Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, loved for its rich flavors, tender beef, and crisp broccoli. It’s a dish that’s easy to make at home and perfect for a weeknight meal. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make this tasty, nutritious dish.
Ingredients for Chinese Beef and Broccoli
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 lb beef (flank steak, sirloin, or rib-eye work best)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda (optional, helps tenderize the meat)
- 1 tbsp rice wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp ground white pepper
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any cooking oil of your choice)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Preparing the Beef
Start by preparing the beef. For the best texture, it’s important to slice the beef thinly against the grain. This will help the beef stay tender after cooking. If you’re using flank steak, rib-eye, or sirloin, make sure the beef is chilled before slicing for easier cutting.
Marinate the Beef:
- Combine soy sauce, cornstarch, baking soda (if using), rice wine, sesame oil, and sugar in a bowl.
- Add the sliced beef to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
- Allow the beef to marinate for at least 15 to 30 minutes. This step ensures that the beef is flavorful and tender.
Step 2: Preparing the Broccoli
Broccoli is the star vegetable in this dish. Fresh broccoli is ideal, but if you’re in a rush, you can use frozen broccoli florets.
Blanch the Broccoli:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
- Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes. You want them tender but still vibrant green and slightly crisp.
- Remove the broccoli from the boiling water and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Drain the broccoli and set it aside.
Step 3: Making the Sauce
A key component of Chinese Beef and Broccoli is the savory, slightly sweet sauce. The sauce should have a good balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors.
Combine the Sauce Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, beef broth (or water), sesame oil, and white pepper.
- Make sure the cornstarch is completely dissolved in the liquid mixture to avoid clumping.
- Set the sauce mixture aside. The cornstarch in the sauce will help it thicken when cooking.
Step 4: Stir-Frying the Beef and Vegetables
Cook the Beef:
- Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef. Stir-fry the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps the beef brown properly.
- Cook the beef for 2-3 minutes or until browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same wok or skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced onion (if using) to the pan. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced bell pepper (optional) and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add the blanched broccoli and stir to combine with the garlic and onions.
Step 5: Combining the Beef, Broccoli, and Sauce
- Return the cooked beef to the wok with the broccoli.
- Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and stir well to coat the beef and broccoli evenly with the sauce.
- Allow the sauce to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens and becomes glossy.
- Once the sauce has thickened, remove the wok from the heat.
Step 6: Serving Your Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Now that your dish is ready, it’s time to serve! Chinese Beef and Broccoli is traditionally served with steamed rice, which helps soak up the delicious sauce. You can garnish the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Chinese Beef and Broccoli
1. Choosing the Right Cut of Beef:
Flank steak, rib-eye, and sirloin are ideal for this dish. They are tender cuts that cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the marinade well. Avoid using tougher cuts of beef, as they can become chewy during stir-frying.
2. Marinating the Beef:
Allowing the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours) helps the beef become more tender and flavorful. If you’re in a hurry, even 15 minutes will still make a difference.
3. Blanching the Broccoli:
Blanching the broccoli before stir-frying it helps preserve its vibrant color and makes it more tender without losing its crisp texture. If you skip this step, the broccoli might become too tough and not absorb the sauce as well.
4. Customize the Vegetables:
While broccoli is the main vegetable in this dish, you can customize it by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. These additions add color and flavor variety to the dish.
5. Adjusting the Sauce:
Feel free to adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce according to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more sugar or hoisin sauce. If you like a more savory sauce, increase the soy sauce or oyster sauce.
6. Make It Spicy:
If you like your food with a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to the stir-fry along with the garlic.
7. Using Cornstarch for Thickness:
Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce and give it a nice glossy finish. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can reduce the amount of cornstarch in the recipe. If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a little more.
Nutritional Information for Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a relatively healthy dish, especially when made at home with fresh ingredients. It is rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: 350-400 (without rice)
- Protein: 35-40 grams
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
- Fiber: 5-6 grams
If you’re serving it with rice, you can add approximately 200 calories per serving of rice.
Variations of Chinese Beef and Broccoli
While the classic Chinese Beef and Broccoli dish is delicious on its own, there are some variations you can try to mix things up.
1. Add More Vegetables:
You can increase the vegetable content by adding carrots, snap peas, or baby corn to the stir-fry. These vegetables pair well with beef and broccoli and add extra texture and flavor.
2. Use Different Protein:
Instead of beef, you can use chicken, pork, or tofu in this dish. Chicken breast or thighs are good substitutes for beef and will cook in a similar way. Tofu is a great vegetarian alternative.
3. Try a Spicy Version:
If you like your stir-fry with a bit of spice, add some chili garlic sauce, fresh chilies, or red pepper flakes to the sauce. This will give your dish a nice spicy kick.
Conclusion
Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a simple, flavorful dish that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen. With just a few ingredients and some easy steps, you can enjoy this delicious stir-fry anytime. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. Remember to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste, and enjoy your homemade Chinese Beef and Broccoli with steamed rice for a satisfying meal!
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