Beef and Broccoli
KOENChineseMain course⏱ 30 minEdit history

Beef and Broccoli

Thin-sliced beef and crisp broccoli stir-fried fast in a glossy oyster-sauce glaze — the Chinese takeout classic. Piled over rice it's a full meal, and a cornstarch marinade makes the beef remarkably tender.

Ingredients

2servings
  • Beef · sirloin, thinly sliced300 g
  • Broccoli · about 300g1 head
  • Garlic · sliced3 cloves
  • Ginger · julienned, optional1 knob
  • Cooking oil2 tbsp
  • Beef marinade
  • Soy sauce1 tbsp
  • Cooking wine1 tbsp
  • Cornstarch1 tbsp
  • Sesame oil1 tsp
  • Sauce
  • Oyster sauce2 tbsp
  • Soy sauce1 tbsp
  • Sugar1 tsp
  • Water0.5 cup
  • Cornstarch · + 1 tbsp water, slurry1 tsp

Steps

  1. Thinly slice the beef against the grain, toss with the marinade, and rest 15 minutes.

    ⏲ 15 min
  2. Cut the broccoli into bite-size florets, blanch 1 minute in salted boiling water, then rinse in cold water and drain.

    ⏲ 3 min
  3. Stir the sauce ingredients together; mix the cornstarch slurry separately.

    ⏲ 1 min
  4. Heat the oil in a pan over high heat, spread the beef out, and stir-fry quickly until it changes color, then remove.

    ⏲ 2 min
  5. In the same pan, fry the garlic and ginger until fragrant, then add the broccoli and stir-fry 30 seconds.

    ⏲ 2 min
  6. Return the beef, pour in the sauce, bring to a boil, then stir in the slurry to thicken.

    ⏲ 2 min
  7. Finish with a drop of sesame oil and turn off the heat. Serve over warm rice.

    ⏲ 1 min

Tips & Variations

Variations

  • Chicken and broccoli: Swap in chicken breast for a lighter version.
  • Shrimp and broccoli: Use shrimp and cook it fast.
  • Spicy: Add doubanjiang or chili oil.
  • With mushrooms: Toss in shiitake or button mushrooms for depth.

Tips

  • Slice the beef thin and against the grain for tenderness — freezing it briefly makes slicing easier.
  • The cornstarch marinade velvets the beef so it stays juicy and silky.
  • Cook hot and fast — don't crowd the pan, or it steams instead of searing.
  • Blanch the broccoli briefly to keep it crisp and bright green.

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