Authentic Chinese Beef and Broccoli: Tender & Flavorful (Print Version)

Authentic Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe, tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce. A quick, flavorful weeknight meal that's truly satisfying.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Chinese
Dietary: Dairy-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Tender Beef & Crisp Broccoli

01 - 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
02 - 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head)

→ Savory Sauce Essentials

03 - 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free)
04 - 1/4 cup oyster sauce
05 - 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
06 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
07 - 1 tsp sesame oil
08 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
09 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
10 - 1/2 cup water or beef broth
11 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
12 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

→ Beef Marinade Boosters

13 - 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
14 - 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
15 - 1 tsp cornstarch
16 - 1/4 tsp baking soda

→ Frying Essentials

17 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that flank steak ready. Slice it thinly against the grain—this is super important for tenderness, trust me. Then, into a bowl it goes with a little soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, baking soda, and a touch of cornstarch. Give it a good mix; it should feel slightly slimy, that's the velveting working its magic! While that's marinating for about 15 minutes, chop your broccoli into bite-sized florets. I like them small enough to easily scoop with beef, honestly.
02 - While the beef is doing its thing, let's get our sauce together. In a separate bowl, whisk together the rest of the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, and another tablespoon of cornstarch with some water or beef broth. Make sure that cornstarch is fully dissolved, no lumps allowed! This step is key because once you start stir-frying, things move fast, and you want this sauce ready to pour. I always taste it here and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to my mood.
03 - Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of vegetable oil. When it's shimmering, add the marinated beef in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You want a nice sear, not to steam the beef! Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until beautifully browned. This is where the kitchen starts smelling incredible, honestly. Once seared, remove the beef and set it aside. Don't worry if it's not fully cooked through; it'll finish in the sauce.
04 - Add another splash of oil to your hot pan. Toss in your broccoli florets. Stir-fry them for 3-5 minutes until they're vibrant green and crisp-tender. I like mine with a little char, adds character! If they're looking a bit dry, a tiny splash of water will create some steam to help them cook through without getting mushy. This step should make your kitchen smell super fresh, a nice contrast to the beefy aroma. Remember, we want crunch!
05 - Push the broccoli to one side of the pan. Add your minced garlic and ginger to the empty spot and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Oh, that smell! It's the best part, honestly. Then, return the seared beef to the pan with the broccoli and aromatics. Give everything a good toss to combine. This is where all those incredible flavors start to meld together for our Authentic Chinese Beef and Broccoli.
06 - Give your prepared sauce another quick whisk, just to make sure the cornstarch hasn't settled. Pour it over the beef and broccoli, stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken pretty quickly, coating everything in a glossy, irresistible glaze. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and thickened to your liking. And there you have it! A beautiful, fragrant, and truly Authentic Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe, ready to devour. Look at that gorgeous, shiny sauce!

# Notes:

01 - Velveting the beef with baking soda and cornstarch is a non-negotiable step for that tender, restaurant-quality texture.
02 - Make the sauce ahead of time; it makes stir-frying so much smoother and less stressful.
03 - Green beans or asparagus can be swapped for broccoli if you're looking for a change.
04 - Serve immediately over fluffy white rice to soak up all that glorious, savory sauce.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet or wok
02 - mixing bowls
03 - whisk
04 - sharp knife
05 - cutting board

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 20-25g
Total Carbohydrate: 30-40g
Protein: 35-45g