By Jessica B. •
6 min read
Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a dish that brings the flavors of Cantonese cuisine right to your kitchen. It’s a favorite of mine because it’s quick and easy to make, perfect for a busy weeknight. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy tender beef smothered in a rich brown sauce with crisp broccoli, all served over steamed rice.
This dish is not only tasty but also adaptable. You can make it gluten-free and even swap in Chinese broccoli for a more authentic flavor. Chinese broccoli, with its stronger taste and tender leaves, soaks up the sauce beautifully. Whenever I find it at an Asian grocery store, I can’t resist picking some up.
Whether you’re using regular broccoli or the more traditional Chinese variety, this dish is sure to satisfy. It’s a hearty and healthy dinner option that never disappoints.
Ingredients & Substitutes
To make tasty Chinese beef and broccoli, I start by gathering fresh, high-quality ingredients. Below is a list of what I use, along with some easy substitutes if needed.
- 1 pound flank steak: Cut into thin slices against the grain. Substitute with sirloin or skirt steak if flank steak is not available.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: I prefer low-sodium, but regular soy sauce works too. Substitute with tamari for a gluten-free version.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: This helps to tenderize the beef. You can use arrowroot powder instead.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For stir-frying. You can replace it with canola or peanut oil.
- 3 cups broccoli florets: Fresh is best, but frozen broccoli will work in a pinch.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced. If you do not have fresh garlic, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can be an alternative.
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce: It gives depth to the sauce. If unavailable, use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and sugar.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor. You can substitute apple cider vinegar if needed.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a toasted flavor that is distinct to Asian cooking; if you do not have it, leave it out but remember it adds a lot to the dish.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: This is for the sauce base. Chicken broth or water with a beef bouillon cube can also work.
Consider using authentic Chinese broccoli if you want a more traditional taste; it works well and gives a different texture. Keeping these ingredients fresh and ready ensures that when I make this dish, the flavors truly shine in every bite.
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Start by slicing the flank steak into thin strips, cutting across the grain. This helps keep the beef tender. In a bowl, mix the slices with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Let it sit for 10 minutes to marinate.
- Cook the Broccoli: While the beef marinates, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3 minutes until they are bright green and crisp. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Beef: Increase the heat to high and add the marinated beef to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Ensure the strips are in a single layer for even cooking.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and pour in the prepared sauce mixture—2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1/2 cup of beef broth. Stir well to combine with the beef.
- Combine Broccoli and Beef: Add the cooked broccoli back to the pan, mixing it with the beef and sauce. Stir everything together for a couple of minutes, making sure the sauce coats all the ingredients.
- Serve the Dish: Remove the pan from heat and serve the beef and broccoli over steamed rice. Enjoy your homemade Chinese Beef and Broccoli with its savory flavors and tender textures.
FAQ
Can I Use Another Type Of Broccoli?
Yes, you can use Chinese broccoli if you want a more traditional taste. Regular broccoli works fine too and is easier to find in most stores.
How Do I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Most of the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you just need to swap the soy sauce.
What Cuts Of Beef Can I Use?
I usually use flank steak, but sirloin or skirt steak are good choices too. Just make sure to slice them thinly so they cook evenly and stay tender.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead Of Time?
You can prepare the sauce and slice the beef ahead of time. Cook the dish fresh when you are ready to eat to keep the broccoli crisp.
Is There A Substitute For Oyster Sauce?
If you do not have oyster sauce, you can mix soy sauce with a bit of hoisin sauce or use mushroom sauce for a similar flavor.
Quick and Easy Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe in 20 Minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- Cooked steamed rice, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef:In a bowl, mix the sliced flank steak with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Cook the Broccoli:Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic:In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Beef:Add the marinated beef to the pan and stir-fry for 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce:Stir in oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and beef broth. Mix well and let it simmer for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine and Serve:Return the broccoli to the pan and toss everything together until the sauce coats the beef and broccoli evenly. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Nutrition
Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a delightful dish that brings a taste of the East into your kitchen with ease. By following the steps outlined, you can enjoy a meal that’s both quick to prepare and full of flavor. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or make it your own with substitutions, the result is a satisfying dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week. I hope you find this recipe as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Feel free to share your own tips or variations in the comments below. I’d love to hear how you make this dish uniquely yours!
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