Cooking is often where I find my happy place, and there are few dishes that warm my heart quite like Chinese Crispy Beef & Broccoli Noodles. On a rainy Tuesday night, after a grueling day, this bowl of goodness transports me straight to my favorite Sichuan restaurant. Was it the crispy beef, the tender broccoli, or that glossy sheen of soy sauce that hooked me? It’s hard to say, but it’s definitely a dish that brings comfort and joy, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This recipe isn’t just a quick dinner option; it’s a flavor-packed adventure waiting to happen! Imagine tender beef that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, surrounded by vibrant broccoli and enveloped in savory noodles. The balance of textures—from the crunch of the broccoli to the silkiness of the noodles and the crispiness of the beef—makes every bite a delight.
But it’s not just about flavor. This dish is a powerhouse of nutrition! Beef provides a good dose of protein, while broccoli, often dubbed a superfood, adds a kick of vitamins and minerals. Not to mention, you can whip it up in less than 30 minutes. This recipe melds convenience with delectable taste, making it a weeknight staple or the showstopper at your next dinner gathering. Who wouldn’t want a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but you really didn’t?
Gather these ingredients
Now, let’s gather our culinary treasures. You’re going to need:
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8 oz egg noodles: Opt for thick or thin egg noodles, depending on your preference. They soak up the sauce beautifully, creating that oh-so-important umami experience.
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12 oz flank steak: Slice it thinly against the grain for tenderness. Don’t have flank on hand? Good news—sirloin or tenderloin work just as well. They’re equally delicious!
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2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh is best! You want them to be bright green and slightly crispy. If you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli will do in a last-minute rush.
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1/4 cup cornstarch: Here’s the secret to that crunchy texture. It’s like a magical dust that transforms your beef into crispy bites of happiness!
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1/4 cup soy sauce: Choose light soy sauce for seasoning. It’s salty and savory and adds that essential depth of flavor.
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2 tablespoons oyster sauce: The unsung hero of stir-fries! This sweet, rich sauce rounds out the flavors beautifully and makes everything a bit sticky, in the best way.
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Use for frying. You want something with a high smoke point that won’t overpower the dish.
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1 tablespoon sesame oil: This is your finishing touch. The nutty aroma elevates the dish to new heights. Don’t skip this!
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1 tablespoon ginger: Freshly minced ginger brings a zesty warmth and a hint of heat.
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2 cloves garlic: Minced garlic is essential—aromatic and fragrant, it’s a classic combo with ginger.
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2 green onions: Sliced, these add a pop of color and some freshness on top.
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Salt and pepper to taste: Always adjust to your preference; seasoning is key!
Preparing Chinese Crispy Beef & Broccoli Noodles
Let’s get cooking! Here’s your easy-peasy, step-by-step guide:
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Cook the noodles: Right off the bat, boil the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside—no one likes mushy noodles!
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Coat the beef: In a mixing bowl, toss your thinly sliced flank steak with cornstarch. Make sure every piece is evenly coated; this is the magic that makes it crispy.
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Fry the steak: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the beef in batches. Fry for 3-4 minutes until it’s golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. Don’t rush this step—it’s where the crunch happens!
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Sauté ginger and garlic: In the same pan, add a splash more oil if needed. Toss in the minced ginger and garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—this aroma will have you drooling!
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Stir-fry the broccoli: Add in your broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. You want them tender-crisp—bright green and still holding that snap.
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Combine everything: Toss your crispy beef back into the pan along with the pre-cooked noodles. Drizzle in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and oh-so-delicious.
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Finish with flair: Remove from heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Season with salt and pepper to your heart’s desire.
Best way to enjoy it
Now, let’s talk presentation! Serve this dish immediately in bowls while it’s still warm and steaming. The contrast of colors—the bright green of the broccoli, the deep brown of the beef, and the soft yellow of the noodles—is a feast for the eyes. Pair it with some sesame seeds on top for crunch, or perhaps a drizzle of chili oil if you’re in the mood for a kick.
If you’re looking to complete the meal, consider serving it alongside a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. The freshness of the cucumbers pairs beautifully with the savory bite of the main dish.
Storage and reheating tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! You can store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy them again, just reheat in a skillet over medium heat. You can add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep everything moist.
Freezing is also an option—just be aware that the broccoli will lose some of its crispness. Freeze in equivalent portions and aim to consume within a month for the best flavor.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are some insider secrets to ensure your dish shines:
- Don’t rush the frying!: Let the steak get that nice golden color; it’s worth the wait. Cooking in batches helps maintain the heat and ensures proper crispiness.
- Handle your ingredients with care: Keeping your veggies crisp is a balancing act—you want them tender but still vibrant!
- Experiment with spices: Consider throwing in some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat, or add a splash of rice wine to the pan for an extra layer of flavor.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the steak for chicken or shrimp for a flavor twist. You could also toss in other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas. If you’re in the mood for something different, replace the soy sauce with teriyaki for a sweeter profile.
Your questions answered
Q: Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! Rice noodles or even whole wheat linguine work well in this recipe.
Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the beef with tofu or seitan, and use a vegetarian oyster sauce.
Q: What’s the prep time for this dish?
You’re looking at about 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking—so ideally, this dish could hit your table in under 30 minutes!
Q: Can I meal prep this?
Definitely! Just cook everything and store in individual portions; reheat when you’re ready to eat.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes! Utilize gluten-free soy sauce and buckwheat noodles, and you’re good to go.
This Asian-inspired dish is such a joy to make and share with family and friends. When I dig into a bowl of Chinese Crispy Beef & Broccoli Noodles, it feels like a warm hug on a plate. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a spin! And if you come up with your own flavor variations or tips, I’d love to hear about them. Join in the fun, and let’s keep the cooking community vibrant and exciting!
Chinese Crispy Beef & Broccoli Noodles
Description
Chinese Crispy Beef & Broccoli Noodles combines crispy beef, tender broccoli, and savory noodles for a comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes. This dish blends convenience with delectable flavor, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
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Cook the noodles
Boil the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.Avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness. -
Coat the beef
In a mixing bowl, toss thinly sliced flank steak with cornstarch until evenly coated. -
Fry the steak
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.Do not rush this step to ensure proper crispiness. -
Sauté ginger and garlic
In the same pan, add more oil if necessary. Sauté minced ginger and garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. -
Stir-fry the broccoli
Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. -
Combine everything
Return the crispy beef to the pan along with the noodles. Drizzle with soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. -
Finish with flair
Remove from heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Season with salt and pepper.Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 600kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Sodium 1200mg50%
- Potassium 700mg20%
- Total Carbohydrate 70g24%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 35g70%
- Vitamin A 150 IU
- Vitamin C 90 mg
- Calcium 50 mg
- Iron 3 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 2 IU
- Vitamin K 70 mcg
- Thiamin 0.4 mg
- Riboflavin 0.2 mg
- Niacin 5 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 70 mcg
- Vitamin B12 2 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.6 mg
- Phosphorus 300 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 40 mg
- Zinc 4 mg
- Selenium 25 mcg
- Copper 0.3 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
