The Easiest Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe You'll Ever Try

Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Chinese beef and broccoli is a classic dish that is both flavorful and easy to make. It is a popular choice for weeknight dinners because it can be made in under 30 minutes. The beef is marinated in a savory sauce and then stir-fried with broccoli and other vegetables. The result is a dish that is both delicious and healthy.

To make Chinese beef and broccoli, you will need the following ingredients:

1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar

To make the Chinese beef and broccoli, follow these steps:

In a medium bowl, combine the flank steak, soy sauce, Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, and cornstarch. Stir to coat the steak evenly.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned.
Add the broccoli, carrots, celery, and green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
In a small bowl, whisk together the water, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Add the sauce to the skillet and stir to coat the steak and vegetables.
Cook for an additional minute, or until the sauce has thickened.
Serve the Chinese beef and broccoli over rice or noodles.

Chinese beef and broccoli is a delicious and healthy dish that is easy to make. It is a great choice for weeknight dinners or for a quick and easy lunch.

Benefits of Chinese Beef and Broccoli:

Chinese beef and broccoli is a good source of protein and iron.
The broccoli is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K.
The carrots are a good source of vitamin A and beta-carotene.
The celery is a good source of vitamins A and C.
The green onions are a good source of vitamins A and C.

Tips for Making Chinese Beef and Broccoli:

Be sure to slice the flank steak thinly so that it cooks evenly.
If you don’t have Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, you can substitute another type of dry white wine.
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute hoisin sauce or soy sauce.
You can add other vegetables to the dish, such as snap peas, baby corn, or water chestnuts.
Serve the Chinese beef and broccoli over rice or noodles.

Chinese beef and broccoli is a versatile dish that can be made to your liking. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find your favorite combination.

Essential Aspects of Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Chinese beef and broccoli is a classic dish that is both flavorful and easy to make. It is a popular choice for weeknight dinners because it can be made in under 30 minutes. The dish is made with flank steak, broccoli, and a savory sauce. The key aspects of Chinese beef and broccoli recipe are:

Ingredients: The main ingredients in Chinese beef and broccoli are flank steak, broccoli, soy sauce, Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, cornstarch, vegetable oil, and oyster sauce.
Cooking method: Chinese beef and broccoli is typically cooked in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. The steak is cooked first, followed by the broccoli and other vegetables. The sauce is added last and cooked until thickened.
Flavor: Chinese beef and broccoli has a savory flavor with a hint of sweetness. The sauce is made with soy sauce, Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, oyster sauce, and brown sugar.
Texture: The steak in Chinese beef and broccoli is tender and juicy, while the broccoli is crisp-tender. The sauce is thick and glossy.
Appearance: Chinese beef and broccoli is a visually appealing dish. The steak is browned and the broccoli is bright green. The sauce is a rich brown color.
Variations: There are many variations of Chinese beef and broccoli. Some recipes call for adding other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or snap peas. Others call for using a different type of meat, such as chicken or pork.
Serving suggestions: Chinese beef and broccoli is typically served over rice or noodles. It can also be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad.

These key aspects work together to create a delicious and satisfying dish. Chinese beef and broccoli is a great choice for a weeknight dinner or for a quick and easy lunch. It is also a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking.

Ingredients

The ingredients in Chinese beef and broccoli are essential to the dish’s flavor and texture. Flank steak is a lean and flavorful cut of beef that is perfect for stir-frying. Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is packed with nutrients and has a slightly bitter flavor. Soy sauce is a fermented sauce made from soybeans that adds a salty and umami flavor to the dish. Chinese rice wine or dry sherry adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce. Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy finish. Vegetable oil is used to stir-fry the beef and vegetables. Oyster sauce is a thick, flavorful sauce made from oysters that adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish.

