Deliciously Easy Beef and Broccoli: A Classic Chinese Recipe

Chinese cuisine is renowned for its diverse flavors, vibrant colors, and tantalizing aromas. Among the many beloved dishes, Beef and Broccoli stands out as a timeless favorite. This dish combines tender slices of beef with crisp, fresh broccoli, all enveloped in a savory sauce that’s bursting with umami goodness. Today, I'm excited to share with you a detailed recipe for this classic Chinese dish, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why You'll Love This Beef and Broccoli Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this dish in under 30 minutes.
• Nutritious: Broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals, making this dish as healthy as it is delicious.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even on its own for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Beef:

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Broccoli:

• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons water or beef broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

For the Aromatics:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced

Other:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
• Cooked rice for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef:
Start by combining the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a bowl. Mix well to coat the beef evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.

2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, water (or beef broth), cornstarch, and brown sugar (if using). Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set aside.

3. Blanch the Broccoli:
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 2 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

5. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

6. Combine Everything:
Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet and stir-fry for about 1 minute. Return the cooked beef to the skillet.
Give the prepared sauce a quick stir to ensure the cornstarch is still well mixed, then pour it into the skillet.
Stir everything together, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened and everything is well coated.

7. Serve:
Serve the beef and broccoli over cooked rice. Enjoy the rich flavors and delightful textures of this classic Chinese dish!

Tips for the Best Beef and Broccoli

• Cut Against the Grain: When slicing the beef, make sure to cut against the grain. This will result in more tender and easy-to-chew pieces.
• Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce based on your taste preference. A splash of rice wine or Shaoxing wine in the beef marinade can add extra depth of flavor.
• Perfectly Cooked Broccoli: If you prefer your broccoli softer, you can blanch it a bit longer or stir-fry it longer in the skillet.

Why Homemade is Best

Making Beef and Broccoli at home allows you to control the quality and quantity of the ingredients. It's a healthier option compared to takeout, and you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. Plus, it's incredibly satisfying to recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen!

Final Thoughts

Beef and Broccoli is a staple in Chinese cuisine that’s loved worldwide for its delicious combination of flavors and textures. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is a great addition to your culinary repertoire. Give it a try and bring the authentic taste of Chinese cuisine to your dinner table tonight!

I hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious Beef and Broccoli dish as much as I do. Happy cooking!

Share your experience: Have you tried this recipe? Do you have any tips or variations? Share your thoughts in the comments below!