Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Sizzling Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe for Weeknights

Whipping up a delectable chinese beef and broccoli stir-fry can transport you straight to the bustling streets of beijing.

Culinary magic happens when tender beef strips dance with crisp green florets in a sizzling wok.

Aromatic garlic and ginger whisper secrets of authentic flavor into every bite.

Savory soy sauce creates a glossy coating that makes this dish irresistibly mouthwatering.

Home cooking reaches new heights with this simple yet spectacular recipe that impresses without complicated techniques.

Bold spices and quick cooking ensure a restaurant-quality meal emerges from your own kitchen in minutes.

Buckle up for a flavor adventure that will make you the star of dinner tonight!

Why Beef And Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe Is A Go-To Dinner

  • Unleash Quick Asian Flavors: Customize your stir-fry with personal spice preferences and vegetable variations.
  • Craft Speedy Weeknight Meal: Prepare a restaurant-quality dish in minutes with minimal kitchen tools and basic ingredients.
  • Master One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup by cooking everything in a single skillet, reducing washing time and kitchen mess.
  • Nutrition Powerhouse Plate: Combine lean protein from beef with nutrient-dense broccoli for a balanced, wholesome dinner option.

Everything For Beef And Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Main Protein:
  • Beef: A tender and flavorful meat that serves as the primary protein in this classic stir-fry dish.
Aromatics:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide a deep, warming flavor and authentic Chinese cuisine essence.
Vegetables:
  • Broccoli Florets: A nutritious green vegetable that adds a fresh, crisp texture to the stir-fry.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Beef Broth or Water: Provides liquid base and enhances the overall umami flavor of the dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Oyster Sauce, Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, sweet, and savory sauce that coats the beef and broccoli.
Binding and Coating Ingredients:
  • Cornstarch, Vegetable Oil: Helps to marinate the beef and create a smooth, glossy texture in the stir-fry.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper: Optional ingredients to adjust and enhance the final taste of the dish.

How To Whip Up Beef And Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Beef for Marinating

Mix sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece of beef gets a nice, even coating. Let the beef sit and absorb flavors for 15-20 minutes while you get ready to cook.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Spread marinated beef in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally. The beef should turn golden brown and cook through in about 3-4 minutes. Transfer cooked beef to a separate plate.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatics

In the same skillet, add another splash of vegetable oil. Toss in minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly. Let these fragrant ingredients dance and release their incredible aroma for about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Brighten the Broccoli

Add broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry the green gems for 2-3 minutes until they become vibrant and maintain a crisp texture. The broccoli should look fresh and inviting.

Step 5: Create the Flavor Symphony

Ingredients for sauce:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Beef broth

Whisk these ingredients in a small bowl. Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli in the skillet. Stir everything together so each morsel gets coated with deliciousness.

Step 6: Bring Flavors Together

Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes. The sauce will thicken and create a glossy coating on the beef and broccoli. Taste and add salt or pepper if needed.

Step 7: Plate and Devour

Spoon the sizzling beef and broccoli over a fluffy bed of steamed rice. Your homemade Chinese-style feast is ready to be enjoyed!

Helpful Notes For Beef And Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

  • Slice Beef Precisely: Cut beef against the grain into thin, even strips for maximum tenderness and faster cooking.
  • Prevent Overcooking Broccoli: Stir-fry broccoli quickly on high heat to maintain vibrant green color and crisp texture without becoming mushy.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust cornstarch amount in sauce to create perfect thickness – less for thinner sauce, more for thicker coating.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of sesame oil at the end for authentic Chinese restaurant-style aroma and rich taste.
  • Temperature Matters: Use high heat for quick stir-frying to achieve restaurant-quality sear on beef and prevent steaming instead of browning.

Tasty Spins On Beef And Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates and adds extra vegetable nutrition.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute beef with firm tofu or seitan, marinating it similarly to maintain the original recipe's rich flavor profile.
  • Spicy Sichuan Edition: Add chili oil, red pepper flakes, or Sichuan peppercorns to create a fiery version with intense heat and complex taste.
  • Gluten-Free Alternative: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals while preserving authentic stir-fry taste.

Top Pairings With Beef And Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

  • Enhance Flavor Pairing: Select a crisp Riesling or light Pinot Noir to complement the savory beef and balance the stir-fry's umami notes.
  • Create Texture Contrast: Serve with steamed jasmine rice or crispy egg noodles to absorb the delicious sauce and provide additional mouthfeel.
  • Match Regional Beverage: Enjoy traditional Chinese Tsingtao beer, which cuts through the richness of the beef and refreshes the palate with its light, hoppy character.
  • Add Herbal Accent: Garnish with fresh chopped green onions or cilantro to introduce a bright, zesty layer that elevates the overall dish's complexity and freshness.

Best Way To Store Beef And Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is clean and dry to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled beef and broccoli to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing rice separately.
  • Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a microwave-safe lid. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Warm the beef and broccoli in a skillet over medium-low heat.

Beef And Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe Questions Answered

  • How do I slice beef for a stir-fry?

Cut beef against the grain into thin, uniform slices about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures tender meat that cooks quickly and evenly in the stir-fry.

  • Why should I marinate the beef?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, adds flavor, and helps the beef brown nicely when cooking. The cornstarch also creates a protective coating that keeps the meat juicy.

  • What if my broccoli is too hard or too soft?

For perfect broccoli, cut florets into similar-sized pieces and cook briefly to maintain a bright green color and crisp-tender texture. Overcooking makes broccoli mushy, while undercooking leaves it too tough.

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Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe


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4.9 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 23-30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory Chinese beef and broccoli stir-fry delivers a perfect balance of tender meat and crisp vegetables in one delightful dish. Rich soy-infused flavors and quick cooking technique make this classic comfort meal a swift dinner solution you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 cups broccoli florets

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Serving:

  • Cooked rice

Instructions

  1. Prepare beef by coating with soy sauce and cornstarch in a mixing bowl. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat (375°F). Spread marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until exterior turns golden brown and meat is fully cooked.
  3. Remove beef from pan and set aside. In the same skillet, add remaining oil and quickly sauté minced garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  4. Introduce broccoli florets to the skillet, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until they transform into a vibrant green color and maintain a crisp texture.
  5. Reunite cooked beef with broccoli in the skillet. Whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and beef broth in a separate bowl, then pour the mixture over the ingredients.
  6. Thoroughly blend all components and allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, creating a glossy coating that clings to the beef and broccoli. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
  7. Transfer the stir-fry onto a bed of steamed rice, creating a delectable and authentic Chinese-inspired meal ready to be savored.

Notes

  • Slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing, ensuring each bite melts in your mouth.
  • Choose lean beef cuts like sirloin or flank steak to reduce excess fat while maintaining rich flavor and protein content.
  • Consider adding red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for extra heat and complexity if you enjoy spicier stir-fry dishes.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and use cornstarch-coated protein to maintain authentic texture and taste.
  • Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Stir-Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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