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
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 (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.
