Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of Chinese takeout, you’ll love this homemade Beef and Broccoli. It’s simple to make, taking only 20 minutes from start to finish. The tender beef, complemented by perfectly cooked broccoli and a savory sauce, creates a satisfying meal. The sauce, with a combination of dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and Chinese five-spice powder, adds a depth of flavor that will make your taste buds dance. Plus, this recipe is a healthier alternative to takeout, packed with protein and vegetables, and can be easily customized to your taste!

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoon cornstarch / cornflour

• ¼ cup water

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce

• 1 ½ tablespoon light soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)

• ⅛ teaspoon Chinese five spice powder

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

For the Stir Fry:

• 2 tablespoon oil

• 12 oz / 360g beef fillet, flank, or rump (see Notes for tenderizing option)

• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely chopped

• 4-5 cups broccoli florets (from 1 head), cooked (see Notes for cooking instructions)

• 1 cup water

For Serving:

• Sesame seeds (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water. Stir to dissolve, then add the sugar, soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, Chinese five-spice powder, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside.

2. Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef into ¼" (0.5 cm) thick slices against the grain. Place the sliced beef in a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of the sauce mixture. Set aside.

3. Stir Fry the Beef: Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the beef in a single layer, allowing it to brown for about 1 minute without stirring. Then, stir-fry for another 10 seconds. Add the garlic and ginger, stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds or until the beef is no longer pink.

4. Add the Sauce: Pour the remaining sauce mixture and 1 cup of water into the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring the beef is coated in the sauce.

5. Add the Broccoli: When the sauce starts bubbling, add the cooked broccoli. Stir to coat the broccoli in the sauce, then let it simmer for 1 minute, or until the sauce thickens.

6. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice. Optionally, sprinkle with sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 3-4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian twist. Make sure to press and pan-fry the tofu to ensure it holds its shape.

• Beef Substitute: If you prefer a different protein, chicken breast or shrimp are great substitutes for beef in this recipe.

• Add More Veggies: While broccoli is traditional, feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to boost the dish's nutrition and variety.

• Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a sliced red chili to the sauce for an added spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes! While fillet, flank, or rump are ideal for stir-fries, you can also use other cuts like sirloin or scotch fillet. Just ensure the beef is sliced thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

2. What if I can’t find Shaoxing wine?

Shaoxing wine is a traditional Chinese cooking wine, but you can substitute it with dry sherry or cooking sake. If you avoid alcohol, replace it with low-sodium chicken broth for the liquid component.

3. How do I make the beef more tender?

For an extra tender bite, you can “velvet” the beef before stir-frying. Marinate the sliced beef with cornstarch, water, and a little oil for 30 minutes before cooking. This will make the beef incredibly tender.

4. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture, but you can use frozen broccoli if fresh is unavailable. Just make sure to thaw and drain it properly before cooking.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute in place of regular soy sauce.

6. Can I make this ahead of time?

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and slice the beef ahead of time for quicker assembly when you're ready to cook.

7. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply add a little more cornstarch mixed with water. Stir it into the sauce as it simmers, and it will thicken to your desired consistency.

8. Can I add more spices to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices like ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, or even a touch of cinnamon for an extra depth of flavor.

9. Is this dish spicy?

No, this recipe isn’t spicy, but you can easily add heat by incorporating some red pepper flakes or fresh chili to the sauce.

10. What can I serve this dish with?

This stir fry is delicious served over white rice, brown rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Conclusion

This Chinese Beef and Broccoli stir fry is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that tastes just like your favorite takeout, but without the added calories or preservatives. With tender beef, fresh broccoli, and a flavorful sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it over a bed of rice or noodles for a satisfying and balanced meal that’s perfect for any weeknight.