, 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional), and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
2. Marinate the beef: Slice the beef against the grain into thin 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) pieces to ensure tenderness. Place the beef slices into a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce mixture. Toss to coat evenly and allow it to marinate briefly while preparing other ingredients.
3. Heat the skillet: Warm 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over high heat until shimmering, indicating it’s hot enough for proper searing of the beef.
4. Sear the beef: Add the beef strips in a single layer to the hot skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for 1 minute to develop a golden brown sear, then stir gently for about 10 seconds to prevent overcrowding and cook evenly.
5. Add aromatics: Stir in the finely chopped garlic and ginger with the beef. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until the beef is no longer pink and has mostly browned.
6. Add sauce and water: Pour the remaining sauce mixture and 1 cup water into the skillet. Lift and stir the beef and garlic mixture gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the sauce.
7. Add broccoli: When the sauce starts to bubble, add the cooked broccoli florets. Stir well to evenly coat the broccoli with the savory sauce.
8. Simmer and thicken: Reduce heat to medium and let the skillet simmer for about 1 minute, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to both the beef and broccoli.
9. Serve: Remove from heat immediately and serve the beef and broccoli hot over steamed cooked rice. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

• Slice the beef thinly and against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Using both dark and light soy sauce balances the saltiness and adds depth to the sauce.
• Cook broccoli florets ahead of time by steaming or blanching for the perfect texture.
• The sesame oil is optional but adds a nice nutty aroma to the dish.
• Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Chinese