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 gatherings with friends and family. In less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious dish that rivals your favorite takeout. The combination of tender beef and crisp broccoli in a rich sauce makes this meal stand out. It’s versatile enough to serve over rice or noodles and is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: You can whip up this dish in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Flavorful Sauce: The blend of oyster sauce, soy sauce, and spices creates a rich and savory flavor that enhances the beef and broccoli.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the beef and vitamins from broccoli, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice or noodles to customize your dining experience, or enjoy it on its own for a lighter option.
• Better Than Takeout: With fresh ingredients and homemade sauce, this recipe gives you that restaurant-quality taste right at home.

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Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the necessary tools before starting. Having everything ready will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Cooking spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: Provides ample space for stir-frying, ensuring even cooking of the beef and broccoli.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for marinating the beef and combining sauces without mess.
• Knife: A sharp knife allows for precise slicing of the beef against the grain, which is crucial for tenderness.

Ingredients

Tender Chinese beef stir fried with broccoli in a savory sauce! This better than takeout beef and broccoli recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make.

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 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Sauce

• 1 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoon 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 Stir-Fry

• 1 lb broccoli (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 5 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/2 tablespoon ginger (minced)
• 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 well until all ingredients are combined. Set aside 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. Blend until well mixed and set aside.

Step 3: Boil Broccoli

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the broccoli pieces. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until bright green but still crisp. 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. Once hot, spread the marinated beef evenly across the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds on each side until seared and browned. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Stir Fry Everything Together

Add another tablespoon of cooking oil to the skillet on medium-high heat. When hot, add minced garlic and ginger; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add boiled broccoli; cook for another minute. Then incorporate cooked beef along with stir-fry sauce. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until thickened.

Step 6: Serve

Once everything is mixed well, turn off heat. Drizzle sesame oil over the top and toss again to combine flavors. Serve hot with freshly diced green onions on top alongside rice or noodles if desired. 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. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy this delicious Chinese classic.

With Steamed Rice

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

Over Noodles

• Serve beef and broccoli over egg noodles or rice noodles for a heartier dish that adds texture and flavor.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a low-carb option, spoon the beef and broccoli mixture into crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh and crunchy bite.

With Diced Green Onions

• Garnish with freshly diced green onions for an added crunch and a burst of flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

Alongside Soy Sauce

• Offer soy sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra salty kick with their beef and broccoli.

How to Perfect Beef and Broccoli

To achieve the best results when making beef and broccoli, consider these helpful tips. Each step can significantly elevate your dish.

• Use flank steak: Flank steak is ideal due to its tenderness and rich flavor. Cut it thinly against the grain for the best texture.

• Marinate longer: While 15 minutes is sufficient, marinating for up to an hour can enhance flavors and tenderness even more.

• Blanch broccoli: Quick blanching helps maintain the vibrant green color and crispness of the broccoli before stir-frying.

• Hot pan is key: Ensure your skillet or wok is hot enough before adding ingredients. This prevents steaming and promotes a nice sear on the beef.

• Stir-fry quickly: Keep your cooking time short when stir-frying to retain the freshness of the vegetables and prevent overcooking.

• Add sesame oil last: Drizzling toasted sesame oil at the end adds a rich, nutty flavor without losing its aroma during cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Beef and Broccoli

Pairing side dishes with beef and broccoli can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Fried Rice: A flavorful dish made with leftover rice, vegetables, and eggs, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

2. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp add a crunchy contrast to the tender beef and broccoli.

3. Egg Drop Soup: A light soup that complements the main dish without overwhelming it, providing warmth and comfort.

4. Szechuan Green Beans: Spicy green beans stir-fried in a savory sauce offer a delightful kick alongside your meal.

5. Chow Mein: Stir-fried noodles tossed with fresh vegetables create a filling accompaniment full of flavor.

6. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad dressed in vinegar or sesame oil balances the richness of beef and broccoli nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make some common mistakes when preparing Beef and Broccoli. Here are a few to keep in mind to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Failing to Marinate: Skipping the marination step can lead to tough beef. Always allow the beef to marinate for at least 15 minutes for tenderness.
• Overcooking the Broccoli: Cooking broccoli too long can make it mushy. Blanch it for only 1-2 minutes to keep it vibrant and crisp.
• Not Using High Heat: Cooking on low heat can result in steamed rather than stir-fried beef. Use high heat to achieve that desirable sear and flavor.
• Ignoring Sauce Ratios: Adding too much or too little sauce can ruin the balance of flavors. Measure your ingredients carefully for the best results.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold beef or vegetables can reduce cooking temperature, leading to uneven cooking. Ensure everything is at room temperature before you start cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover beef and broccoli in an airtight container.
• It will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Beef and Broccoli

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Beef and Broccoli

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the dish in for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
• Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed, stirring frequently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Beef and Broccoli that may help you create this delicious dish.

How can I make my Beef and Broccoli healthier?

You can use lean cuts of beef, substitute with low-sodium sauces, and add more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to increase the nutritional value.

Can I customize my Beef and Broccoli recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of sauce or add in your favorite vegetables. You could also switch out beef for chicken or tofu for a different twist.

What is the best cut of beef for Beef and Broccoli?

Flank steak is ideal because it’s flavorful and tender when sliced correctly. However, sirloin or ribeye can also work well.

How can I avoid soggy broccoli in my Beef and Broccoli?

Blanching broccoli briefly before stir-frying helps maintain its crunchiness. Make sure not to overcook it during any stage of preparation.

Final Thoughts

This Beef and Broccoli recipe offers incredible flavor, ease of preparation, and versatility. Customize it with your favorite veggies or sauces to suit your taste preferences. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!