Introduction
Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a classic dish that brings the flavors of takeout right into your kitchen. This version is enhanced with an extra saucy blend that perfectly complements the tender slices of beef and crisp broccoli. It’s a delightful mix of savory and slightly sweet flavors, making it a favorite for those craving a quick, satisfying meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Beef: 500 grams of thinly sliced beef (such as flank or sirloin)
Broccoli: 300 grams of broccoli florets
Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup of dark soy sauce
Oyster Sauce: 1/4 cup of oyster sauce
Sugar: 1 tablespoon of sugar
Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
Garlic: 3 cloves of minced garlic
Ginger: 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger
Oil: 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for frying
Water: 1/2 cup of water
Prep Time
The preparation time for this dish is approximately 15 minutes. This includes slicing the beef, preparing the broccoli, and gathering all the ingredients.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cook time for Chinese Beef and Broccoli is around 15 minutes. Therefore, the total time for preparing and cooking this dish is about 30 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 2 to 3 servings, making it perfect for a family meal or leftovers for lunch.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Beef
Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness. Aim for pieces about 1/8 inch thick. Place the sliced beef in a bowl.
Marinate the Beef
Add soy sauce, cooking wine, and cornstarch to the beef. Mix well to ensure all the pieces are coated. Let it marinate for about 30 minutes.
Blanch the Broccoli
While the beef is marinating, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, sugar, and sesame oil. Stir until the sugar dissolves and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add oil and let it heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in a single layer, letting it sear for about 1-2 minutes before stirring. Cook until just brown and nearly cooked through.
Combine Ingredients
Once the beef is almost cooked, add the blanched broccoli to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
Serve
Remove from heat and serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
Beef Selection
Choose a tender cut of beef such as flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye for the best outcome.
Marination Time
If possible, marinate the beef for longer than 30 minutes for improved flavor and tenderness.
Broccoli Alternatives
Feel free to substitute broccoli with other vegetables such as snow peas or bell peppers if desired.
Sauce Thickness
For a thicker sauce, add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in water before combining with the beef and broccoli.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Cook techniques
Velveting
This technique involves marinating the beef in a mixture of cornstarch and egg white, which helps to keep it tender and juicy during cooking.
Stir-frying
Quickly cooking ingredients in a hot wok or pan with a small amount of oil allows for even cooking and helps to retain the freshness of the vegetables.
Making Sauce
Combine ingredients like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar to create a flavorful, glossy sauce that coats the stir-fried beef and broccoli.
Prepping Ingredients
Chop all vegetables and slice the beef before starting to cook, ensuring the cooking process is quick and efficient.
Adjusting Heat Levels
Control the heat of the stove to achieve proper caramelization of the beef while preventing the sauce from burning.
FAQ
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
Flank steak or sirloin are great choices for their tenderness and flavor.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but fresh broccoli is recommended for better texture and flavor.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and check the oyster sauce for gluten-free options.
What can I serve with beef and broccoli?
Serve it with steamed rice or noodles to complement the dish.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can mix the sauce ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to use.
Conclusion
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe is a fantastic way to bring the flavors of take-out right to your kitchen. The tender beef combined with crisp broccoli in a savory, extra saucy recipe will surely satisfy your cravings. It’s simple to make, yet delivers restaurant-quality results that can be easily customized to your taste.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
A lighter alternative featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed with broccoli in a similar savory sauce.
Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Incorporate a mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots for a vibrant stir-fry experience.
Sesame Beef with Broccoli
Add sesame oil and seeds for an extra layer of flavor, enhancing the dish’s nutty undertones.
Spicy Szechuan Beef and Broccoli
Incorporate Szechuan peppercorns and chili paste for a spicy kick that elevates the classic recipe.
Beef and Broccoli Lo Mein
Serve the delicious beef and broccoli over lo mein noodles for a comforting, hearty meal that still offers that take-out feel.
Vegetarian Broccoli Stir-Fry
Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option that still packs a flavorful punch.
Beef and Broccoli Fried Rice
Repurpose leftover beef and broccoli into a satisfying fried rice dish, adding scrambled eggs and peas for extra texture.