Gai lan niu rou (芥兰牛肉)
China
Juicy beef in a fragrant sauce with Chinese broccoli — a classic Cantonese dish, quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 200 g beef
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice wine
- 3 tsp corn starch
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- 300 g Chinese broccoli
- 0.5 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 4 pcs garlic
Steps
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Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain. If desired, freeze the meat for 1‑2 hours until semi-frozen, which makes slicing easier.
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Transfer the beef to a bowl, add ginger, 1 tsp corn starch, light soy sauce, rice wine, 1 tbsp water and 1 tsp vegetable oil. Mix thoroughly until the marinade fully coats the meat.
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Separate the stems from the leaves of the Chinese broccoli and cut the stems into pieces about 3 cm long.
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Prepare the sauce: combine 2 tsp corn starch, 2 tbsp water, 0.5 tsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce and 1 tsp sesame oil. Mix well.
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Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat. Add garlic, then the broccoli stems, stir-fry for about 1 minute.
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Add the broccoli leaves, quickly stir-fry until wilted, then transfer everything to a plate, leaving the wok hot.
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In the heated remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil, add the marinated beef and stir-fry until the meat loses its pink color.
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Return the broccoli to the wok, pour in the pre-made sauce and mix well until the sauce thickens.
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Remove from heat, divide the dish onto plates and serve immediately.
FAQ
What is Gai Lan Niu Rou (芥兰牛肉)?
Gai Lan Niu Rou is a classic Cantonese dish featuring tender beef stir-fried with Chinese broccoli (Gai Lan) in a savory sauce, often with ginger and garlic.
Can I substitute Gai Lan (Chinese broccoli) in this recipe?
While Gai Lan is traditional, you can substitute it with regular broccoli florets or broccolini for a similar texture and flavor profile if Gai Lan is unavailable.
What type of beef is best for Gai Lan Niu Rou?
For tender Gai Lan Niu Rou, flank steak, sirloin, or tenderloin are excellent choices. Slicing the beef thinly against the grain is key for tenderness.
How long does it take to cook Gai Lan Niu Rou?
This Gai Lan Niu Rou recipe is quick, taking approximately 28 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
Where can I find ingredients for Gai Lan Niu Rou in [Your City/Region]?
Most ingredients like beef, ginger, and soy sauce are widely available. For Chinese broccoli (Gai Lan), check your local Asian grocery stores or larger supermarkets with international sections.