QUICK CHINESE BEEF AND BROCCOLI

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients

Okay, friend, let’s get prepped! Having everything ready to go before you start cooking makes the whole process so much smoother and faster. Trust me on this one!

For the Beef Marinade:

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cooking wine (such as Shaoxing wine or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat!)

For the Beef and Broccoli:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• Cooked rice, for serving

The Secret to Tender Beef (It’s All in the Prep!)

The key to restaurant-quality beef and broccoli is getting that beef super tender. Here’s how we do it:

1. Slice Smart: Make sure you’re slicing the flank steak against the grain. This breaks up the muscle fibers and makes it way easier to chew.
2. Marinate Like a Pro: Don’t skimp on the marinating time! At least 20 minutes is ideal, but even 10 minutes will make a difference. This allows the flavors to penetrate and the cornstarch to work its magic, creating a lovely coating.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Don’t be intimidated! This recipe is actually really straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying amazing Chinese Beef And Broccoli in no time.

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, cooking wine, sesame oil, ginger, and pepper.
2. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated.
3. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to an hour in the fridge).

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. While the beef is marinating, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, beef broth, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Set aside. This is our flavor bomb!

Step 3: Stir-Fry Time!

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Get it nice and hot!
2. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them!
4. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until they start to turn bright green.
5. Pour in the sauce and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken quickly.
6. Return the beef to the skillet and toss to coat.
7. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the beef is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve the Chinese Beef And Broccoli immediately over cooked rice.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions, if desired.

Tips & Tricks for Beef And Broccoli Perfection

Here are a few extra tips to help you make the best Chinese Beef And Broccoli ever:

• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: We want it to be crisp-tender, not mushy!
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: If you like it sweeter, add more brown sugar. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes.
• Use High Heat: Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick cooking. This helps to sear the beef and keep the broccoli crisp.
• Prep Ahead: You can slice the beef, make the sauce, and chop the broccoli ahead of time to make weeknight cooking even easier.

Variations: Let’s Customize!

Feel free to get creative and customize this recipe to your liking! Here are a few ideas:

• Add Other Vegetables: Carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas would all be delicious additions.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the beef with tofu or mushrooms.
• Use Different Cuts of Beef: Sirloin or ribeye would also work well. Just be sure to slice them thinly.
• Spice it Up: Add a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra heat.

Other Delicious Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved this Chinese Beef And Broccoli recipe, you should definitely check out some of my other favorites! You might enjoy these Sticky Beef Noodles for another quick and satisfying meal. Or, if you’re looking for a comforting baked dish, the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a must-try. For a simpler stir fry, give my Beef Stir Fry recipe a go! And if you’re in the mood for something a little sweeter, the Honey Garlic Chicken is always a winner.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your Chinese Beef And Broccoli:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the broccoli might get a little softer.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!

Making Chinese Beef And Broccoli at home is easier than you think! With a little bit of prep work and these simple steps, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s better (and healthier!) than takeout. So go ahead, give it a try – I know you’ll love it!

Quick Chinese Beef and Broccoli

This recipe offers a fast and delicious way to enjoy classic Chinese Beef and Broccoli at home. With tender marinated beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a flavorful sauce, it’s a satisfying meal that’s ready in minutes. Serve over rice for a complete and comforting dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce for marinade
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch for marinade
• 1 tablespoon cooking wine such as Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil for marinade
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger for marinade
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for marinade
• 1/4 cup soy sauce for sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch for sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil for sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat!
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds or chopped green onions, for garnish optional

Equipment

• cutting board
• knife
• Medium bowl
• small bowl
• whisk
• Large skillet or wok
• spatula
• measuring cups and spoons
• Serving bowls

Method

 

1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, cooking wine, sesame oil, ginger, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to an hour in the fridge).
2. While the beef is marinating, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, beef broth, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
4. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
5. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them!
6. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until they start to turn bright green.
7. Pour in the sauce and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken quickly.
8. Return the beef to the skillet and toss to coat.
9. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the beef is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
10. Serve the Chinese Beef And Broccoli immediately over cooked rice.
11. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions, if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should be crisp-tender. Adjust the sauce to your taste by adding more brown sugar for sweetness or red pepper flakes for spice. Use high heat for stir-frying to sear the beef and keep the broccoli crisp. You can slice the beef, make the sauce, and chop the broccoli ahead of time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water or beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much. For variations, add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, substitute the beef with tofu or mushrooms, or use different cuts of beef like sirloin or ribeye.