The role of each ingredient: Each ingredient in Chinese beef and broccoli plays a specific role in the dish. Flank steak provides the protein and flavor, broccoli adds nutrients and texture, soy sauce adds saltiness and umami, Chinese rice wine or dry sherry adds sweetness and complexity, cornstarch thickens the sauce, vegetable oil helps to stir-fry the ingredients, and oyster sauce adds a rich and savory flavor.
The importance of using fresh ingredients: Using fresh ingredients is essential to making a delicious Chinese beef and broccoli. Fresh flank steak will be more tender and flavorful than frozen steak. Fresh broccoli will be more crisp and flavorful than frozen broccoli. Fresh soy sauce will be more flavorful than bottled soy sauce. Fresh Chinese rice wine or dry sherry will be more complex and flavorful than cooking wine. Fresh cornstarch will thicken the sauce better than old cornstarch. Fresh vegetable oil will be less likely to smoke than old vegetable oil. Fresh oyster sauce will add a more rich and savory flavor to the dish than bottled oyster sauce.
The versatility of Chinese beef and broccoli: Chinese beef and broccoli is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking. You can add other vegetables to the dish, such as carrots, celery, or snap peas. You can also use a different type of meat, such as chicken or pork. You can adjust the amount of sauce to your liking. You can even add a bit of spice to the dish with some chili peppers.

By understanding the ingredients in Chinese beef and broccoli and how they work together, you can create a delicious and flavorful dish that your family and friends will love.

Cooking method

The cooking method is an essential part of any recipe, and Chinese beef and broccoli is no exception. The high heat of a wok or large skillet is necessary to quickly sear the steak and vegetables, locking in their flavor and texture. Cooking the steak first allows it to brown and develop a flavorful crust before the vegetables are added. The vegetables are cooked quickly, so they retain their crispness and nutrients. The sauce is added last and cooked until thickened, creating a flavorful and glossy coating for the beef and vegetables.

Facet 1: The importance of using a wok or large skillet
A wok or large skillet is the ideal cookware for Chinese beef and broccoli because it allows for even heat distribution and quick cooking. The sloping sides of a wok make it easy to stir-fry the ingredients and prevent them from sticking. A large skillet can also be used, but it is important to make sure that it is large enough to accommodate all of the ingredients without overcrowding.
Facet 2: The importance of cooking the steak first
Cooking the steak first allows it to brown and develop a flavorful crust before the vegetables are added. This helps to lock in the flavor and moisture of the steak. If the steak is not cooked first, it will be more likely to become tough and dry.
Facet 3: The importance of cooking the vegetables quickly
The vegetables in Chinese beef and broccoli are cooked quickly so that they retain their crispness and nutrients. Overcooking the vegetables will make them mushy and bland. To prevent overcooking, it is important to use a high heat and stir-fry the vegetables constantly.
Facet 4: The importance of thickening the sauce
The sauce in Chinese beef and broccoli is thickened to create a flavorful and glossy coating for the beef and vegetables. The sauce is typically thickened with cornstarch, which is a starch that is made from corn. Cornstarch can be mixed with water to create a slurry, which is then added to the sauce and cooked until thickened. Thickening the sauce helps to enhance the flavor of the beef and vegetables and makes the dish more satisfying.

By understanding the cooking method for Chinese beef and broccoli, you can create a delicious and flavorful dish that your family and friends will love.

Flavor

The flavor of Chinese beef and broccoli is one of its most appealing aspects. The savory flavor of the beef and broccoli is perfectly complemented by the sweet and savory sauce. The sauce is made with a combination of soy sauce, Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Each ingredient plays a specific role in creating the unique flavor of the sauce.

Soy sauce: Soy sauce is a fermented sauce made from soybeans. It is a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine and adds a salty and umami flavor to the sauce.
Chinese rice wine or dry sherry: Chinese rice wine or dry sherry adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce. It also helps to deglaze the pan and add depth of flavor.
Oyster sauce: Oyster sauce is a thick, flavorful sauce made from oysters. It adds a rich and savory flavor to the sauce.
Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness to the sauce. It also helps to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy finish.

The combination of these ingredients creates a sauce that is both flavorful and versatile. It can be used to cook a variety of dishes, including beef, chicken, pork, and vegetables. Chinese beef and broccoli is a classic dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. The savory flavor of the beef and broccoli is perfectly complemented by the sweet and savory sauce. The dish is easy to make and can be on the table in under 30 minutes.

Texture

Texture is an important aspect of any dish, and Chinese beef and broccoli is no exception. The tender and juicy steak, crisp-tender broccoli, and thick and glossy sauce all come together to create a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying.

