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The Ultimate Guide to Authentic Chinese Beef and Broccoli: A Takeout Classic Made Healthy

The BEST Chinese Beef and Broccoli (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
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Bring the flavors of your favorite Chinese take-out into your kitchen with this easy and healthier Beef and Broccoli recipe. Tender, juicy slices of beef are stir-fried with crisp broccoli and coated in a rich, savory brown sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and tastes even better over hot steamed rice. This recipe can also be adapted to be gluten-free for those with dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Marinade:

  • 1 lb flank steak, skirt steak, or similar cut

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable oil)

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

  • ½ tsp baking soda (optional, for extra tender beef)

Sauce:

  • ½ cup chicken or beef stock

  • 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry for gluten-free)

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

  • 1 tsp dark soy sauce

  • 2 tsp brown sugar (or white sugar)

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

Stir-Fry:

  • 1 head broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets

  • 1 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable oil)

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 tsp fresh ginger, minced

Instructions

1. Prep the Beef

  • Slice beef against the grain into ¼-inch thick slices or ½-inch sticks.

  • Place in a bowl and add soy sauce, oil, and cornstarch. Gently mix until all slices are coated. Marinate for 10 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.

2. Prepare the Sauce

  • In a medium bowl, combine all sauce ingredients and stir until smooth. Set aside.

3. Steam the Broccoli

  • Add ¼ cup water to a large nonstick skillet and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

  • Add broccoli, cover, and steam for about 1 minute until just tender. Transfer to a plate and wipe out any remaining water.

4. Cook the Beef

  • Heat oil in the skillet over medium-high heat until hot.

  • Spread the beef in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 30 seconds until browned on the bottom. Flip and cook the other side briefly. Stir and cook until lightly charred but still slightly pink inside.

5. Add Aromatics

  • Add minced garlic and ginger. Stir a few times until fragrant.

6. Combine and Finish

  • Return the broccoli to the skillet. Stir the sauce again to dissolve cornstarch, then pour it over the beef and broccoli.

  • Cook and stir for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens and everything is well coated.

7. Serve

  • Transfer to a plate and serve immediately, ideally with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Tender beef: Slice against the grain and optionally use baking soda in the marinade to make the beef extra tender.

  • Crisp broccoli: Don’t oversteam; it should remain slightly crunchy for texture contrast.

  • Even sauce: Stir the cornstarch into the sauce well before adding to the pan to avoid lumps.

  • Flavor boost: Add a splash of toasted sesame oil at the end for an extra depth of flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-authentic-chinese-beef-and-broccoli-a-takeout-classic-made-healthy/

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