Description
This easy and healthy Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe is a flavorful, one-pan dish made with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a rich brown sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this homemade take-out favorite is healthier and customizable to your liking.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Marinade:
1 lb flank steak (or skirt steak, or another cut of your choice)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for tougher cuts like brisket, chuck, or round roast)
For the Sauce:
1/2 cup chicken broth (or beef broth)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional, or substitute with 1/2 teaspoon molasses)
2 teaspoons brown sugar (or white sugar)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
For Stir-frying:
1 head broccoli, cut into bite-size florets
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons ginger, minced
Instructions
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Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef against the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices or 1/2-inch sticks. Add the beef to a small bowl, then mix with soy sauce, vegetable oil, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), brown sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved.
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Steam the Broccoli: Heat 1/4 cup of water in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the broccoli, cover, and steam for about 1 minute. Transfer the broccoli to a plate and wipe the pan with a paper towel.
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Sear the Beef: Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high. Spread the beef in a single layer, cook undisturbed for about 30 seconds until browned, flip, and cook until lightly charred but still pink inside.
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Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for a few seconds until fragrant.
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Combine with Broccoli and Sauce: Add the steamed broccoli back to the pan. Stir the sauce to dissolve the cornstarch, then pour into the skillet. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
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Serve: Transfer everything to a plate and serve immediately, hot over rice.
Notes
- You can substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers.
- For a spicy kick, add chili oil or sriracha to the sauce.
- Use tougher cuts like chuck or brisket with baking soda to tenderize.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Asian
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
