Beef and broccoli noodles

Directions

  1. 1Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips.
  2. 2Add cornstarch and baking soda to the sliced beef to lock in moisture.
  3. 3Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a neutral-flavored oil (like avocado oil) to the beef.
  4. 4Grate garlic and ginger into the beef mixture.
  5. 5Mix all marinade ingredients thoroughly with the beef and set aside to marinate.
  6. 6Pour chicken or beef broth into a measuring cup for the sauce.
  7. 7Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce (for color), oyster sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and white pepper to the broth.
  8. 8Chop additional ginger and garlic.
  9. 9Heat a wok or large skillet with some oil.
  10. 10Add the marinated beef to the hot wok, flatten it into a single layer, and let it sear.
  11. 11Once the beef is cooked along the edges, sauté aggressively for one more minute, then remove the meat from the pan and set it aside.
  12. 12Add a little more oil to the wok, then add the chopped ginger and garlic and let it get golden brown.
  13. 13Add Shaoxing wine to the wok; this step is optional but recommended for authentic flavor.
  14. 14Add broccoli to the wok, sauté, and cover until it turns a bright green color.
  15. 15Pour the prepared sauce into the wok with the broccoli and bring it to a boil.
  16. 16Mix equal parts cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then add it to the sauce to thicken.
  17. 17Once the sauce thickens, add the cooked beef back into the wok.
  18. 18Add the noodles to the wok; if using pre-boiled noodles like in the video, they are ready to cook, otherwise, boil them first.
  19. 19Stir everything together until the sauce coats the meat and noodles evenly.
  20. 20Garnish with chopped green onion and serve.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb flank steak
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp oil
  • 1 tsp ginger
  • 1 tsp garlic
  • 1.5 cup chicken broth
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar
  • white pepper
  • 1 tsp ginger
  • 1 tsp garlic
  • 2 Tbsp Shaoxing wine
  • broccoli
  • 1 lb egg noodles
  • green onion
  • sesame seeds

Equipment

knifecutting boardglass bowlspoonmeasuring cupwokspatulacolanderlidbowlchopsticks

Tips

  • Cut the flank steak against the grain and at an angle to create thin strips.
  • Cornstarch and baking soda lock in moisture when marinating beef.
  • Dark soy sauce is mainly for color but can be left out.
  • Shaoxing wine gives a true takeout flavor.
  • Pre-boiled noodles are ready to cook, but others may need boiling first.
  • Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
  • Let the beef get a nice sear before aggressively sautéing.
  • Ensure the broccoli turns bright green when sautéing and covering it.
  • Mix equal parts cornstarch and water to create a slurry to thicken the sauce.
  • Measure white pepper from the heart, meaning to taste, as you can never have enough according to the cook.
  • If using pre-boiled noodles, add them directly to the pan; otherwise, boil them first according to package instructions.
  • Flatten the beef into a single layer in the wok to ensure even cooking and searing.
  • Cook the beef for one minute after it's cooked along the edges and before removing it from the pan.
  • When adding Shaoxing wine, ensure the wok is hot to create a flavorful deglaze and aroma.
  • Allow the sauce to come to a boil before adding the cornstarch slurry to ensure proper thickening.
  • Once the sauce thickens, add the beef back into the pan to coat it evenly with the sauce.
  • Stir the noodles well to combine all ingredients and ensure even coating with the sauce.
  • Consider serving with rice if you prefer the traditional beef and broccoli dish, but the noodle version is also delicious.
  • Adjust the amount of ginger and garlic to your preference, as the cook chopped up additional amounts to add to the pan.
  • Keep raw meat separate from other ingredients and utensils to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes for best results.
  • Use a neutral-flavored oil for cooking the beef, such as avocado oil.
  • Ensure the wok is piping hot when adding oil to achieve a proper stir-fry effect.
  • Cover the broccoli after sautéing to help it cook evenly and achieve a bright green color.
  • Wait for the sauce to thicken before adding the beef back into the pan.