English (International) 
Try this Indonesian-style beef and broccoli stir-fry. Tender marinated beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce all cooked in minutes. Better than takeout, easy enough for any weeknight!
About the Dish
Brokoli cah sapi is a quick, satisfying stir-fry that has earned its place in both Indonesian home kitchens and casual restaurants, especially in urban areas. Rooted in Chinese-Indonesian culinary traditions, this dish uses the cah technique. High heat, fast cooking to keep the broccoli vibrant green and crisp while the beef stays juicy and tender.
What makes brokoli cah sapi particularly interesting is how it reflects Indonesia’s evolving food culture. Broccoli itself is a relatively modern ingredient in Indonesian cooking, introduced through Chinese culinary influence and embraced as awareness of nutritious eating has grown. Today, this dish is a weeknight favorite simple to prepare, wholesome, and full of the savory, umami-rich flavors that make Indonesian food so satisfying. Serve it over steamed rice, and dinner is done.
Key Ingredients and Their Role
- Beef is the protein centerpiece of this dish. Sliced thin and marinated before cooking, it absorbs flavor quickly and stays tender even under high heat. The marinade featuring soy sauce, cornstarch, and baking soda is the key to that restaurant-quality tenderness you get in every bite.
- Broccoli brings color, crunch, and nutrition to the dish. Briefly blanched before stir-frying, it retains its bright green color and firm texture, balancing the richness of the beef and sauce. The cah technique ensures it never goes soggy.
- Oyster sauce is the backbone of the savory sauce. Combined with soy sauce and a touch of seasoning, it creates that deep, glossy, umami-packed coating that ties the whole dish together, rich without being heavy.
Ingredients
Main:
- 1 head broccoli
- 250 g beef, thinly sliced
- 1 onion
- 3 red chilies
Marinade:
- ½ tsp ground pepper
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
Sauce:
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp seasoning powder
- ½ tsp ground pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 150 ml water
Instructions
- Cut the broccoli into small florets. Blanch in lightly salted boiling water for about 1 minute until bright green, then drain and set aside.
- Marinate the beef with ground pepper, soy sauce, cornstarch, and baking soda. Mix well and let it rest for 10–15 minutes to tenderize.
- Mix all sauce ingredients — oyster sauce, soy sauce, seasoning powder, pepper, cornstarch, and water — in a bowl until fully dissolved. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a wok or pan over high heat until very hot. Stir-fry the beef until it changes color, then remove and set aside.
- Using the remaining oil, sauté the onion and red chilies until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Return the beef to the pan, add the broccoli and prepared sauce. Stir quickly until the sauce thickens and everything is evenly coated and cooked through.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, remove from heat, and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestion
Brokoli cah sapi is best served hot over a bowl of steamed white rice. For a fuller spread, pair it with a light egg drop soup or other stir-fried vegetables. It also works beautifully as part of a shared Indonesian meal with multiple side dishes at the table.
Learn the Language Behind the Food
Dishes like brokoli cah sapi tell the story of how Indonesian cuisine has grown. Blending local tradition with outside influence to create something entirely its own.
If exploring Indonesian food has sparked your curiosity about the culture and language, why not take that interest further? BASANTARA offers Indonesian language courses specially designed for foreign speakers, from complete beginners to more advanced learners. Start your learning journey today. Reach us on WhatsApp at +62 852 1396 8601 or visit basantara.net to find out more.
