Chinese Beef and Broccoli – Easy Takeout-Style Recipe

Introduction

I can still remember the first time I cooked Chinese beef and broccoli at home. The savory aroma filled my kitchen, wrapping me in cozy comfort while the sizzling beef and crisp broccoli danced in the pan. This dish has become a weeknight favorite, especially when we crave a quick and healthy meal that tastes just like takeout. In fact, Chinese beef and broccoli is perfect for busy nights because it’s simple, fast, and deeply satisfying.

Best Cut of Beef for Chinese Beef and Broccoli

The key to tender, flavorful beef lies in choosing the right cut. I usually reach for flank steak or skirt steak because they cook quickly and stay tender when sliced thin. Both cuts absorb marinades beautifully, which means more flavor in every bite. However, if you have a tougher cut of beef on hand, here’s a helpful tip: add a touch of baking soda to the marinade and let it sit for 30 minutes. This softens the meat without making it mushy, and as a result, your beef will come out juicy and tender.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Essential ingredients

You don’t need many ingredients for this dish, which makes it so approachable:

• 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak
• Fresh broccoli florets
• Soy sauce
• Chicken or beef stock
• Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• Garlic and ginger
• Cornstarch for thickening

Optional substitutions

You can use vegetable oil instead of peanut oil if needed. If you don’t have dark soy sauce, you can skip it or add a splash of molasses for that caramel note. No peanut oil? Simply drizzle a bit of toasted sesame oil at the end for a lovely nutty finish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Prep work (mise en place)

First, slice your beef against the grain into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Then, toss it gently with soy sauce, peanut oil, and cornstarch. While that marinates, whisk together your sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Next, prep your broccoli by cutting it into bite-size florets so they cook evenly.

Cooking process overview

Heat your skillet and steam the broccoli quickly with a splash of water. After about a minute, remove it from the pan so it stays bright green and crisp. Then, sear the beef in a single layer for about 30 seconds per side, just until browned. Add garlic and ginger next and stir until fragrant. Finally, return the broccoli to the skillet and pour in the sauce. Stir gently until the sauce thickens, about a minute. Serve hot, and enjoy every comforting bite.

Tips for Perfect Beef and Broccoli

For best results, slice your beef thinly and against the grain. This makes it tender and easy to chew. Also, keep your pan hot so the beef sears quickly without steaming. Stir your sauce again before pouring it in to dissolve any cornstarch that may have settled. Timing is everything in stir-fry cooking, so keep all ingredients close at hand before you start.

Related Recipes to try

If you love this recipe, you’ll enjoy my 3-ingredient orange chicken for quick weeknight dinners and this flavorful one-pot black pepper chicken recipe. For even more cozy comfort, try my crockpot pepper steak for easy comfort food or this slow cooker beef and noodles recipe.

Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

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Conclusion

I hope you’ll give this Chinese beef and broccoli recipe a try soon. It’s cozy, quick, and perfect for weeknights. If you do, please leave a comment or review — I love hearing how these recipes turn out in your kitchen. You can also find more inspiration on my Pinterest page.