If you have a craving for a delicious, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from your favorite Chinese takeout spot, look no further than this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a glossy savory sauce that comes together in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re new to stir-frying or a seasoned home cook, this dish promises bold flavors and a satisfying texture that will quickly make it a go-to weeknight favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things bright and straightforward, relying on familiar ingredients that each play a vital role in crafting authentic flavor, lovely texture, and appealing color. Every element, from the aromatic ginger to the vibrant broccoli, contributes to an unforgettable stir fry experience.
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Essential for creating a silky, thick sauce that clings deliciously to the beef and broccoli.
- Water (1/4 cup + 1 cup): Helps dissolve the cornstarch and enables the sauce to come together perfectly.
- Sugar (1 tsp): Balances the savory soy flavors with a subtle sweetness.
- Dark soy sauce (1 tbsp): Adds deep color and rich, intense umami.
- Light soy sauce (1 1/2 tbsp): Brings a saltier punch to brighten the sauce.
- Chinese cooking wine – Shaoxing wine (1 tbsp): Introduces a fragrant aroma that elevates the stir fry’s taste profile.
- Chinese five spice powder (1/8 tsp): Infuses a warm, subtle spice complexity that’s signature to this dish.
- Sesame oil (1 tsp, optional): A nutty finish that adds sophistication and aroma.
- Black pepper (1/8 tsp): Offers mild heat without overpowering the other flavors.
- Oil (2 tbsp): For a hot, quick sear to lock in the beef’s juiciness.
- Beef fillet, flank, or rump (12 oz / 360g): Thinly sliced against the grain to ensure tender bites every time.
- Garlic clove (1): Finely chopped to impart a punch of fragrant invitation to the skillet.
- Fresh ginger (1 tsp): Adds zesty brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- Broccoli florets (4–5 cups / 1 head), cooked: Provides a satisfying crunch and vibrant green color that balances the meaty richness.
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): A subtle crunch and pretty topping that completes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by combining the cornstarch with water until smooth—this forms the foundation for a luscious sauce. Then add sugar, both soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, five spice powder, optional sesame oil, and black pepper. This mixture will coat the beef and broccoli with that incredible, restaurant-quality glaze.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
Take your thinly sliced beef and toss it in about two tablespoons of the prepared sauce. Marinating briefly lets the meat soak up the flavors without needing hours, ensuring each bite is tender and packed with savoriness.
Step 3: Heat Oil and Cook Beef
Heat oil in a wok or skillet over high heat until it’s really hot. Lay the beef in a single layer and let it sear undisturbed for about one minute—this helps develop a beautiful brown crust and locks in juiciness.
Step 4: Stir Fry Aromatics
After the initial sear, toss the beef around for just ten seconds, then add the finely chopped garlic and ginger. Keep stirring for about thirty seconds, letting the wonderful aromas fill your kitchen while the beef finishes cooking.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Water
Pour in the rest of the sauce and a cup of water, stirring quickly to coat everything evenly and kickstart the simmer. This step ensures the sauce thickens just right without drying out the beef or broccoli.
Step 6: Combine Broccoli and Simmer
When the sauce bubbles, fold in the cooked broccoli florets, swirling them in the mixture so every piece gets glossed with that irresistible sauce. Let it simmer for a minute until the sauce thickens perfectly.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat promptly to avoid overcooking, then serve this sizzling beef and broccoli combination over steamed rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like for a nutty texture and that beautiful finishing touch.
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or even thinly sliced green onions brightens the dish visually and texturally. These small garnishes add that extra layer of flavor and crunch that elevates the whole meal.
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines best with a simple bowl of fluffy steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up the luscious sauce. You can also serve it alongside some pickled vegetables or a light Asian-style cucumber salad for contrast and extra freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef and broccoli in lettuce cups for a low-carb option or over a bed of noodles for a hearty rendition. Garnishing with a drizzle of chili oil or a few fresh cilantro leaves invites your guests to customize their own flavor experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The beef may release some juices, so it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later to retain that fresh stir-fried texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that broccoli can become a bit softer after thawing. Freeze the beef and sauce separately if possible, then combine with freshly steamed broccoli when ready to eat for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to revive the sauce’s glossy texture. Avoid microwaving too long as it can make the beef tough and the broccoli mushy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank, fillet, or rump are ideal because they tenderize quickly and slice thinly, you can also try sirloin. Just be sure to slice very thinly against the grain to keep the beef tender.
Is it okay to skip the Chinese cooking wine?
If you don’t have Shaoxing wine on hand, you can substitute dry sherry or even omit it. The dish will still be flavorful, though the wine adds a distinctive aromatic depth that’s worth trying at least once.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can swap the beef for firm tofu or tempeh and increase the broccoli or add other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas. Use vegetable broth and soy sauce in the sauce for a balanced vegetarian version.
What’s the best way to cut broccoli for stir fry?
Cut the broccoli into small to medium-sized florets so they cook evenly and maintain a nice crunch. Parboiling or steaming them just until bright green before stir-frying helps achieve perfect tenderness.
How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?
Slice the beef thinly against the grain, marinate briefly in the sauce, and cook over high heat quickly. Avoid overcooking by removing the pan from heat as soon as the sauce thickens and the beef turns brown.
Final Thoughts
There is something so satisfying about mastering a Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe at home—it’s quick, full of flavor, and offers that restaurant-style experience without the wait. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how this simple recipe becomes one of your most cherished go-tos for weeknight dinners or anytime you need a tasty, comforting meal that feels both familiar and special.
Print
Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A quick and flavorful Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry that features tender slices of beef cooked with vibrant broccoli florets in a savory soy-based sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, combining the perfect balance of umami, spice, and freshness, all ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
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 (about 1 head), cooked (par boiled or steamed)
- 1 cup water
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Add the sugar, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, five spice powder, optional sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir until well combined to create the sauce.
- Marinate the Beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain into 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) pieces. Combine the beef with 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce and let it marinate briefly to absorb the flavors.
- 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 let it sear undisturbed for 1 minute to develop a golden-brown crust.
- Stir Fry Aromatics: Stir the beef for 10 seconds, then add the chopped garlic and ginger. Continue stir-frying for about 30 seconds until the beef is mostly cooked through and the aromatics are fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Water: Pour in the remaining sauce and 1 cup of water. Stir quickly to combine and distribute the sauce evenly across the beef.
- Combine Broccoli and Simmer: Once the sauce begins to bubble, add the cooked broccoli florets. Stir well so the broccoli is coated with the sauce, then let the mixture simmer for 1 minute or until the sauce thickens nicely.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat immediately to avoid overcooking. Serve the beef and broccoli hot over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the cooking wine is gluten-free.
- Broccoli can be steamed or par-boiled to your preference before adding to the stir fry.
- You can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or tofu for variation.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by modifying the amount of cornstarch slurry.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
