Get ready to transform your dinner table with a mouthwatering Chinese-inspired dish that will make your taste buds dance! This Char Siu Beef with Broccolini is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that combines tender, caramelized beef with crisp, vibrant broccolini in a symphony of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress or a food enthusiast craving an authentic Asian-inspired experience, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef flank steak
- 1/4 cup char siu sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cups broccolini
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Remove beef flank steak from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together char siu sauce, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil to create a marinade with balanced sweet and savory flavors.
- Slice beef flank steak against the grain into thin strips approximately 1/4 inch thick to ensure tenderness when cooked.
- Place beef strips into marinade, thoroughly coating each piece, and let marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Trim the ends of broccolini and rinse under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until oil is shimmering and nearly smoking.
- Remove beef from marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and carefully add to hot pan. Sear beef for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to achieve a caramelized exterior.
- Remove beef and set aside on a clean plate, keeping warm.
- In the same pan, add broccolini and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender, with slight charring on edges.
- Return beef to pan, quickly toss with broccolini to reheat and combine flavors for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Transfer to serving platter, garnish with optional sesame seeds or chopped green onions, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your beef come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and a more tender result.
- Slice Against the Grain: When cutting your flank steak, always slice against the grain to maximize tenderness and create more surface area for the marinade to penetrate.
- High Heat is Key: Use a wok or heavy skillet and cook on high heat to achieve that perfect caramelization and slightly charred exterior on both the beef and broccolini.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and allow ingredients to sear instead of steam.
- Marinade Magic: Let the beef marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to develop deep, rich flavors, but avoid marinating too long to prevent the meat from becoming mushy.
- Quick Stir-Frying: The secret to crisp-tender broccolini is quick, high-heat cooking. Keep it moving in the pan to prevent burning.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh, straight from the pan to the plate to maintain its optimal texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 321kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 60mg
