Chinese Beef and Broccoli soup is a light and savory broth filled with beef tender enough to cut with a spoon, sweet onions, and crisp bites of broccoli; this was the result when my craving for Chinese Beef and Broccoli met Sean’s request for soup a few nights ago.
The broth reminded us of beef pho and even my non-broccoli-loving kids ate every bite and then finished off their broth too. Chinese Beef and Broccoli Soup is a two thumbs up hit with my whole crew and it is sure to be on our table many more times this winter!
Over the past few years, I’ve often made this soup with ground beef as well as the steak the recipe originally called for. I’ve updated the recipe below to included alternate directions for using ground beef (or even ground turkey) if that is your preference. Steak is still my first choice, however, the ground meats are both less expensive and a faster cooking option. Whichever way you choose to make it, I am certain it’s going to be a new favorite!
Chinese Beef and Broccoli Soup
Ingredients
- 2 pounds flank steak see note below for ground beef alternative
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 small yellow onions halved and sliced very thin, about 2 cups worth
- 6 large cloves garlic minced
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 6 cups beef stock
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh broccoli florets cut bite-size, about 6 cups worth
Instructions
- Slice the beef, against the grain, into very thin 1/8" strips. Place the meat in a medium size bowl, sprinkle with cornstarch and add the soy sauce. Toss to coat. Let the meat rest on the counter for at least 10 minutes, or up to 1 hour.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium high heat. When the oil is rippling hot, add half of the beef strips. Spread across the skillet in and cook without stirring for 1 minute. Stir or toss with tongs and spread across the skillet again. Cook 1 more minute. Be careful not to overcook the meat, it should be just barely cooked through and still very tender. Carefully transfer the meat to a dish with a lid. Drain any extra liquid and add another tablespoon of coconut oil to the hot skillet. Repeat the above steps with the remaining meat. Add the last of the cooked meat and any juices to the dish and cover tightly with lid.
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil to the hot pan and add the onions, garlic, and ginger (if desired). Toss to coat the onions with oil, sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper and then allow to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the onions are tender, add the broccoli and the beef stock and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the oyster sauce, taste and adjust the salt or sauce as desired. Simmer the broccoli, just until barely softened and still crisp. Remove from the heat, add the cooked meat and any juices. Stir and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
{originally published 9/25/14 – recipe notes and photos updated 3/14/18}
Here are some more soups you might like:
Chinese Egg Drop Soup by Barefeet In The Kitchen
Rosemary Potato Soup with Ham by Mountain Mama Cooks
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup by Dine and Dish
Hungarian Mushroom Soup by Barefeet In The Kitchen
Joyce says
I got some top sirloin to make this very recipe and was getting ready to look for a good one and then this came! Gotta try it. looks yummy. Thanks.
Adrienne says
I made this soup today, and it is absolutely delicious!! It is very reminiscent of beef pho broth…MMMMMMM
I used the ground beef version, Japanese stir fry veggies (because I didn’t have broccoli) and added noodles. I also didn’t have oyster sauce so I mixed Soy Sauce and Worcestershire Sauce together.
I will definitely make this soup again!
Mary Younkin says
I bet that was great, Adrienne!
T Cook says
I was looking for a recipe to use up some broccoli that didn’t have dairy in it and came across this recipe. I tried it with ground beef, because that’s what I had in hand, and it was great! A solid , healthy weeknight meal! Thank you!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you like it!
Jessi says
Loved this method! I also added a ton of chopped cabbage when I threw the onions in. Very good broth with depth for such a quick recipe.
Mary Younkin says
oh! I bet it was awesome with the added cabbage, Jessi.