Description
This Savory Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Ready in just 20 minutes, it features tender beef slices cooked with fragrant garlic and ginger, tossed with crisp broccoli florets, all coated in a rich, aromatic sauce infused with soy, Chinese five-spice, and sesame oil. This classic Asian dish delivers a delicious balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors with a hint of spice, making it a favorite for fast, home-cooked meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce and Marinade
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (can substitute with arrowroot powder)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce (or all-purpose soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or all-purpose soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine) (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder (or a blend of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Black pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil (high smoke point oil like canola or vegetable oil)
- 1 pound beef (fillet, flank, or rump) (quick-cooking cuts)
- 2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
- 1 inch fresh ginger (thinly sliced or grated)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cornstarch with water until smooth. Add sugar, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, Chinese five-spice powder, sesame oil (if using), and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined and set aside.
- Slice and Marinate Beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain into approximately 1/4 inch pieces. Place the slices in a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce mixture. Toss to coat the beef evenly and marinate briefly to enhance flavor and tenderize.
- Heat Oil and Sear Beef: Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until hot but not smoking. Spread the marinated beef in an even layer and let it sear undisturbed for about 1 minute to develop a good crust.
- Stir-Fry Beef with Aromatics: Stir the beef for about 10 seconds, then add the thinly sliced garlic and ginger. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the beef is no longer pink, about 30 seconds more.
- Add Sauce and Broccoli: Pour the remaining prepared sauce into the skillet along with a splash of water. As the sauce begins to bubble, add the broccoli florets. Stir well to coat the broccoli in the sauce and allow to simmer for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly and broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the savory beef and broccoli mixture immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Optionally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- To ensure the beef remains tender, slice thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and ensure cornstarch is gluten-free.
- ShaoXing wine adds authentic flavor but can be replaced with dry sherry if unavailable.
- Adding sesame oil is optional but adds a nice nutty aroma to the dish.
- Use high smoke point oils like canola or vegetable oil for best stir-frying results.
- Serve immediately after cooking to preserve the texture of the broccoli and the tenderness of the beef.
