Easy Beef & Broccoli Recipe

Easy Beef & Broccoli Recipe is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by David Nguyen on YouTube.

Prep: 40 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 1 hr

Cost: $10.70 total, $2.68 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Beef Sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain)
  • 1 bunch Broccolini (trimmed and halved)
  • 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (regular or low‑sodium)
  • 2 Tbsp Shaoxing Wine (Chinese cooking wine)
  • 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil (toasted sesame oil)
  • 2 Tbsp Oyster Sauce (premium quality)
  • 2 Tbsp Water
  • 1 tsp Granulated Sugar
  • 0.25 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1 Tbsp Cornstarch (for thickening)
  • 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (high‑smoke‑point oil)
  • 1 tsp Fresh Ginger (minced)
  • 1 tsp Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp Sesame Seeds (toasted)

Instructions

  1. Make the Marinade

    In a mixing bowl combine soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, oyster sauce, water, sugar, baking soda, cornstarch, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Marinate the Beef

    Add the sliced beef to the bowl, toss to coat evenly, then cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

  3. Steam the Broccolini

    Place the trimmed broccolini in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for about 5 minutes until bright green and just tender.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Steam

  4. Drain Beef and Heat Oil

    Remove the beef from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Discard the used marinade. Heat vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until it just begins to smoke.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: High heat

  5. Sear the Beef

    Add the beef to the hot wok in a single layer. Let it sear without moving for about 30 seconds, then stir‑fry for another 30 seconds until browned but still pink inside.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: High heat

  6. Add Ginger and Garlic

    Add the minced ginger and garlic to the wok, tossing quickly for 1 minute until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: High heat

  7. Combine Broccolini and Sauce

    Return the steamed broccolini to the wok, pour in any remaining reserved sauce (if you kept a small amount) or a splash of water, and toss everything together for 2 minutes until the vegetables are coated and the sauce thickens slightly.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  8. Garnish and Serve

    Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
10 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: High‑protein, Gluten‑contains (soy sauce), Dairy‑free, Nut‑free

Allergens: Soy, Shellfish (oyster sauce), Sesame

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Easy Beef & Broccoli Recipe

Recipe by David Nguyen

A fast, flavorful Chinese‑style stir‑fry featuring tender marinated beef, crisp‑steamed broccolini, and a savory soy‑based sauce finished with toasted sesame seeds. Ready in about an hour, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.

EasyChineseServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
38m
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
58m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.70
Total cost
$2.68
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes
  • Sear the beef quickly over high heat to lock in juices
  • Steam the broccolini just until crisp‑tender

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter when it reaches smoking point – use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Steam can cause burns – keep face away from the steamer lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of beef with broccolini in Chinese cuisine?

A

While beef is not a staple in traditional northern Chinese cooking, stir‑fry dishes featuring beef and leafy greens like broccolini have become popular in modern Chinese-American kitchens, reflecting a blend of Chinese technique with Western vegetable preferences.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of beef and broccoli‑style dishes in Chinese cuisine?

A

In Cantonese cuisine, beef is often paired with Chinese broccoli (gai lan) in a light oyster‑sauce glaze. In Sichuan cooking, the same ingredients might be tossed with spicy bean paste and chili oil. The broccolini version is a contemporary adaptation using a more readily available vegetable.

cultural
Q

How is beef with broccolini traditionally served in Chinese home meals?

A

It is typically served hot, family‑style, alongside steamed rice and other dishes such as soup and a vegetable side, allowing the savory sauce to be soaked up by the rice.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is beef with broccolini associated with in Chinese culture?

A

There is no specific holiday tied to this dish; it is a convenient weeknight meal that appears on everyday dinner tables and at casual gatherings.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with beef with broccolini?

A

Pair it with a simple egg drop soup, a cold cucumber salad with garlic‑vinegar dressing, and steamed dumplings for a balanced Chinese‑style meal.

cultural
Q

What makes this quick and easy beef with broccolini special in Chinese stir‑fry cuisine?

A

The combination of a short marination with baking soda and cornstarch tenderizes the beef quickly, while the high‑heat sear locks in flavor, delivering a restaurant‑quality result in under an hour.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making quick and easy beef with broccolini?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the beef, which makes it tough, and over‑steaming the broccolini, which turns it mushy. Also, adding the garlic too early can cause bitterness.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use baking soda in the beef marinade instead of a longer tenderizing method?

A

A pinch of baking soda raises the pH on the meat’s surface, weakening muscle fibers and allowing the thin slices to stay tender even with a brief 30‑minute marination, saving time without sacrificing texture.

technical
Q

Can I make quick and easy beef with broccolini ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can marinate the beef up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. After cooking, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat quickly in a hot pan to retain crispness.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the beef with broccolini is done?

A

The beef should be browned on the outside but still pink‑red inside, and the broccolini should be bright green with a tender‑crisp bite. The sauce should coat the ingredients lightly and appear glossy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel David Nguyen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel David Nguyen focuses on fast, approachable Asian‑inspired home cooking, delivering step‑by‑step videos that emphasize flavor, technique, and everyday ingredients.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel David Nguyen's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?

A

David Nguyen emphasizes ultra‑quick prep and minimal equipment, often using shortcuts like short marination times and pantry‑friendly sauces, whereas many traditional Chinese cooking channels showcase longer, more elaborate processes.

channel

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