Description
A quick and flavorful Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry featuring tender slices of beef and vibrant broccoli florets coated in a savory soy-based sauce, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp cornstarch / cornflour
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)
- 1/8 tsp Chinese five spice powder
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp oil
- 12 oz / 360g beef fillet, flank or rump (thinly sliced against the grain)
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 4 – 5 cups broccoli florets (1 head), cooked (par boiled or steamed)
- 1 cup water
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Add sugar, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, Chinese five spice powder, optional sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to integrate all the sauce ingredients.
- Marinate the Beef: Slice beef into 1/4 inch thick pieces against the grain for tenderness. Place beef and 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce into a bowl and set aside to marinate briefly.
- Heat Oil and Cook Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet or wok over high heat until hot. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and leave undisturbed for 1 minute to sear and brown the edges.
- Stir Fry Aromatics: Stir the beef for 10 seconds, then add finely chopped garlic and ginger. Continue stir-frying for about 30 seconds until beef is no longer pink and aromatics are fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Water: Pour in the remaining sauce mixture and 1 cup of water, quickly stirring to combine and distribute the sauce evenly over the beef.
- Combine Broccoli and Simmer: When the sauce starts bubbling, add cooked broccoli florets. Stir well to coat the broccoli in the sauce, then let the mixture simmer for 1 minute or until the sauce thickens.
- Finish and Serve: Remove skillet from heat immediately to prevent overcooking. Serve the beef and broccoli hot over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- For best texture, slice the beef against the grain.
- Adjust the cooking wine and soy sauces to taste if you prefer less saltiness.
- Use freshly steamed or par boiled broccoli to keep it vibrant and crisp.
- The optional sesame oil adds a nutty aroma but can be omitted.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the broccoli and tenderness of the beef.
