Beef and Broccoli

Tender Chinese beef stir fried with broccoli in a savory sauce! This Beef and Broccoli recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving takeout but want to make a healthier version at home. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a delightful dish that combines tender beef with vibrant broccoli and a rich, flavorful sauce. Whether for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this recipe will surely satisfy your taste buds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of sauces creates a savory, mouthwatering flavor that rivals any restaurant dish.
• Healthy Ingredients: Featuring lean beef and fresh broccoli, this dish is nutritious without compromising on taste.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for lunch or dinner and pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make extra servings to enjoy throughout the week—this dish reheats beautifully.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Beef and Broccoli dish, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Pot for boiling broccoli
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: Ideal for high-heat cooking, allowing you to quickly stir-fry the beef and veggies for that perfect texture.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for marinating ingredients and combining sauces without mess.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for slicing the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.

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Ingredients

For the Beef Marinade

• 1 lb flank steak (thinly sliced 1/4 inch thick against the grain)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing apple vinegar
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Stir-Fry Sauce

• 1 1/2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing apple vinegar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Vegetables

• 1 lb broccoli (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 5 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/2 tablespoon ginger (minced)

For Finishing Touches

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

How to Make Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

In a mixing bowl, add the thinly sliced beef, baking soda, Shaoxing apple vinegar, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, white pepper, water, and cornstarch. Mix until thoroughly combined. Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Mix Stir-Fry Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, combine oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing apple vinegar, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Mix until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Boil Broccoli

Bring a medium pot of water to boil with a generous pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the broccoli and cook for 1-2 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

Heat one tablespoon of cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Spread the marinated beef in a single layer in the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds on each side until seared and browned. Remove from the wok and set aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry Everything Together

Add another tablespoon of cooking oil to the skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add minced garlic and ginger; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add broccoli back into the pan; cook for one minute. Finally, add cooked beef along with stir-fry sauce; toss together for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats everything. Turn off heat; drizzle sesame oil over mixture and toss again.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your Beef and Broccoli hot with freshly diced green onions on top alongside rice or noodles. Enjoy!

How to Serve Beef and Broccoli

Beef and broccoli is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your beef and broccoli dish.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed white or brown rice pairs perfectly with beef and broccoli, soaking up the savory sauce for added flavor.

Over Noodles

• Serve beef and broccoli over cooked noodles, such as lo mein or udon, for a heartier meal that combines textures.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use crisp lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps filled with beef and broccoli for a fun, low-carb option.

With Diced Green Onions

• Garnish your dish with freshly diced green onions for added crunch and a burst of freshness.

With Extra Sauce

• Drizzle more stir-fry sauce over the top before serving to enhance the flavor profile and keep everything moist.

How to Perfect Beef and Broccoli

Perfecting your beef and broccoli can make all the difference in achieving restaurant-quality taste at home. Here are some essential tips to ensure success.

• Marinate adequately: Allowing the beef to marinate for longer than 15 minutes can enhance tenderness and flavor.

• Use high heat: Cooking on medium-high heat helps achieve that desirable sear on the beef, locking in juices.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Stir-frying in smaller batches ensures even cooking and prevents steaming instead of searing.

• Prep ingredients ahead: Have all ingredients chopped and ready before starting to cook; this makes the process smoother.

• Adjust sauce thickness: For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. If too thick, add a splash of water or broth during cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Beef and Broccoli

Pairing side dishes with beef and broccoli can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Fried Rice: A flavorful companion made with leftover rice, vegetables, and scrambled eggs.
2. Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas adds crunch and nutrition.
3. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables provide a delightful contrast to the tender beef.
4. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers comforting flavors that complement the main dish beautifully.
5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers dressed in sesame oil balances out rich flavors.
6. Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles tossed in peanut sauce make for an excellent side that’s full of flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Beef and Broccoli, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your dish.

• Boldly skipping the marinade: Not marinating the beef can result in a lack of flavor and tenderness. Always allow the beef to marinate for at least 15 minutes for the best results.
• Boldly overcooking the broccoli: Cooking broccoli for too long makes it mushy and loses its vibrant color. Blanch it for only 1-2 minutes before adding it to your stir-fry.
• Boldly neglecting the order of cooking: Adding ingredients out of order can lead to uneven cooking. Always cook the beef first, then add aromatics and vegetables to ensure even doneness.
• Boldly using too much sauce: Overloading on sauce can make your dish overly salty or soggy. Stick to the recommended amounts for a balanced flavor profile.
• Boldly forgetting garnishes: Skipping fresh garnishes like green onions diminishes presentation and flavor. Always top your Beef and Broccoli with freshly diced green onions for an extra pop.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Use within 3-4 days to ensure freshness and quality.

Freezing Beef and Broccoli

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
• Best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Beef and Broccoli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Beef and Broccoli.

What cut of beef is best for Beef and Broccoli?

Flank steak is ideal because it’s tender and flavorful when sliced thinly against the grain.

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli; just adjust the cooking time as needed since it’s pre-blanched.

How do I make my Beef and Broccoli healthier?

Consider using low-sodium soy sauce, more vegetables, or serving it with brown rice instead of white rice.

What is the secret to tender beef in Beef and Broccoli?

Marinating with baking soda helps break down proteins, resulting in more tender beef after cooking.

Final Thoughts

Beef and Broccoli is a delicious dish that balances savory flavors with healthy greens. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Feel free to customize by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas!