Chinese Beef and Broccoli Bliss: A Quick, Flavor-Packed Stir-Fry That Warms the Soul!
Ingredients
Here’s everything I use, measured out with love:
- Meat and Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless flank steak, skirt steak, or other cut
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp baking soda (optional)
- Sauce:
- ½ cup chicken stock (or beef stock)
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tsp brown sugar (or white sugar)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Stir-fry:
- 1 head broccoli, cut to bite-size florets
- 1 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp ginger, minced
I line it all up on my counter, and it’s like a stir-fry feast waiting to happen. This makes 4 hearty servings—perfect for sharing or savoring solo, depending on my mood. It’s my roadmap to saucy bliss. I always double-check my stash before I start—it’s my ritual to stay chill. Nothing’s worse than missing ginger mid-prep, right? Keeps me in the groove and ready to cook.
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Let’s get tender—slice 1 lb flank steak against the grain into ¼-inch thick slices or ½-inch sticks (I love that thin cut!). Toss into a small bowl—add 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp peanut oil, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and ½ tsp baking soda if using (my kitchen’s buzzing with prep vibes!). Mix by hand ‘til coated—marinate 10 minutes (my heart races for that soak!). It’s the juicy secret—pure marinated magic!
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk ½ cup chicken stock, 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp dark soy sauce, 2 tsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp cornstarch—blend ‘til smooth (I grin at that glossy mix!). Set aside—ready for action (my spoon’s itching for a taste!). It’s the saucy soul—pure stir-fry delight!
Step 3: Steam the Broccoli
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high—add ¼ cup water ‘til boiling (I love that steam kick!). Toss in 1 head broccoli florets—cover and steam 1 minute ‘til tender and water’s gone (my kitchen’s a green haven!). Plate it—wipe the skillet if wet (my heart’s racing for the fry!).
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Add 1 tbsp peanut oil to the skillet—swirl to coat over medium-high heat (I love that hot sizzle!). Spread the beef in a single layer—cook 30 seconds ‘til browned (my kitchen smells like a wok!). Flip and cook a few seconds—stir ‘til lightly charred and pink inside (my spatula’s dancing!). It’s the beefy star—pure seared joy!
Step 5: Stir-Fry It Up
Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tsp minced ginger—stir a few times (I love that fragrant burst!). Return broccoli—stir sauce again and pour in (my heart races for that gloss!). Cook and stir 1 minute ‘til thick—plate it fast (that first bite’s pure bliss, and you made it happen!). Serve hot—pure stir-fry heaven!