Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
If you’re craving a quick, flavorful dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite Chinese takeout spot, then you are going to love this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe. Loaded with tender slices of beef, crisp yet tender broccoli, and a savory, silky sauce that perfectly balances sweet and umami notes, this dish is a true weeknight winner. It’s not only bursting with flavor but also comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal go-to when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building its classic flavor and perfect texture. From the soy sauces that provide depth and saltiness to the fresh ginger and garlic that deliver an aromatic kick, these simple staples come together to create a vibrant and mouthwatering dish.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, giving it that glossy, restaurant-quality sheen.
- Water: Used to blend with cornstarch for smooth sauce consistency.
- Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Dark Soy Sauce: Provides rich color and a deeper umami taste.
- Light Soy Sauce: Offers saltiness without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Chinese Cooking Wine (Shaoxing Wine): Adds complexity and a subtle fruity aroma.
- Chinese Five Spice Powder: Infuses the dish with warm, fragrant notes that elevate the flavor.
- Sesame Oil (optional): Brings a nutty aroma and enhances the overall taste.
- Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat that brightens the flavors.
- Oil: For stir-frying, ensuring a perfect sear on the beef.
- Beef (fillet, flank, or rump): Thinly sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption.
- Garlic: Finely chopped to provide that unmistakable pungent kick.
- Fresh Ginger: Adds a fresh, zesty warmth that complements the garlic.
- Broccoli Florets: Parboiled or steamed to retain that satisfying crunch and vibrant green color.
- Sesame Seeds (optional): A lovely garnish to add texture and visual appeal.
How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by mixing the cornstarch and water until smooth—this ensures no lumps in your sauce. Then stir in sugar, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, five spice powder, sesame oil if you’re using it, and black pepper. This carefully balanced sauce will coat the beef beautifully and bring everything together.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
Take your thinly sliced beef and toss it with 2 tablespoons of the sauce mixture. Marinating briefly allows the meat to soak up those rich, savory flavors and helps keep it tender during cooking.
Step 3: Heat Oil and Cook Beef
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a hot skillet or wok until it’s shimmering. Lay the marinated beef in a single layer and let it sear without stirring for about a minute. This step gives you those beautiful browned edges and locks in the juices.
Step 4: Stir Fry Aromatics
After the initial sear, stir the beef for about 10 seconds, then add the chopped garlic and ginger. Stir-fry everything together for 30 seconds until the beef is nearly cooked through and the aromatics release their heavenly fragrance.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Water
Pour in the rest of the sauce along with 1 cup of water, quickly stirring to distribute it evenly. This creates a luscious, flavorful base that the beef and broccoli will bathe in.
Step 6: Combine Broccoli and Simmer
Once the sauce starts bubbling, add the cooked broccoli florets and toss to coat. Let the mixture simmer for a minute so the broccoli absorbs the sauce and the sauce thickens just right to cling to every bite.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove the pan from heat immediately to avoid overcooking. Serve your Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry hot, either over steamed rice or noodles, and sprinkle with sesame seeds for that final touch.
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sesame seeds are a fantastic, classic garnish here, providing subtle nuttiness and a slight crunch that complements the tender beef and crisp broccoli. You can also add a few thinly sliced green onions to brighten the dish with their fresh sharpness.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up all that savory sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, try serving it alongside cauliflower rice or a simple bowl of soba noodles tossed with a hint of sesame oil.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, serve this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe in lettuce cups or on a bed of noodles garnished with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime. It’s a lovely way to switch things up and make your meal feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the stir fry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, leftovers will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches.
Freezing
This dish isn’t the best candidate for freezing because broccoli can become mushy after thawing. However, if you want to freeze, separate the beef and sauce from the broccoli, freeze them separately, and combine when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the beef and change the broccoli’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Flank, rump, or sirloin are all great options as long as you slice the beef thinly against the grain for the most tender results.
Is it necessary to marinate the beef?
Marinating briefly with the sauce helps the beef absorb flavor and stay juicy, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step and still get a tasty dish.
What can I substitute for Chinese cooking wine?
If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry or a splash of mirin will work, or simply omit it for a milder sauce.
How do I keep the broccoli crisp?
Parboiling or steaming the broccoli just until it’s bright green and slightly tender ensures it stays crisp when added to the stir fry.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with firm tofu or seitan, and use vegetarian-friendly soy sauces and omit the cooking wine.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Its balance of tender beef, crisp green broccoli, and flavorful sauce makes it a dish that impresses every time. I encourage you to try making it soon and maybe even add your own little twists to make it a family favorite!
Print
Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry featuring tender slices of beef and vibrant broccoli florets coated in a savory soy-based sauce, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp cornstarch / cornflour
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)
- 1/8 tsp Chinese five spice powder
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp oil
- 12 oz / 360g beef fillet, flank or rump (thinly sliced against the grain)
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 4 – 5 cups broccoli florets (1 head), cooked (par boiled or steamed)
- 1 cup water
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Add sugar, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, Chinese five spice powder, optional sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to integrate all the sauce ingredients.
- Marinate the Beef: Slice beef into 1/4 inch thick pieces against the grain for tenderness. Place beef and 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce into a bowl and set aside to marinate briefly.
- Heat Oil and Cook Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet or wok over high heat until hot. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and leave undisturbed for 1 minute to sear and brown the edges.
- Stir Fry Aromatics: Stir the beef for 10 seconds, then add finely chopped garlic and ginger. Continue stir-frying for about 30 seconds until beef is no longer pink and aromatics are fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Water: Pour in the remaining sauce mixture and 1 cup of water, quickly stirring to combine and distribute the sauce evenly over the beef.
- Combine Broccoli and Simmer: When the sauce starts bubbling, add cooked broccoli florets. Stir well to coat the broccoli in the sauce, then let the mixture simmer for 1 minute or until the sauce thickens.
- Finish and Serve: Remove skillet from heat immediately to prevent overcooking. Serve the beef and broccoli hot over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- For best texture, slice the beef against the grain.
- Adjust the cooking wine and soy sauces to taste if you prefer less saltiness.
- Use freshly steamed or par boiled broccoli to keep it vibrant and crisp.
- The optional sesame oil adds a nutty aroma but can be omitted.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the broccoli and tenderness of the beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
