Description
I can still picture the bustling vibe of my favorite Chinese takeout. The air was thick with the savory aroma of sizzling beef and fresh broccoli, just waiting to be devoured. But on one of those busy nights, I craved that iconic dish yet didn’t want to wait in a long line or break the bank. So, I set out to recreate that magic in my own kitchen—faster, healthier, and packed with flavor.
This Restaurant-Style Beef and Broccoli recipe became my secret weapon, capturing the delectable essence of takeout with a homemade twist! The tender, juicy beef is tossed with vibrant broccoli and drenched in a rich, glossy sauce that you can whip up in no time. Not only is this dish a family favorite, but it also allows you to enjoy the comfort of Chinese flavors in the warmth of your home. Join me in this culinary adventure that’s sure to bring smiles around the dinner table!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 pound beef fillet, flank, or rump
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 1 head broccoli, cooked
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Start by preparing the sauce that will elevate your Chinese Beef and Broccoli. In a small bowl, mix together some cornstarch and water until smooth, then stir in the sugar, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, and Chinese five spice powder. This mixture should be well-combined and ready to thicken when heated, so set it aside for now.
- Next, let’s prep the beef! Slice your beef fillet, flank, or rump into 1/4″ thick pieces, ensuring that you cut against the grain to maintain tenderness. Once sliced, place the beef into a bowl and pour 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce over the top, allowing it to marinate briefly while you heat your skillet.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil to coat the bottom. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the marinated beef to the skillet. Cook the beef for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally until it’s nicely browned on all sides. The beef should sizzle delightfully as it cooks, giving you that restaurant-style treatment.
- After the beef is browned, quickly stir it for about 10 seconds to ensure even cooking. Then, add the finely chopped garlic and ginger, stirring for an additional 30 seconds. This is the moment your kitchen will fill with fragrant aromas! Make sure the beef is no longer pink before moving to the next step.
- Now, it’s time to create that glossy sauce. Pour the remaining sauce mixture and a bit of water—about 1/4 cup—into the skillet with the beef. Stir everything together to combine well, adjusting the heat if needed to maintain a bubbling simmer. This will start to bring your Chinese Beef and Broccoli dish to life.
- When the sauce begins to bubble and thicken, add the cooked broccoli florets to the skillet. Gently stir to coat each piece of broccoli with the flavorful sauce. Allow it to simmer for about 1 minute, giving the broccoli a chance to heat through and absorb some of that delightful seasoning.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your satisfaction and the broccoli is vibrant and tender, remove the skillet from heat. This is the perfect time to serve your mouthwatering Chinese Beef and Broccoli over a bed of fluffy rice, and if you’d like, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for that finishing touch! Enjoy this homemade takeout right at your dinner table.
Notes
- Cut beef against the grain to ensure each bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender, avoiding a chewy texture.
- Don’t overcook the beef; it cooks swiftly. Aim for a quick brown that keeps it juicy and tender.
- Parboil or steam broccoli for just 40 seconds to 1 minute prior to adding it to the stir fry for perfect tenderness.
- Use high-quality Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine) for authentic flavor; it transforms your dish from good to spectacular!
- If you prefer less sauce, simply reduce the amount of water and allow the mixture to thicken more for a richer finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chinese Beef and Broccoli