If you’re craving a dish that brings together tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a perfectly balanced sauce, you’re in for a real treat with this Savory Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe. It’s a classic favorite that packs a punch of flavor without fuss, combining familiar ingredients that come together in just 20 minutes to deliver an impressively restaurant-quality meal at home. The harmony of aromatic garlic and ginger, the subtle warmth from Chinese five-spice, and that luscious soy-based glaze make every bite irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this dish is always a reliable winner that feels both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavor and texture right is all about having the right ingredients on hand — simple, fresh, and thoughtfully chosen. Each one plays a vital role, from tenderizing the beef to adding layers of savory depth and delivering the perfect crunch from fresh broccoli.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the sauce for that glossy finish; arrowroot powder works just as well.
- Water (1/4 cup): Combines with cornstarch to create the base for a silky sauce.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances the savory and salty elements with a touch of sweetness; brown sugar adds richer flavor.
- Dark soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings deep umami and color, but light soy sauce is a fine substitute.
- Light soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds saltiness without overpowering, harmonizing the flavor.
- Chinese cooking wine (2 tablespoons): Introduces a subtle aromatic note; Shaoxing wine is ideal but dry sherry can work.
- Chinese five-spice powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dish with warm, complex spices—cinnamon, cloves, and star anise in a blend.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a toasty fragrance when used at the end.
- Black pepper (to taste): Gives gentle heat and depth to the beef.
- High-smoke point oil (2 tablespoons): Canola or vegetable oil is perfect for searing the beef quickly and evenly.
- Beef (1 pound): Choose quick-cooking cuts like fillet, flank, or rump, sliced thinly against the grain.
- Garlic (2 cloves, thinly sliced): Offers a sharp, fragrant bite.
- Fresh ginger (1 inch, sliced or grated): Brings bright, zingy warmth that complements the beef.
- Broccoli florets (3 cups): Adds freshness, crunch, and vibrant color.
- Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon, optional): For a nutty crunch and lovely garnish.
How to Make Savory Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Blend
Start by mixing the cornstarch with water until smooth, then add the sugar, dark and light soy sauces, cooking wine, five-spice powder, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is fully combined—this tangy and flavorful sauce is what makes this dish shine. Set it aside so the flavors can meld gently.
Step 2: Slice and Marinate the Beef
Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness after cooking. Marinate the strips in a portion of the prepared sauce for at least a few minutes. This step infuses the meat with flavor and helps keep it juicy and tender during high-heat cooking.
Step 3: Sear the Beef in Hot Oil
Heat your chosen oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat—getting that pan smoking hot is key. Add the marinated beef in a single layer, letting it sear without stirring for about one minute to develop a beautiful caramelized crust. Then, stir for just ten seconds to continue cooking while preserving that nice sear.
Step 4: Add Garlic, Ginger, and Finish Cooking Beef
Throw in the thinly sliced garlic and grated ginger right after searing. These aromatics infuse the beef with bold flavor as it finishes cooking, which takes about 30 seconds. The kitchen will smell fantastic by now!
Step 5: Combine Sauce and Broccoli
Pour the remaining sauce mixture into the skillet with a splash of water. Once it bubbles, add the broccoli florets and toss everything together, coating the greens and beef evenly. Let it simmer just long enough for the sauce to thicken slightly and the broccoli to become crisp-tender—about one minute. This ensures the broccoli stays fresh and vibrant, not mushy.
Step 6: Serve Immediately with Optional Sesame Seeds
Remove the pan from heat and serve right away over fluffy rice or noodles. For an extra burst of flavor and texture, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. This finishing touch elevates the dish with a pleasant crunch and nutty aroma.
How to Serve Savory Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped scallions can add eye-catching color and a subtle flavor boost to this dish. A drizzle of extra sesame oil at the end can also bring out the aroma beautifully. These small touches take your Savory Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe up a notch and impress at the table.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish alongside steamed jasmine rice or chewy noodles to soak up every bit of the savory sauce. For a fuller meal, consider steamed dumplings, a light Asian cucumber salad, or simple miso soup—these sides harmonize perfectly with the rich flavors here.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling adventurous, turn this recipe into a bowl meal layered with rice, shredded carrots, and fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil. Another fun option is to wrap the beef and broccoli mixture in lettuce leaves for a fresh and handheld twist. Either way, your guests will love the vibrant flavors and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The beef and broccoli will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days, retaining most of its flavor and texture when reheated gently.
Freezing
This Savory Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe freezes well if you want to save some for later. Use freezer-safe containers and try to consume within one month for the best taste. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Avoid microwaving straight from frozen to keep the beef tender and the broccoli crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! Flank, skirt, or rump steak works best because they are lean and cook quickly. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain to keep the beef tender.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
You can easily swap the beef for tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth in place of the cooking wine. The sauce works just as well with plant-based proteins!
What can I substitute for the Chinese cooking wine?
If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry is an excellent alternative. If both are unavailable, you can omit it and add a splash of rice vinegar to maintain balance.
How do I prevent the broccoli from becoming mushy?
Keep the broccoli florets crisp by adding them last and cooking for just about a minute in the sauce. Overcooking causes it to lose that pleasant crunch and bright color.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be mixed and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick stir before using, and adjust seasoning if needed.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Savory Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe, it’s likely to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Its perfect blend of bold flavors and simple ingredients makes it ideal for any night of the week. Grab your skillet, gather your friends or family, and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal that really hits the spot!
Print
Savory Chinese Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A quick and flavorful Savory Chinese Beef and Broccoli stir-fry featuring tender beef slices cooked with fresh broccoli in a rich, aromatic sauce made from soy sauces, Chinese cooking wine, and five-spice powder. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (can substitute with arrowroot powder)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce (or all-purpose soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or all-purpose soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine) (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder (or a blend of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Black pepper to taste
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil (high smoke point oil like canola or vegetable oil)
- 1 pound beef (fillet, flank, or rump) (quick-cooking cuts), sliced thin against the grain
- 2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
- 1 inch fresh ginger (thinly sliced or grated)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: Combine cornstarch with water in a bowl. Add sugar, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, Chinese five-spice powder, sesame oil (if using), and black pepper. Mix until well combined and set aside.
- Marinate Beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain into 1/4 inch pieces. Marinate with 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce to tenderize and enhance flavor.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of high smoke point oil over high heat until hot.
- Sear Beef: Spread the marinated beef evenly in the hot pan and sear without stirring for about 1 minute to develop a good crust.
- Cook Aromatics and Beef: Stir the beef for 10 seconds, then add sliced garlic and ginger. Continue cooking for around 30 seconds until the beef is no longer pink.
- Add Sauce and Broccoli: Pour the remaining sauce into the skillet along with a splash of water. Once the sauce starts to bubble, add broccoli florets and stir to coat them evenly. Let it simmer for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly and broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and immediately serve the savory beef and broccoli mixture over rice or noodles. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch if desired.
Notes
- Use quick-cooking cuts of beef like fillet, flank, or rump for best results.
- Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- Adjust sweetness by using brown sugar or regular sugar according to taste.
- Substitute Chinese cooking wine with dry sherry if needed.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
- Optional sesame oil adds a nutty aroma but can be omitted for a lighter taste.
