Beef and Broccoli with Homemade Sauce Recipe

Beef and broccoli is a quintessential dish in Chinese-American cuisine, offering a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with crisp-tender broccoli in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s simple to make at home. This recipe is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Restaurant Quality at Home: Recreate the flavors of your favorite takeout in your own kitchen.
2. Customizable: Adjust seasonings, protein, and vegetables to your preference.
3. Easy and Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work.
4. Nutritious: Packed with protein, vitamins, and antioxidants from beef and broccoli.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Slice the Beef
   • Use a sharp knife to cut the beef into thin strips against the grain. This ensures tenderness.
2. Marinate the Beef
   • In a bowl, combine soy sauce and cornstarch. Add the beef slices and mix well to coat. Let the beef marinate for 15–20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

1. Steam or Blanch the Broccoli
   • Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the broccoli and water. Cover and steam for 3–5 minutes until crisp-tender.
   • Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients
   • In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, and brown sugar.
2. Add Garlic and Ginger
   • Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger for a flavor-packed sauce. Set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

1. Heat Oil
   • In the same skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over high heat.
2. Stir-Fry Beef
   • Add the marinated beef to the hot skillet in a single layer. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
3. Remove Beef
   • Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 5: Combine and Cook

1. Return Ingredients to Skillet
   • Reduce the heat to medium. Return the broccoli and beef to the skillet.
2. Add Sauce
   • Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli. Toss to coat everything evenly.
3. Simmer
   • Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef and broccoli.
4. Garnish
   • Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions over the dish before serving.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Option

• Replace beef with tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas.

2. Low-Carb Version

• Serve with cauliflower rice or zoodles instead of traditional rice.

3. Spicy Beef and Broccoli

• Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.

4. Gluten-Free Alternative

• Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and ensure other sauces are gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

1. With Rice
   • Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice for a classic pairing.
2. With Noodles
   • Pair with lo mein or rice noodles for a twist.
3. As a Wrap
   • Serve the beef and broccoli in lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb option.
4. With a Side Salad
   • Balance the rich flavors with a simple cucumber or Asian slaw salad.

Tips for Success

1. Use High Heat
   • High heat is essential for stir-frying to achieve a quick sear and lock in flavors.
2. Don’t Overcook Broccoli
   • Keep the broccoli crisp-tender for the best texture.
3. Cut Beef Thinly
   • Thin slices cook faster and remain tender.
4. Prepare Everything Ahead
   • Stir-frying is fast-paced, so have all ingredients prepped and ready to go.

Storage and Reheating

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Freezing

• The dish can be frozen, but the texture of the broccoli may change slightly. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?

A: Yes, but fresh broccoli provides better texture. Thaw frozen broccoli and pat it dry before cooking.

Q: What cut of beef is best?

A: Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak work well due to their tenderness when sliced thinly against the grain.

Q: How can I make the dish less salty?

A: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce or omit the oyster and hoisin sauces. Adjust seasoning at the end if needed.

Why This Recipe Works

Beef and broccoli is a timeless favorite because it combines tender, juicy beef with vibrant, crisp broccoli, all tied together with a perfectly balanced sauce. Cooking it at home allows you to control the ingredients and flavors, creating a dish that’s fresher and healthier than takeout. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this recipe is guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Enjoy your flavorful beef and broccoli dish, and savor the satisfaction of making it from scratch!

Yield: 4

Beef and Broccoli with Homemade Sauce Recipe

Print

Beef and broccoli is a quintessential dish in Chinese-American cuisine, offering a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with crisp-tender broccoli in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s simple to make at home. This recipe is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Beef and Broccoli:
• 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
• 1 tsp cornstarch (for coating beef)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• For the Sauce:
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 3 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water (slurry)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:
   Pat the beef slices dry with a paper towel. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then toss with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to coat evenly.
   
2. Make the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, 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 and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli and set aside.
   
4. Cook the Beef:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
   Add the beef in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary) and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and just cooked through.
   
5. Combine and Sauce:
   Return the broccoli to the skillet with the beef. Stir the sauce mixture well, then pour it into the skillet.
   Add the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli evenly. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
   
6. Serve:
   Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Notes

• Tender Beef Tips: Freeze the beef for 10-15 minutes before slicing for easier thin cuts.
• Broccoli Alternative: Swap out broccoli for snap peas, bok choy, or green beans for variety.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha for a spicy kick.