Facet 1: The importance of tender and juicy steak
The steak in Chinese beef and broccoli should be tender and juicy, not tough and dry. There are a few things that you can do to ensure that your steak is tender and juicy. First, choose a good cut of steak. Flank steak or skirt steak are both good choices for Chinese beef and broccoli. Second, marinate the steak before cooking it. This will help to tenderize the meat and add flavor. Third, cook the steak over high heat so that it sears quickly and evenly. Finally, let the steak rest before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy steak.
Facet 2: The importance of crisp-tender broccoli
The broccoli in Chinese beef and broccoli should be crisp-tender, not mushy or overcooked. To achieve crisp-tender broccoli, it is important to cook it quickly over high heat. You can stir-fry the broccoli or blanch it in boiling water. If you are stir-frying the broccoli, be sure to add it to the pan in a single layer so that it cooks evenly. If you are blanching the broccoli, be sure to remove it from the boiling water as soon as it is bright green and tender.
Facet 3: The importance of thick and glossy sauce
The sauce in Chinese beef and broccoli should be thick and glossy, not thin and watery. To achieve a thick and glossy sauce, it is important to use a cornstarch slurry. A cornstarch slurry is a mixture of cornstarch and water that is added to the sauce and cooked until thickened. The cornstarch slurry will help to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy finish.

By understanding the importance of texture in Chinese beef and broccoli, you can create a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. The tender and juicy steak, crisp-tender broccoli, and thick and glossy sauce will all come together to create a dish that your family and friends will love.

Appearance

The appearance of a dish is an important factor in its overall appeal. Chinese beef and broccoli is a visually appealing dish because of the contrast between the browned steak, the bright green broccoli, and the rich brown sauce. This contrast creates a sense of visual interest and makes the dish more appetizing.

Facet 1: The importance of color contrast
Color contrast is an important element of visual appeal. In Chinese beef and broccoli, the contrast between the browned steak, the bright green broccoli, and the rich brown sauce creates a visually appealing dish. The dark brown of the sauce provides a backdrop for the steak and broccoli, making them stand out and appear more vibrant.
Facet 2: The importance of texture contrast
Texture contrast is another important element of visual appeal. In Chinese beef and broccoli, the contrast between the tender steak, the crisp broccoli, and the glossy sauce creates a visually appealing dish. The different textures add visual interest and make the dish more appetizing.
Facet 3: The importance of presentation
Presentation is also an important factor in visual appeal. When Chinese beef and broccoli is presented on a plate, it is important to arrange the steak, broccoli, and sauce in a way that is visually appealing. This can be done by placing the steak in the center of the plate and surrounding it with the broccoli and sauce. Alternatively, the steak and broccoli can be placed on one side of the plate and the sauce on the other side.

By understanding the importance of appearance in Chinese beef and broccoli, you can create a dish that is both visually appealing and delicious.

Variations

Chinese beef and broccoli is a classic dish that is both flavorful and easy to make. However, there are many variations of this dish that can be made to suit your taste. Some of the most common variations include:

Adding other vegetables
One of the most common variations of Chinese beef and broccoli is to add other vegetables to the dish. Some popular additions include carrots, celery, snap peas, and water chestnuts. These vegetables add extra flavor and texture to the dish.
Using a different type of meat
Another common variation of Chinese beef and broccoli is to use a different type of meat. Chicken and pork are both popular choices. Chicken is a leaner meat that cooks quickly, while pork is a more flavorful meat that takes a bit longer to cook. Either type of meat can be used to make a delicious Chinese beef and broccoli dish.
Changing the sauce
The sauce is an important part of any Chinese beef and broccoli dish. There are many different variations of the sauce, so you can find one that suits your taste. Some popular variations include using a hoisin sauce, a black bean sauce, or a oyster sauce.
Adding other ingredients
There are many other ingredients that can be added to Chinese beef and broccoli to create a unique dish. Some popular additions include peanuts, cashews, and pineapple. These ingredients add extra flavor and texture to the dish.

By understanding the different variations of Chinese beef and broccoli, you can create a dish that is perfect for your taste. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find your favorite combination.

Serving suggestions

Serving suggestions are an important part of any recipe, as they provide ideas for how to present and complement the dish. In the case of Chinese beef and broccoli, there are several popular serving suggestions that can enhance the overall dining experience.

