Broccoli And Beef Cantonese
A savory Cantonese-style beef and broccoli stir-fry featuring tender beef strips, fresh broccoli, mushrooms, and crunchy water chestnuts in a flavorful soy-sherry sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless round or flank steak ⓘ
- 1/3 cup water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 cup dry sherry ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons salad oil
- 1/4 pound mushrooms, sliced
- 2 (10 oz) packages frozen broccoli ⓘ
- 1 cup water chestnuts ⓘ
- 2 cups bean sprouts ⓘ
- 1 cup green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Trim all fat from the meat, then slightly freeze it.
- Slice the meat across the grain into strips 1 to 2 inches long and 1/8 inch thick.
- Mix water and cornstarch until smooth to make the slurry.
- Add soy sauce, sherry, ground ginger, and garlic powder to the slurry and set aside.
- In a heavy skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil very hot and add half of the beef, stirring constantly until lightly browned.
- Remove the browned beef from the pan and repeat with the remaining beef using 1 tablespoon oil.
- Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan, then add sliced mushrooms and brown lightly.
- Return the browned beef to the pan, then add broccoli, water chestnuts, and the cornstarch mixture.
- Bring to a boil while stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes clear.
- Stir in bean sprouts and sliced green onions, then heat through.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure the beef is slightly frozen before slicing, as this makes it easier to cut into thin strips. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute the dry sherry with chicken or vegetable broth. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch. This dish is a great example of a classic Steak Stir-Fry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Broccoli And Beef Cantonese over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of egg rolls or a simple cucumber salad. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with a bowl of hot and sour soup, enhancing the flavors of this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, use a microwave, covering the dish to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli And Beef Cantonese contains roughly 865 calories, with 16g protein, 176g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (105% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and potassium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1510mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use cuts like sirloin or ribeye if you prefer. Just ensure to slice them thinly against the grain for tenderness. Each cut will provide a slightly different flavor and texture, but they will all work well in this dish.
What can I substitute for the frozen broccoli?
Fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen; just blanch it briefly before adding to the stir-fry to maintain its vibrant color and crunch. Other vegetables like bok choy or even asparagus can also be great alternatives, allowing you to customize the dish to your taste.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Broccoli And Beef Cantonese is an excellent meal prep option. Just store the components separately and combine them when ready to eat. This helps keep the vegetables crisp and the beef tender. It holds up well in the fridge and reheats nicely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).