Chinese Beef and Broccoli Noodles
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
493 kcal
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Cuisine
Asian
Chinese Beef and Broccoli Noodles
Description
This recipe begins by preparing a sauce mixing water, cornstarch, dark and light soy sauces, Chinese cooking wine, sugar, five-spice powder, sesame oil, and white pepper to a cornstarch-thickened glaze. The beef is lightly marinated with some of the sauce, then stir-fried in peanut or vegetable oil with garlic and onion until browned. Broccoli and fresh egg noodles are briefly blanched and added to the stir-fry, then the full sauce is incorporated to coat the ingredients evenly.
The quick stir-fry method preserves the broccoli's bright green color and slight crunch, while the beef remains tender due to thin slicing and brief cooking. The egg noodles absorb the sauce, making the dish cohesive with a balance of savory soy flavors, slight sweetness, and aromatic five-spice. Optional garnishes like sesame seeds and chopped green onions add texture and freshness.
This dish is practical for a flavorful weeknight meal, delivering protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates in a single pan. Using fresh egg noodles shortens cooking time and enhances texture, but dried noodles can be substituted with adjusted cooking times. The sauce's soy components can be modified for sodium preferences. This version provides a satisfying blend of familiar Chinese stir-fry ingredients with noodles, fully cooked in under 20 minutes after prep.
The notes suggest substitutions and cooking tips such as using light soy sauce alone or replacing cooking wine with broth to avoid alcohol. The recipe's seasoning and ingredient ratios help balance color and flavor intensity for an enjoyable home-cooked noodle stir-fry.
Ingredients
- 350 - 400 g / 12 - 14 oz beef rump thinly sliced (or other quick cooking cut of beef, or fillet
- 1 1/2 tbsp peanut oil or vegetable oil
- 2 garlic finely chopped, cloves
- 1/2 onion , finely sliced
- 1 broccoli broken into small florets, large head
- 400 - 450g / 14 - 15 oz egg noodles (hokkien, lo mein, singapore - from the fridge) (Note 1)
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup / 125 ml water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch or cornflour
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce (Note 2)
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce Note 2, light
- 1 1/2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine Note 3, aka Shoasing wine
- 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 white pepper or black pepper
Optional Garnishes:
- sesame seeds
- green onion or shallots or scallions, chopped
Instructions
- 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).
Stir Fry:
- 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!
Notes
- Use fresh egg noodles from the fridge for best texture; if dried noodles are used, reduce quantity and cook as directed.
- Light soy sauce is saltier than dark; using both balances flavor and color.
- Chinese cooking wine can be substituted with dry sherry, sake, Mirin (omit sugar if Mirin used), or chicken/beef broth if avoiding alcohol.
- Avoid using sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) as it changes flavor profile.
- This recipe works well with chicken instead of beef if desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 493 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 328g | |
| Calories | 493cal | 25% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.