Chinese Beef and Broccoli Noodles
- Preparing Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Served Person: 4
- sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup / 125 ml water
- 350 - 400 g / 12 - 14 oz beef rump or fillet ( thinly sliced (or other quick cooking cut of beef))
- 1 1/2 tbsp peanut or vegetable oil
- 2 cloves ( finely chopped)
- 1/2 onion ( finely sliced)
- 1 large head broccoli ( broken into small florets)
- 400 - 450g / 14 - 15 oz egg noodles ((hokkien lo mein, singapore - from the fridge) (note 1))
- 1 tbsp cornflour / cornstarch
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce ((note 2))
- 1 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce ((note 2))
- 1 1/2 tbsp chinese cooking wine/shoasing wine ((note 3))
- 1 tsp white sugar ((omit if using mirin))
- 1/8 tsp chinese five spice powder ((not critical))
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil (not critical)
- 1/4 tsp pepper (white or black)
- chopped shallots / green onions / scallions
- Carbohydrate 0.7070175 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 6.56005049572041 g
- Fiber 0.355770005750656 g
- Protein 0.5345595 g
- Saturated Fat 1.06531604927675 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (11g)
- Sodium 0.33165 mg
- Sugar 0.351247494249344 g
- Trans Fat 0.313819649790301 g
- Calories 62 calories
My Weeknight Go-To: Chinese Beef and Broccoli Noodles
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. My days are a whirlwind of meetings, school drop-offs, and trying to squeeze in a workout. So when it comes to dinner, I need something quick, easy, and most importantly, flavorful. That’s where this Chinese Beef and Broccoli Noodle recipe comes in. It's become my absolute weeknight staple, a true lifesaver on those evenings when I'm running on fumes.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques or obscure ingredients are required. Everything comes together swiftly, usually within 30 minutes – a crucial factor on busy weeknights. The result is a vibrant and flavorful meal that even my picky eaters enjoy. The tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked noodles create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The sauce, a simple yet masterful combination of soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, and a hint of sweetness, perfectly complements the savory beef and fresh broccoli.
I often adapt this recipe depending on what’s in my fridge. Sometimes, I’ll add a handful of sliced bell peppers for extra color and crunch. Other times, I might swap the beef for chicken or shrimp, keeping the core elements the same. The versatility of this dish is another reason why it's become a favorite. It’s incredibly adaptable to whatever protein I have on hand, and I always feel like I can make it my own, reflecting the current mood and availability of ingredients in my pantry. This recipe isn't just about convenience; it's about creating a warm and satisfying meal for my family without spending hours in the kitchen.
The aroma alone is enough to make my family come running. That savory-sweet fragrance wafting from the kitchen is a surefire way to end a busy day on a positive note. It's a feeling of accomplishment, knowing I've created a delicious and healthy meal from scratch without sacrificing precious time. This recipe truly is a testament to the fact that quick, easy meals can also be incredibly flavorful and satisfying, even better than takeout, which often leaves me with a feeling of slight guilt, and the leftovers end up in the trash, a major food waste. This recipe ensures that the leftovers are just as delicious the next day – and almost never make it to the fridge.
Beyond the practicality, this recipe has also become a source of connection. On those hectic nights, the simple act of preparing this dish, the sound of the sizzling garlic and the fragrant steam rising from the skillet, becomes a small moment of mindfulness, a reminder to slow down and appreciate the process of creating something nourishing for my loved ones. It’s a way to reconnect with myself and my family after a long day.
So, if you’re looking for a delicious, easy, and adaptable weeknight meal, look no further. This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Noodle recipe is your answer. It's a true testament to the fact that even the busiest of lives can make time for a home-cooked meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Trust me, give it a try, and I'm sure it will become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients Summary:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients – Beef rump or fillet, broccoli, egg noodles, soy sauce (light and dark), Chinese cooking wine, sesame oil, and your basic aromatics (garlic, onion). The spice level is very mild so you can easily customize it to your liking with a bit more pepper or some chili flakes, but it's also perfectly delicious just as it is.
Step-by-step
- Sauce: Place water and cornflour in a bowl, mix. Then add remaining ingredients and mix.
- Beef: Place in a bowl and add 1 1/2 tbsp Sauce. Mix.
- Broccoli & Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Add broccoli, cook for 1 minute. Add noodles then after 15 seconds, use a wooden spoon to separate the noodles then immediately drain (don't have the noodles in the water for more than 1 minute).
- Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat.
- Add garlic, quickly stir. Add onion and cook for 1 minute until it's tinged with brown.
- Add beef and cook until it changes from red to brown.
- Add noodles, broccoli and sauce. Toss together for 1 1/2 - 2 minutes or until Sauce thickens and coats the noodles.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and shallots, if using, and serve!
