Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Beef and Broccoli is a beloved classic Chinese-American dish that combines tender slices of beef with crisp, vibrant broccoli in a savory soy-based sauce. It’s simple, flavorful, and ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress friends and family. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, with few ingredients that come together for a rich, umami-packed flavor. This recipe will walk you through how to achieve restaurant-quality beef and broccoli right in your kitchen, with easy-to-follow steps and helpful tips.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Slice the Beef Thinly: Begin by slicing the flank or sirloin steak thinly against the grain. This step ensures that the beef is tender when cooked. Aim for slices about ¼ inch thick.
2. Marinate the Beef: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and rice vinegar if using. Add the minced garlic and ginger for additional flavor. Toss the beef slices in this marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let the beef marinate for at least 20 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

1. Cut the Broccoli into Florets: Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. If the stalk is tender, you can peel and slice it thinly to use in the stir-fry as well.
2. Blanch the Broccoli: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add ½ teaspoon of salt to the water, then blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain the broccoli and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve the vibrant color. Drain again after a few minutes and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (if using), ½ cup beef broth, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. If you prefer a little heat, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
2. Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. This slurry will be used later to thicken the sauce.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef

1. Heat the Skillet: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil (or vegetable oil) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking.
2. Cook the Beef in Batches: Add the marinated beef slices to the hot skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the beef is browned and almost cooked through. If needed, cook the beef in two batches to avoid steaming the meat. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 5: Cook the Broccoli

1. Heat the Skillet Again: Using the same skillet, add 1 more tablespoon of oil if needed. Stir-fry the drained broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until they are heated through but still crisp.

Step 6: Combine Beef, Broccoli, and Sauce

1. Return the Beef to the Pan: Add the browned beef back into the skillet with the broccoli.
2. Pour in the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli. Stir everything together to coat the meat and vegetables in the sauce.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet while stirring constantly. The sauce will begin to thicken within a minute or two. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit more beef broth or water.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Transfer to a Serving Platter: Once the beef is fully cooked and the sauce is thick and glossy, remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Garnish and Serve: Serve the beef and broccoli over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a drizzle of chili oil for extra flavor and heat.

Tips for Perfect Beef and Broccoli

• Thinly Slice the Beef: The key to tender beef in this dish is slicing it thinly against the grain. This helps break down the muscle fibers, ensuring each bite is tender.
• Marinate for Flavor: Don’t skip the marination step! Letting the beef marinate for at least 20 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
• Blanch the Broccoli: Blanching the broccoli before stir-frying helps it retain its vibrant green color and prevents overcooking. It also speeds up the cooking process during the stir-fry.
• Stir-Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan when stir-frying the beef. Cooking in batches ensures the beef browns properly instead of steaming.

Variations

Low-Carb Version

For a low-carb version of beef and broccoli:

• Replace the cornstarch in the sauce with xanthan gum or omit it entirely for a thinner sauce.
• Serve the beef and broccoli over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.

Vegetarian Option

To make this dish vegetarian:

• Substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then marinate and stir-fry just like the beef.
• Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth in the sauce.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on a 4-serving recipe):

• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used in this recipe. However, fresh broccoli tends to have a better texture when stir-fried. If using frozen broccoli, there’s no need to blanch it, but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before stir-frying.

2. What cut of beef is best for this recipe?

Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak are the best options for beef and broccoli due to their tenderness when sliced thinly against the grain.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, stir-fry the beef, broccoli, and sauce together for a quick meal.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Reheat the beef and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Conclusion

Beef and Broccoli is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. With tender slices of beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen. By following these simple steps and tips, you can enjoy this classic dish in no time, with the option to customize it to your dietary preferences. Whether you serve it over rice or noodles, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Yield: 4

Beef and Broccoli Recipe

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Beef and Broccoli is a beloved classic Chinese-American dish that combines tender slices of beef with crisp, vibrant broccoli in a savory soy-based sauce. It's simple, flavorful, and ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress friends and family. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, with few ingredients that come together for a rich, umami-packed flavor. This recipe will walk you through how to achieve restaurant-quality beef and broccoli right in your kitchen, with easy-to-follow steps and helpful tips.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Beef:
• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
• For the Sauce:
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• ½ cup beef broth or water
• For the Broccoli:
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
• ½ cup water
• For Garnish:
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Sliced green onions (optional)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef:
   In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch. Toss to coat and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
   
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
   
3. Cook the Broccoli:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
   Pour in ½ cup of water, cover, and steam the broccoli until just tender but still crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
   
4. Stir-Fry the Beef:
   In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat.
   Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the broccoli.
   
5. Combine Everything:
   Reduce the heat to medium and pour the sauce mixture into the skillet.
   Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and beef broth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
   Return the beef and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the sauce.
   
6. Serve:
   Transfer the beef and broccoli to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
   Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

• Beef Slicing: To make thinly slicing the beef easier, place it in the freezer for about 20 minutes before cutting.
• Substitute Veggies: You can substitute or add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for a colorful variation.
• Meal Prep: This dish reheats well, making it great for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.