Beef with Broccoli: A Classic Stir-Fry Dish You’ll Love

Introduction

Beef with Broccoli is one of the most beloved and widely enjoyed dishes in Chinese cuisine, and for good reason. This classic stir-fry recipe features tender strips of beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a savory sauce that brings everything together in a symphony of flavor. It’s a perfect balance of salty, savory, and slightly sweet, with just a hint of umami that keeps you coming back for more.

This dish is ideal for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, but it’s also impressive enough to serve at family gatherings or when entertaining guests. With a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this restaurant favorite right in the comfort of your own kitchen.

In this article, we’ll dive into why Beef with Broccoli is a staple in so many households, provide step-by-step instructions to make it, and offer tips and variations to make the recipe your own. Whether you’re a seasoned stir-fry pro or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll be able to make this flavorful dish with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
• Tender Beef: The beef is tender and juicy, thanks to a simple marinade that helps lock in flavor and moisture.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious.
• Customizable: The sauce is flexible, so you can adjust the flavors to suit your taste. Want it spicier? Add some chili paste. Want it sweeter? Add a touch more sugar.
• Great for Meal Prep: This dish stores well and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 30 minutes (10 minutes for prep, 20 minutes for cooking)
• Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 350, Protein: 30g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 18g.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin: Flank steak is a great choice for stir-fry because it’s flavorful and tender when sliced thinly against the grain. You can also use sirloin or any cut of beef suitable for stir-frying.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds saltiness and depth of flavor to the marinade.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps tenderize the beef and gives it a nice glossy coating when stir-fried.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For stir-frying the beef.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce: For a savory, salty base.
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Adds richness and umami to the sauce, deepening the flavor profile.
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Adds sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory flavors.
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced: For aromatic flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced: Adds warmth and a bit of spice.
• ½ cup beef broth: Helps create the sauce’s base and adds moisture.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: To thicken the sauce and give it a nice, velvety consistency.

For the Broccoli:

• 3 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli is ideal for this dish. If you’re short on time, you can use frozen broccoli, but fresh will give you the best texture and flavor.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For stir-frying the broccoli.
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced: Adds a burst of flavor to the broccoli.

First Step: PREPARE THE BEEF

1. Slice the Beef: Start by slicing the beef into thin strips against the grain. This will help ensure that the beef is tender and easy to chew. Flank steak works especially well for stir-frying because it’s lean yet tender when cut correctly.
2. Marinate the Beef: In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Add the beef strips to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Let the beef marinate for 10-15 minutes to help tenderize it and absorb the flavors.

Second Step: PREPARE THE SAUCE

1. Mix the Sauce Ingredients: While the beef is marinating, prepare the sauce. In a bowl, combine 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and ½ cup beef broth. Stir to combine. In a separate small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to create a slurry, which will help thicken the sauce.
2. Set Aside: Once the sauce ingredients are mixed together, set the bowl aside until you’re ready to cook. The cornstarch slurry will be added to the sauce later to give it a thicker, glossy consistency.

Third Step: COOK THE BROCCOLI

1. Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Let them cook for 1-2 minutes until they’re bright green and just tender. Drain the broccoli and set it aside.
2. Stir-Fry the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the blanched broccoli and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, just enough to heat it through and give it a slight char. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside.

Fourth Step: COOK THE BEEF

1. Cook the Beef: In the same skillet or wok, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the beef to steam rather than sear. If necessary, cook the beef in batches.
2. Combine the Beef and Broccoli: Once the beef is cooked, return the broccoli to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Fifth Step: MAKE THE SAUCE

1. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli mixture. Stir to coat everything evenly.
2. Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. The sauce will thicken, becoming glossy and coating the beef and broccoli in a beautiful sheen.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you want it spicier, add a splash of chili sauce or red pepper flakes. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more sugar or hoisin sauce.

Final Step: SERVE AND ENJOY

1. Serve: Once the beef and broccoli are coated in the thickened sauce, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the dish immediately over a bed of steamed rice, or for a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice.
2. Garnish: You can garnish your Beef with Broccoli with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for added color and flavor.

How to Serve Beef with Broccoli

Beef with Broccoli is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for how to serve it:

1. With Steamed Rice

Serve this flavorful stir-fry over steamed white or brown rice. The rice soaks up the savory sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.

2. With Noodles

If you prefer noodles, you can serve the beef and broccoli over a bed of stir-fried noodles or soba noodles for a heartier dish.

3. Pair with a Side Salad

To balance the richness of the stir-fry, serve a light side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette.

4. As Part of a Chinese Feast

If you’re serving this dish as part of a larger spread, it pairs well with other Chinese favorites like fried rice, egg rolls, or dumplings.

Recipe Variations

While Beef with Broccoli is delicious as it is, there are many ways to make this dish your own. Here are a few variations to try:

1. Add Other Vegetables

Feel free to add other vegetables to the stir-fry, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas. These add color and texture, making the dish even more nutritious.

2. Spicy Beef with Broccoli

For a spicy twist, add chili paste or red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also use a spicier hot sauce or add fresh sliced chili peppers during stir-frying.

3. Make it Gluten-Free

To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute. You can also swap out the oyster sauce for a gluten-free alternative.

4. Add Pineapple or Cashews

For a touch of sweetness and crunch, you can add pineapple chunks or cashews to the stir-fry. The pineapple adds a tropical sweetness, while the cashews provide an extra layer of texture.

Tips for Perfect Beef with Broccoli

1. Slice Against the Grain: To ensure the beef is tender, always slice it against the grain.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When stir-frying the beef, don’t overcrowd the pan. This will allow the beef to sear properly and develop a nice color.
3. Use Fresh Broccoli: While frozen broccoli is a convenient option, fresh broccoli will provide the best texture and flavor.
4. Thicken the Sauce to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch slurry. For a thinner sauce, use less.

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Conclusion

Beef with Broccoli is a timeless dish that’s beloved for its savory sauce, tender beef, and nutritious vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, it’s an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy. With the tips, variations, and helpful techniques outlined here, you’ll be able to master this dish and make it your own. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade Chinese stir-fry that’s better than takeout!