Ever since my annual check-up this past summer, I’ve been looking for ways to incorporate more iron into my diet. Fortunately, Chinese beef stir-fries are pretty healthy as far as red meat dishes go, because the meat is usually paired with vegetables and the sauces are flavorful yet light. (That is, if you make them at home instead of ordering from the local take-out.)
And of course, beef with broccoli is probably the most popular and beloved takeout dishes in this country. I mean, if you’re a red meat eater, how can it not sound good? Succulent, tender strips of beef mixed with tender-crisp broccoli? I’d crave it any time. It’s an easy one-dish entree (with rice on the side, of course) from which you can get a ton of nutrients.
So here’s a pumped-up take on the classic dish that includes fragrant sesame oil, a bit of Worcestershire sauce, and optional chili sauce for a little kick. (A note on Worcestershire sauce, since some of you have asked: yes, it is a common ingredient used in Chinese cooking, especially Cantonese. We’ve been using it for well over a century, since the British colonial days in Hong Kong, to enhance the meatiness in stir-fries and noodle dishes.) Try it out anytime you’d like to get something fast, healthy, and delicious on the table!
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Sesame Beef and Broccoli
Serves 4
- 1 pound flank, skirt, hangar, or flatiron steak, cut against the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced or grated ginger
- 2 large shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon white rice vinegar
- 1 to 2 teaspoons chili sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Marinate the beef: In a medium bowl, stir together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine, and cornstarch until the cornstarch is dissolved. Add the beef and toss to coat. Let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, optional chili sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved and set aside.
- Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until a bead of water sizzles and evaporates on contact. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Add the beef and spread it around the wok in a single layer. Allow the beef to sear undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes so it gets a nice browning on the surface. Stir-fry for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until the beef is no longer pink. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Swirl the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil into the wok. Add the garlic, ginger, and shallots to the wok and cook for about 30 seconds, until aromatic. Add the broccoli and stir-fry for another 1 minute. Pour in the sauce mixture. Continue to cook while stirring for another 1 to 2 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Return the beef to the wok. Stir to coat the beef with the sauce. Season to taste with black pepper. Transfer everything to a large plate, sprinkle sesame seeds on top, and serve.
I love beef with broccoli! I order it all the time for dinner but I’ll probably save money and get something healthier using this. Need to make this soon!
Going to do a lot of cooking this weekend and this is on my list along with your Dan Dan Noodles! Can’t wait!
Looks great! Beef and broccoli is one of my favorite dishes and sesame oil is always a good addition.
Made this last night for me and the bf. We both loved it! It’s got more sauce than the takeout beef and broccoli we usually order but that’s fine since it’s so good and good for the rice to soak up. Thanks!
Love your blog! Thank you for all the recipes. Keep it up!
Yum! This needs to be on my agenda tonight.
Can I use tofu instead of beef for this?
Irene – Yes, you can definitely make this vegetarian by using tofu. Just use extra-firm tofu and cut it into thin slices or cubes (about 1/2-inch thick). Then skip the marinating and sear it for the same amount of time as the beef to get it nice and golden on one side. The rest of the steps are the same. Hope you enjoy the dish!
Glad I found this on Pinterest!
Glad I found this on Pinterest! My fiance loves beef with broccoli and I was trying to find a good and easy recipe. It’s good to know what types of beef cuts wok best. Thank you!