Chinese Broccoli And Beef Salad
A vibrant and flavorful Chinese-style beef and broccoli salad that combines crisp-tender vegetables, savory beef, and a tangy soy-vinegar dressing. Perfect for a refreshing appetizer or light main, it appeals to lovers of Asian-inspired flavors and is ideal for sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 lb. fresh broccoli ⓘ
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup peanut or vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 sweet red peppers
- 4 cups sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 cup white vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 to 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 2 lb. rare roast beef ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can bamboo shoots ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut florets off the broccoli; reserve tender parts of the stalks. Slice stalks into 3/8-inch thick slices.
- In a wok or large skillet, heat oil and stir-fry the broccoli stalks for 1 minute.
- Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender.
- Transfer the broccoli to a large bowl.
- Stir-fry red pepper strips for 1/2 minute and add to the broccoli.
- Stir-fry sliced mushrooms until crisp-tender and add to the mixture.
- Combine white vinegar, soy sauce, salt, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss well.
- Add sliced beef, drained water chestnuts, and drained bamboo shoots.
- Toss everything together gently.
- Cover and chill for 2 to 3 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the beef with grilled tofu or tempeh, making it a great vegetarian option. If you prefer a different crunch, consider adding sliced almonds or cashews instead of water chestnuts. Adjust the level of heat in the dressing by varying the amount of red pepper flakes, or use a milder chili paste for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This Chinese Broccoli and Beef Salad is perfect as a main dish or a side. Serve it over a bed of rice or alongside pasta to soak up the delicious dressing. For a complete meal, pair it with a light soup or a refreshing cucumber salad. It pairs beautifully with Sweet And Sour Teriyaki for a delightful dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the integrity of the vegetables. Avoid microwaving for best texture results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Broccoli And Beef Salad contains roughly 62 calories, with 4g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (173% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1068mg per serving (46% 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 prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time and is actually best when chilled for a few hours. Prepare it up to a day in advance, but add the beef and delicate ingredients just before serving to maintain their texture.
What can I substitute for the beef?
You can easily substitute the beef with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Each option will bring its own unique flavor and texture, making it versatile for different dietary preferences.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! To increase the heat, add more red pepper flakes or incorporate sliced fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers into the stir-fry. You could also drizzle some chili oil over the top before serving for an extra kick.
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).