5-Spice Beef and Broccoli

This stir-fry with crunchy broccoli and tender marinated beef is a scrumptious dish that beats any restaurant version. The recipe is simple, healthy and you can make this dish in less time than it takes to order take-out. Just some fresh ingredients and pantry staples are all that’s needed to whip up this amazing dish. Give it a try!

Notes on the Recipe, Tips and Tricks

For recipe shortcuts, buy the broccoli florets already washed and trimmed and beef sliced for stir-frying.

The Vodka 5-Spice Marinade is a pantry essential so make it beforehand and have it ready for using in stir-fry dishes.

Substitute the broccoli with bok choy, squash or other sturdy greens and vegetables for more tasty options.

The broccoli should be crunchy and the beef tender so avoid overcooking. Timing is key with stir-fry dishes.

If you prefer a bit more sauce for the stir-fry, use 1/2 cup water instead of 1/4 cup when making the stir-fry sauce.

For more savory flavor, substitute the water with beef or chicken stock.

Beef and Marinade
3/4 lb beef, flank, sirloin or bottom round
1 tsp Vodka 5-Spice Marinade or 1/2 tsp 5-Spice powder
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/2-inch nub fresh ginger, minced
1/8 tsp ground black pepper

Stir-Fry Sauce
1/4 cup water
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp oyster sauce
1/2 tsp Vodka 5-Spice Marinade or 1/4 tsp 5-Spice powder
1 tsp sugar
2 tsp corn starch
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Stir-Fry
1 lb broccoli florets
1 medium yellow onion
2 green onions
2 tsp vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/4 cup water
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1/8 tsp ground black pepper

Directions

Cut the beef into thin strips. Combine the beef with all marinade ingredients and marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Make the stir-fry sauce by combining all ingredients in a measuring cup. Set aside for now.

Cut the onion into thin strips.

Chop the green onions and set aside for now.

Heat a wok over High heat and when hot add 1 tsp vegetable oil. Add the marinated beef and quickly stir-fry for 2 minutes. Transfer to a clean plate and set aside for now.

Heat a wok over Medium High heat. Add 1 tsp vegetable oil and the chopped garlic. Stir-fry for 15 seconds. Add the onions, broccoli and water. Stir-fry for 5 minutes or until the broccoli is just tender. Add the stir-fry sauce, combine well and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the beef and combine well. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Sprinkle the stir-fry with the sesame oil and freshly ground black pepper. Just before serving, top the with chopped green onions.

Serve over hot rice.

Yields: 4 servings

If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also like: Sizzling Shaken Beef (Bo Luc Lac), Stir-Fried Beef and Potatoes (Bo Xao Khoai Tay), Stir-fried Water Spinach and Beef (Rau Muong Xao Bo), or Stir Fried Chayote and Beef (Su Su Xao Thit Bo)