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Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

4.8 from 443 reviews

This classic Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe features tender flank steak stir-fried with crisp broccoli florets in a savory, slightly sweet sauce made with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, this dish balances rich umami flavors with the fresh crunch of broccoli, all thickened to perfection with cornstarch for a glossy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Marinade

  • 1 lb flank steak, skirt steak, or other cut
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (Optional)

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup chicken stock (or beef stock)
  • 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar (or white sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 head broccoli, cut to bite-size florets
  • 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef: Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain into bite-sized strips. In a bowl, combine the beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon peanut oil, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and optionally 1/2 teaspoon baking soda to tenderize. Mix well and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, Shaoxing wine, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Cook the broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Stir-fry the beef: In the same skillet, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for about 1 minute, then stir-fry until the beef is mostly cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add garlic and combine: Add the minced garlic to the beef and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the broccoli to the skillet.
  6. Finish with sauce: Stir the sauce again to recombine and pour over the beef and broccoli. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients evenly, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For best results, slice the beef very thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
  • Baking soda helps tenderize tougher cuts of beef but can be omitted if preferred.
  • Shaanxong wine adds authentic flavor but dry sherry is an acceptable substitute.
  • If you prefer a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
  • Adjust sugar amount based on your sweetness preference.

Keywords: Chinese beef and broccoli, stir-fry, easy Chinese recipe, beef stir-fry, broccoli recipe, authentic Chinese food