Facet 1: Serving over rice or noodles
One of the most common ways to serve Chinese beef and broccoli is over rice or noodles. This combination provides a hearty and satisfying meal that is both flavorful and filling. The rice or noodles help to soak up the delicious sauce, while the beef and broccoli provide a protein-packed and nutrient-rich component. This serving suggestion is a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Facet 2: Serving with steamed vegetables
Another popular serving suggestion for Chinese beef and broccoli is to pair it with steamed vegetables. This combination provides a lighter and healthier meal that is still packed with flavor. The steamed vegetables add a fresh and crunchy element to the dish, and they help to balance out the richness of the beef and broccoli. This serving suggestion is a great option for a healthy and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Facet 3: Serving with a salad
For a lighter and more refreshing meal, Chinese beef and broccoli can also be served with a salad. This combination provides a well-rounded meal that is both healthy and delicious. The salad adds a fresh and crunchy element to the dish, and it helps to balance out the richness of the beef and broccoli. This serving suggestion is a great option for a summer meal or for a light and healthy dinner.

By understanding the different serving suggestions for Chinese beef and broccoli, you can create a meal that is perfect for your taste and occasion. Whether you are looking for a hearty and satisfying meal or a lighter and healthier option, there is a serving suggestion that will fit your needs.

Chinese beef and broccoli is a classic dish that combines the flavors of tender beef and crisp-tender broccoli in a savory sauce. This popular dish is a staple of Chinese-American cuisine and is enjoyed by people of all ages.

The origins of Chinese beef and broccoli can be traced back to the late 19th century, when Chinese immigrants brought their culinary traditions to the United States. The dish quickly gained popularity in Chinese restaurants and became a favorite among American diners. Today, Chinese beef and broccoli is a beloved dish that is served in homes and restaurants across the country.

There are many reasons for the enduring popularity of Chinese beef and broccoli. The dish is relatively easy to make, it is flavorful and satisfying, and it is a good source of protein and vegetables. In addition, Chinese beef and broccoli is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual tastes. For example, the beef can be replaced with chicken or pork, and the broccoli can be replaced with other vegetables, such as carrots or snap peas. The sauce can also be adjusted to make it more or less spicy.

FAQs about Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Chinese beef and broccoli is a popular dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a flavorful, satisfying, and relatively easy to make dish that is a good source of protein and vegetables. However, there are some common questions that people have about Chinese beef and broccoli. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Question 1: What is the best cut of beef to use for Chinese beef and broccoli?

The best cut of beef to use for Chinese beef and broccoli is flank steak. Flank steak is a lean cut of beef that is flavorful and tender when cooked properly. It is also relatively inexpensive, making it a good value for your money.

Question 2: How do I make the sauce for Chinese beef and broccoli?

The sauce for Chinese beef and broccoli is made with a combination of soy sauce, Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. The sauce is thickened with cornstarch to give it a glossy finish. To make the sauce, simply whisk all of the ingredients together in a bowl until smooth.

Question 3: How do I cook Chinese beef and broccoli?

Chinese beef and broccoli is typically cooked in a wok or large skillet over high heat. The beef is cooked first, followed by the broccoli. The sauce is added last and cooked until thickened. To cook Chinese beef and broccoli, simply follow the steps in the recipe.

Question 4: What are some tips for making Chinese beef and broccoli?

Here are a few tips for making Chinese beef and broccoli:

Use a good quality cut of beef.
Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Cook the beef over high heat so that it sears quickly.
Add the broccoli to the wok or skillet after the beef is cooked.
Cook the broccoli until it is crisp-tender.
Add the sauce to the wok or skillet and cook until thickened.

Question 5: What should I serve with Chinese beef and broccoli?

Chinese beef and broccoli is typically served over rice or noodles. It can also be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad.

Question 6: Can I make Chinese beef and broccoli ahead of time?

Yes, Chinese beef and broccoli can be made ahead of time. Simply cook the beef and broccoli according to the recipe and then let it cool completely. Store the beef and broccoli in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to serve, reheat the beef and broccoli in a wok or skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Chinese beef and broccoli. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Happy cooking!

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Conclusion

Chinese beef and broccoli is a classic dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a flavorful, satisfying, and relatively easy to make dish that is a good source of protein and vegetables. This article has explored the history, variations, and cooking methods of Chinese beef and broccoli. We have also answered some of the most frequently asked questions about this popular dish.We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of Chinese beef and broccoli. Whether you are a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, we encourage you to try making this dish for yourself. We are confident that you will enjoy it!In addition to being delicious, Chinese beef and broccoli is also a healthy and affordable dish. It is a good source of protein, vegetables, and essential nutrients. Chinese beef and broccoli is also a low-calorie dish, making it a good choice for those who are watching their weight.We encourage you to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find your favorite combination. Chinese beef and broccoli is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. We hope that you enjoy this classic dish for many years to come.