Beef Or Chicken With Broccoli Recipe

Prepare and marinate protein

Slice the beef thinly across the grain into 1/8–1/4-inch strips. If using chicken, slice into 1/4-inch strips. Pat the meat dry with paper towel. In a bowl combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon rice wine (if using), 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Add the sliced meat and toss until evenly coated. Let rest 10–15 minutes while preparing other ingredients.

Prep broccoli and aromatics

Cut broccoli into bite-size florets and rinse. Mince garlic and ginger and slice scallions on the diagonal (white and green parts separated if you like).

Blanch broccoli (optional for bright color and crisp-tender texture)

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook 60–90 seconds until bright green and just tender. Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking, then drain. If you prefer to stir-fry raw broccoli, skip blanching and increase stir-fry time by 1–2 minutes.

Mix sauce

In a small bowl combine 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1.5 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce (if using), 3 tablespoons stock or water, 1 teaspoon brown sugar or honey and 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil. Taste and adjust balance of salty/sweet. In a separate small cup whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water until smooth to make a slurry; set both aside.

Cook protein

Heat a large wok or heavy skillet over high heat until very hot. Add 1 tablespoon neutral oil and swirl. Add half the marinated meat in a single layer (do not overcrowd) and let sear 30–45 seconds without moving, then stir-fry until just cooked through (another 30–60 seconds). Remove to a plate. Repeat with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and remaining meat. Return all cooked meat to the plate.

Aromatics and broccoli

Reduce heat to medium-high, add a drizzle of oil if pan is dry. Add minced garlic and ginger and stir 10–15 seconds until fragrant (do not burn). Add the blanched or raw broccoli and stir-fry 1–2 minutes to heat through and coat with aromatics.

Combine and finish sauce

Return the cooked meat to the wok. Pour the prepared sauce over the meat and broccoli, stirring to combine. Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir and drizzle it into the pan while stirring. Cook 30–60 seconds until sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating the meat and broccoli. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or a splash of soy if needed. Stir in sliced green parts of scallions and 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil for aroma.

Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.