If you’re craving a dish that brings together tender slices of beef and vibrant broccoli florets in a luscious, savory sauce, you’ve got to try this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe. It’s a home-cooked classic that’s quick to prepare but delivers restaurant-quality flavors every time. Perfectly balanced with a rich blend of soy sauces, a hint of five spice, and just the right amount of garlic and ginger, this stir fry is a surefire way to impress your family or simply treat yourself to a comforting, satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As you gather your ingredients for this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe, you’ll find that each one plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and color. From the silky sauce to the fresh broccoli crunch and tender beef, everything works in perfect harmony.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce to that perfect glossy finish you expect from stir fries.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch and balances out the concentrated flavors of the sauce.
- 1 tsp sugar: Just a touch to round out and deepen the savory flavors without making the dish sweet.
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce: Adds rich color and a deeper, robust umami punch.
- 1 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce: Brings salty and savory notes without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine): Adds complexity and a subtle aromatic lift to the beef.
- 1/8 tsp Chinese five spice powder: A little goes a long way to bring those warm and distinctive flavors you crave.
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional): Just a drizzle for a hint of nuttiness and fragrance.
- 1/8 tsp black pepper: Provides a mild kick and balances the sweetness of the sugar.
- 2 tbsp oil: For wok heat and achieving that perfect sear on your beef slices.
- 12 oz (360g) beef fillet, flank, or rump: Thinly sliced against the grain so the meat stays tender and juicy.
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped: Infuses the dish with savory warmth and pungency.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely chopped: Adds the perfect zing and brightness.
- 4 – 5 cups broccoli florets (about 1 head), cooked: Pre-boiled or steamed to retain vibrant green and just enough crunch.
- 1 cup water: Helps create that luscious sauce and softens the broccoli into the flavors.
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Adds a lovely toasty crunch and visual appeal when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together cornstarch and water until smooth—this is the secret to your silky sauce. Then, blend in sugar, dark and light soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, five spice powder, sesame oil if you choose, and black pepper. This sauce not only colors your dish but brings an irresistible depth that coats every bite beautifully.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
Slice your beef thinly and always against the grain to keep it tender. Toss the beef with a couple of tablespoons of the sauce you just made. Letting it marinate even briefly helps the meat soak up those aromatic flavors, making every bite juicy and flavorful.
Step 3: Heat Oil and Cook Beef
Heat your oil in a hot skillet or wok until almost smoking—that’s key for getting that delicious sear. Place your beef in a single layer, allowing it to brown undisturbed for about a minute. That caramelized edge is what makes this stir fry truly special and packed with texture.
Step 4: Stir Fry Aromatics
Give the beef a quick stir, just about 10 seconds, then toss in your finely chopped garlic and ginger. Stir-fry them quickly for around 30 seconds to awaken those incredible flavors and aromas, while the beef cooks through perfectly.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Water
Pour in the remaining sauce mixture and a cup of water. Stir swiftly so each beef slice gets coated, and the sauce begins to bubble gently. This step thickens the sauce a bit and brings everything together as it cooks.
Step 6: Combine Broccoli and Simmer
Carefully add in your cooked broccoli florets. Stir them through the sauce so every bit is covered in that savory goodness. Let it simmer for a minute to marry the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce, making sure the broccoli remains bright and crisp.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove the pan from heat immediately to avoid overcooking your beef or broccoli. Your Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is now ready to serve piping hot, full of bold flavors, tenderness, and brightness.
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for added texture and nutty aroma. If you like, a drizzle of extra sesame oil over the finished dish boosts flavor and adds extra shine. Freshly chopped scallions are also a lovely bright garnish that adds color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, simple cauliflower rice or even some buttery noodles make great companions. Don’t forget a crisp side salad or steamed dumplings for a full Asian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your beef and broccoli over a bed of noodles or alongside fried rice for variation. For a fun twist, pile it into lettuce cups or wrap in warm steamed bao buns for handheld bites. A drizzle of sriracha or chili oil can also give it an exciting spicy kick that wakes up the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe stays fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or next-day dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the stir fry in a sealed container for up to two months. When freezing, separate the beef and broccoli slightly if possible to maintain texture as things thaw. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a wok or non-stick pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to rejuvenate the sauce and prevent drying out. Stir frequently until heated through, and avoid microwaving when possible to preserve the beef’s tenderness and broccoli’s crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this stir fry?
Absolutely! While fillet, flank, or rump are excellent choices for tenderness, you can also use sirloin or skirt steak as long as you slice thinly against the grain to keep the beef tender.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?
If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry or even a mild white wine can be used as substitutes. You can also leave it out and add a splash of beef broth or water instead, but the unique flavor of Shaoxing wine does enhance authenticity.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauces, and make sure your five spice powder doesn’t contain additives that have gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables to the stir fry?
Definitely! While broccoli is classic, feel free to add snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to make the dish your own. Just add them at the right time so they stay crisp and vibrant.
How thick should I slice the beef?
Try to keep your beef slices about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) thick and always slice against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and quick, even cooking during the stir fry process.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll come back to again and again—a comfortingmeal that’s rich in flavor yet quick enough for busy weeknights. With its perfect blend of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and that glossy, savory sauce, it truly feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite dinner!
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 Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender beef slices with vibrant broccoli in a savory soy-based sauce. With a perfect balance of garlic, ginger, and Chinese five-spice, this stir fry is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner that takes just 20 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 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
Beef and Stir Fry
- 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 (1 head), cooked (par boiled or steamed)
- 1 cup water
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cornstarch and 1/4 cup water, mixing until smooth. Add sugar, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, Chinese five spice powder, sesame oil (if using), and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to integrate all the sauce ingredients.
- Marinate the Beef: Slice the beef into 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) thick pieces against the grain for tenderness. Place the beef and 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce into a bowl and set aside to marinate briefly.
- 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 leave it undisturbed for 1 minute to develop a sear and brown the edges.
- Stir Fry Aromatics: Stir the beef for 10 seconds, then add the finely chopped garlic and ginger. Continue to stir-fry for about 30 seconds until the beef is no longer pink and the aromatics are fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Water: Pour in the remaining sauce mixture and 1 cup of water, quickly stirring to combine and distribute the sauce evenly over the beef.
- Combine Broccoli and Simmer: When the sauce starts bubbling, add the cooked broccoli florets. Stir well to coat the broccoli in the sauce, then let the mixture simmer for 1 minute or until the sauce thickens.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat immediately to prevent overcooking. Optionally garnish with sesame seeds and serve the beef and broccoli hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- You can par boil or steam the broccoli in advance to save time.
- The sauce thickens quickly once combined with the heat, so stir constantly to avoid lumps.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce or sugar to taste depending on your preference.
- Sesame oil is optional but adds a nice nutty flavor to the dish.
