Quick and Flavorful Chinese Beef and Broccoli You’ll Love

This Chinese Beef and Broccoli stir-fry captures the beloved takeout essence in a quick, high-protein meal you’ll love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Chinese

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons cornstarch Thickening agent for sauce; can be substituted with arrowroot powder.
4 tablespoons water Balances sauce thickness; substitute with low-sodium chicken broth for added flavor.
2 tablespoons sugar Adds sweetness to sauce; brown sugar can substitute for a deeper flavor.
2 tablespoons dark soy sauce Provides color and a richer flavor to the sauce; can substitute with more light soy sauce for a lighter taste.
2 tablespoons light soy sauce Base flavor for sauce; can replace with all-purpose soy sauce in a pinch.
1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine) Essential for authentic flavor; substitute with dry sherry or omit for a non-alcoholic version.
1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder Adds signature flavor; available in supermarkets, or substitute with a mix of cinnamon and star anise if unavailable.
1 teaspoon sesame oil Optional; enhances flavor with nutty undertones.

For the Stir-Fry

1 pound beef Main protein source needs to be tender; alternate cuts may require tenderizing.
2 cloves garlic Aromatic base for flavor; enhances sauce depth.
1 tablespoon fresh ginger Adds a peppery and slightly sweet note; can substitute with ground ginger.
2 cups broccoli florets Provides nutrition and crunch; can swap for other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
1 tablespoon sesame seeds Optional; for garnish, adds texture and flavor.

Equipment

Skillet or Wok
Medium Bowl

Method

Step-By-Step Instructions

In a medium bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Add sugar, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, cooking wine, and five-spice powder. Whisk until well combined.
Slice the beef thinly against the grain, about 1/4 inch thick. Marinate in 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce while prepping other ingredients.
Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add marinated beef in a single layer, sear for about 1 minute until browned, then stir for another 1-2 minutes until no longer pink.
Push the beef to one side and add minced garlic and ginger to the empty side. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the remaining sauce and 1/4 cup of water, stir well, and let bubble for 1 minute until sauce thickens.
Add broccoli florets to the skillet, stir to coat in the sauce, and simmer for about 2 minutes until tender-crisp.
Remove from heat and serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, cut the beef against the grain and consider parboiling the broccoli for optimal color and texture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!