published Nov 28, 2022 It is no secret that I love stir fries — I have several stand-by favorites like my Jeyuk Bokkeum (Pork Stir Fry Recipe), Vegetable Jalfrezi Stir Fry (it’s a hot one!), and Szechuan Pork and Eggplant Stir Fry. It’s hard to beat recipes that are so simple to make while delivering such huge flavor, and today’s broccoli beef recipe does just that! Whip up this classic, quick and easy recipe for a weeknight dinner that is sure to impress your friends and family. They never need to know that it takes less than 30 minutes to make! If you are looking for a beef stir fry recipe with a different spin, go ahead and give my Chinese Curry Beef Stir Fry, Beef with Black Bean Sauce, or Pepper Steak with Onion and Tomatoes a try. They are just as fantastically flavorful and easy to make.
INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Beef – Flank steak is the best option for its deep beef flavor and tenderness. Skirt steak is an acceptable substitute. Whichever you choose, slice it across the grain into ¼ inch pieces. Broccoli – Adds crunch and color, plus the earth sweet flavor balances the richness of the beef.Wine – Shaoxing wine is Chinese cooking wine with a vinegary, spicy, slightly nutty, and caramel like flavor. Dry sherry will also work. Soy Sauce – Light soy sauce is saltier and lighter in body than dark. Dark soy sauce is richer, bolder, and sweeter in flavor. Both are used in this recipe. Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce and tenderizes the beef. Water – Adds moisture and volume to the sauce.Sugar – A touch of sweetness to balance the other flavors.Oyster Sauce – Offers salty, sweet, tangy, and umami flavor to the dish. Check the international aisle at your grocery store. Oil – Use vegetable oil for stir frying, plus a touch of sesame oil to add a delicate nuttiness to the sauce. Garlic & Ginger – Adds a pungent, spicy kick to this broccoli beef dish.
HOW TO MAKE BROCCOLI BEEF STIR FRY
- Marinate the Beef. Place steak pieces in a bowl along with the Shaoxing wine, a teaspoon of dark soy sauce, and cornstarch. Toss together and set aside to marinate.
- Mix the Sauce. Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Mix and set aside.
- Prepare the Broccoli. Separate the broccoli into florets, trimming the ends and cutting any stems into 1 inch pieces. Transfer to a wok or large skillet ready with 6 cups of boiling water. Blanch broccoli for 3 minutes, remove from heat, drain, and set aside.
- Sear the Meat. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Working in batches, sear the meat for one minute on each side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients. Add an additional tablespoon of oil to the hot wok along with the ginger and garlic. Saute the ginger and garlic for 30 seconds, then add in the sauce and stir until it thickens. Add the beef and broccoli to the wok and toss thoroughly, being sure to evenly coat.
- Serve and Enjoy. Transfer the stir fry to a serving platter or bowl and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds. If desired, serve with noodles or steamed rice.
Do You Cook Vegetables Before Adding To Stir Fry?
When making beef and broccoli, definitely. Blanching the broccoli helps to soften the tough veggie while preserving the bright green color. You end up with fork-tender, yet delightfully crunchy florets. It’s the preferred method to steaming or boiling, since we don’t want the veggie to become soggy in the pan. To ensure that the florets don’t overcook, you can submerge them in a cold water bath once blanched.
What is Chinese Beef and Broccoli Sauce Made Of?
Beef and broccoli sauce is a sweet, savory, and salty combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. It is super easy to make and versatile — try it out with your favorite beef, chicken, or rice dishes!
Why is My Stir Fry Beef Always Tough?
Do you ever wonder how Chinese restaurants get their stir fried beef so tender? The secret is a super simple and effective method known as velveting. Basically speaking, velveting involves placing the beef (or chicken) in a slurry made from Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, oil and either cornstarch or baking soda. This broccoli beef recipe uses cornstarch for the same effect. The changes in the pH create super tender strips of steak that will make you swoon. Also, be very mindful to not overcook your beef. Only sear each piece of meat for one minute on each side.
