Beef and Broccoli with the Best Sauce: A Restaurant-Quality Stir-Fry
Create restaurant-worthy beef and broccoli at home with this perfected recipe featuring an incredibly rich and flavorful sauce. The tender slices of beef and crisp-tender broccoli are enveloped in a savory-sweet sauce that’s so good, you’ll want to make extra.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret lies in the perfectly balanced sauce and the proper cooking technique for both the beef and broccoli. By cooking components separately and combining them at the end, each element maintains its ideal texture while the sauce brings everything together harmoniously.
Essential Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 pound flank steak, sliced thin against the grain
For the Signature Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Stir-Fry:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- White pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Required Equipment
- Large wok or skillet
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowls for sauce
- Large bowl for marinade
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Beef
- Slice and marinate:
- Cut beef against grain
- Mix marinade ingredients
- Combine with beef
- Let rest 30 minutes
- Prepare broccoli:
- Cut into even florets
- Blanch until bright green
- Ice bath to stop cooking
- Drain and set aside
Making the Sauce
- Combine ingredients:
- Mix all sauce components
- Whisk until smooth
- Set aside
- Make cornstarch slurry
- Final preparation:
- Have sauce ready
- Keep slurry separate
- Mix just before using
- Adjust thickness as needed
Cooking Process
- Cook the beef:
- Heat wok until smoking
- Add oil
- Stir-fry in batches
- Remove and set aside
- Cook aromatics:
- Add more oil if needed
- Sauté garlic and ginger
- Don’t burn
- Keep stirring
- Combine everything:
- Return beef to wok
- Add broccoli
- Pour in sauce
- Stir until thickened
Pro Tips for Success
- Beef Tips:
- Slice against grain
- Partially freeze for easier cutting
- Don’t overcrowd pan
- High heat essential
- Sauce Success:
- Mix thoroughly
- Add gradually
- Adjust thickness
- Balance flavors
- Cooking Advice:
- Have everything ready
- Work quickly
- Keep ingredients moving
- Watch heat level
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead Options:
- Slice beef early
- Mix sauce ahead
- Prep broccoli
- Store components separately
Storage Guidelines:
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Reheat gently
- Add fresh garnish
- Don’t freeze
Variations and Adaptations
Protein Options:
- Chicken
- Shrimp
- Tofu
- Sliced pork
Vegetable Additions:
- Carrots
- Mushrooms
- Snow peas
- Bell peppers
Heat Levels:
- Add chili oil
- Include dried chilies
- Use pepper flakes
- Add fresh chilies
Serving Suggestions
Base Options:
- Steamed rice
- Noodles
- Cauliflower rice
- Quinoa
Side Dishes:
- Spring rolls
- Hot and sour soup
- Chinese cucumber salad
- Steamed dumplings
Troubleshooting Tips
Common Issues:
- Tough beef: Slice thinner
- Soggy broccoli: Don’t overcook
- Thin sauce: More cornstarch
- Thick sauce: Add stock
Prevention Tips:
- Proper heat level
- Don’t overcrowd
- Watch timing
- Balance ingredients
This Beef and Broccoli recipe with its exceptional sauce creates a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and rich sauce makes it a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.