Stir-fry Broccoli with Prawns, Squid and Beef
Stir-fry Broccoli with Prawns, Squid and Beef is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by destiny beckwith U.S.A. on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 9 min | Total: 29 min
Cost: $26.44 total, $13.22 per serving
Ingredients
- 200 g Beef Sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain, then pounded lightly)
- 2 tsp Black Soy Sauce (dark soy sauce for color and depth)
- 0.125 tsp Ground Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (neutral oil, divided (1 tsp for seasoning, 1 tbsp for cooking))
- 0.125 tsp Granulated Sugar (balances the salty soy sauce)
- 1 tsp Corn Starch (helps coat the beef and keep it tender)
- 0.25 cup Carrot (thinly sliced into rounds)
- 100 g Broccoli Florets (cut into bite‑size pieces)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 6 slices Fresh Ginger (thin slices, about 1 inch total)
- 12 pieces Fried Tofu (firm tofu, cut into cubes and fried)
- 100 g Squid (cleaned and sliced into rings)
- 6 pieces Prawns (peeled, deveined, medium size)
- 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce (adds umami richness)
- 0.5 tsp Shaoxing Wine (Chinese cooking wine, also called polishing sauce)
Instructions
Season the Beef
Place the thinly sliced beef in a mixing bowl, add 2 tsp black soy sauce, 1/8 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp vegetable oil, 1/8 tsp sugar and 1 tsp corn starch. Mix until the meat is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Prep Vegetables & Aromatics
Slice carrot into thin rounds, cut broccoli into florets, mince garlic, and slice ginger thinly. Set aside.
Time: PT5M
Blanch Broccoli and Carrot
Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a saucepan. Add carrot slices, boil for 30 seconds, then add broccoli florets and boil another 30 seconds. Drain immediately in a colander.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 100°C
Heat the Wok
Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil to a hot wok over medium‑high heat until the oil shimmers.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: 180°C
Sauté Ginger and Garlic
Add the ginger slices and minced garlic to the wok. Stir‑fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Time: PT30S
Temperature: 180°C
Cook the Beef
Add the seasoned beef to the wok. Stir‑fry for 2 minutes, or until the beef is about 75 % done.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 180°C
Add Prawns and Squid
Add the prawns and squid rings. Stir‑fry for 1 minute until they turn opaque and firm.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: 180°C
Combine Vegetables
Add the blanched broccoli and carrot to the wok. Stir‑fry for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 180°C
Finish with Sauce
Stir in 1 tbsp oyster sauce and 1/2 tsp Shaoxing wine. Toss everything together for another minute.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: 180°C
Serve
Transfer the stir‑fry to a serving plate and enjoy immediately while hot.
Time: PT30S
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 25 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten‑Free if using gluten‑free soy sauce, Dairy‑Free
Allergens: Shellfish, Soy, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Beef Sirloin: Chicken breast, Pork tenderloin
- Instead of Black Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce, Tamari
- Instead of Ground Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Peanut oil
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey, Maple syrup (small amount)
- Instead of Corn Starch: Potato starch, Tapioca starch
- Instead of Carrot: Daikon radish, Bell pepper strips
- Instead of Broccoli Florets: Snow peas, Chinese broccoli (gai lan)
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger (use less)
- Instead of Fried Tofu: Extra‑firm tofu (unfried)
- Instead of Squid: Calamari strips, Octopus
- Instead of Prawns: Shrimp, Scallops
- Instead of Oyster Sauce: Hoisin sauce (less salty)
- Instead of Shaoxing Wine: Dry sherry, Mirin (reduced)
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wok or Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Saucepan
- Colander
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Season the Beef
- Blanch Broccoli and Carrot
- Cook the Beef
- Add Prawns and Squid
- Combine Vegetables
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑smoke‑point oil like peanut or canola for a cleaner wok‑sear.
- Add a few drops of sesame oil at the end for a fragrant finish.
- If you like a little heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Troubleshooting
Beef turns tough and chewy.
Ensure the beef is sliced thinly and pounded; cook only until 75 % done before adding other ingredients.
Vegetables become soggy.
Blanch for no more than 30 seconds each and shock in cold water before draining.
Sauce is too salty.
Add a splash of water or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavor.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; seafood texture degrades.
Room temperature: Consume within 1 hour of cooking; do not leave at room temperature longer.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the beef up to 30 minutes before cooking.
- Pre‑slice all vegetables and store them in a sealed bag in the fridge.
- Blanched broccoli can be prepared ahead and reheated quickly in the wok.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of stir‑fried broccoli with beef, prawns and squid in Chinese cuisine?
Stir‑frying is a hallmark of Cantonese cooking, emphasizing quick, high‑heat cooking that preserves texture and color. Combining land protein (beef) with seafood (prawns, squid) reflects the Chinese tradition of balancing flavors and textures in a single dish, often served during family meals and festive gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of broccoli stir‑fry dishes in Chinese cuisine?
In Guangdong, broccoli may be swapped for Chinese broccoli (gai lan) and flavored with oyster sauce. In Sichuan, the dish might include doubanjiang for heat. Northern versions often use soy‑based sauces without the sweet oyster component.
How is stir‑fried broccoli with beef, prawns and squid traditionally served in Chinese households?
It is typically served hot, directly from the wok, alongside steamed rice. The dish is placed in the center of the table for communal sharing, allowing each diner to take portions with a rice bowl and chopsticks.
During which occasions or celebrations is a mixed meat‑and‑seafood stir‑fry like this commonly prepared in Chinese culture?
Mixed meat‑and‑seafood stir‑fries are popular during Lunar New Year, wedding banquets, and birthday celebrations because they symbolize abundance and prosperity.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for a Chinese stir‑fry like this, and what are acceptable substitutes?
Key ingredients include black (dark) soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and a high‑heat oil. Substitutes can be light soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, dry sherry, or a neutral oil such as canola if preferred.
What other Chinese dishes pair well with stir‑fried broccoli with beef, prawns and squid?
It pairs nicely with steamed jasmine rice, a simple egg drop soup, and a cold cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil for contrast.
What makes this stir‑fried broccoli with beef, prawns and squid special compared to other Chinese stir‑fries?
The combination of three protein types creates a complex mouthfeel, while the quick blanching of broccoli preserves its bright green color and crunch, making the dish visually appealing and nutritionally balanced.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making stir‑fried broccoli with beef, prawns and squid at home?
Common errors include over‑cooking the broccoli, overcrowding the wok, and cooking the seafood too long, which makes it rubbery. Follow the short blanch times and cook proteins in batches if needed.
Why does this recipe use black soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce?
Black soy sauce adds a richer, slightly sweet umami depth and a darker color without the extra salt of regular soy sauce, giving the stir‑fry a glossy, appetizing appearance.
What does the YouTube channel destiny beckwith U.S.A. specialize in?
The YouTube channel destiny beckwith U.S.A. focuses on easy, home‑cooked Asian‑inspired meals, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize quick preparation and flavorful results for everyday cooks.
How does the cooking style of the YouTube channel destiny beckwith U.S.A. differ from other Asian cooking channels?
Destiny beckwith U.S.A. emphasizes minimal equipment, clear visual cues, and budget‑friendly ingredient choices, whereas many other Asian cooking channels often use specialty tools or more elaborate plating techniques.
Last updated: August 20, 2026






