Description
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe offers a quick and flavorful stir-fry packed with tender beef slices and vibrant broccoli florets, all coated in a savory soy-based sauce accented with garlic, ginger, and Chinese five spice. It’s a classic takeout favorite that you can easily make at home in just 20 minutes, perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 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 beef broth
- 1/8 tsp Chinese five spice powder
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
For the Stir-Fry
- 2 tbsp oil
- 12 oz / 360g beef fillet, flank or rump, sliced 1/4″ / 0.5cm thick
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 4–5 cups broccoli florets (1 head), cooked
- 1 cup water
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cornstarch and 1/4 cup water, whisking until smooth. Add sugar, dark and light soy sauces, beef broth, Chinese five spice powder, sesame oil (if using), and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients into a consistent sauce.
- Marinate the Beef: Slice the beef into thin 1/4″ (0.5cm) pieces. Place the sliced beef in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce, coating evenly, and set aside to marinate briefly.
- Heat the Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the skillet, spreading it out in a single layer. Let it sear without stirring for 1 minute, allowing it to brown.
- Stir-Fry Aromatics: Stir the beef briefly for about 10 seconds, then add the finely chopped garlic and ginger. Continue to stir-fry for 30 seconds or until the beef loses its pink color and is fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Water: Pour the remaining sauce along with 1 cup of water into the skillet. Quickly stir everything together to combine.
- Simmer with Broccoli: Once the sauce begins to bubble, add the cooked broccoli florets. Stir to coat them evenly in the sauce, then let everything simmer for 1 minute or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat immediately to prevent overcooking. Serve the beef and broccoli over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Use cooked broccoli florets to ensure even heating and avoid overcooking during stir-fry.
- You can substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth if preferred.
- For extra flavor, marinate the beef for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust soy sauce quantities to control saltiness according to taste.
- Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
