Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Recipe Overview
Experience a culinary classic with this easy Beef and Broccoli stir-fry recipe. Originating from Chinese cuisine, this beloved dish marries the rich, savory flavor of tender beef with the crisp freshness of broccoli, all enveloped in a rich, umami-packed sauce. The balance of textures and flavors creates a delightful experience for your taste buds and showcases why homemade Beef and Broccoli stir-fry from scratch is a go-to dish for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whatโs more, the ability to customize the ingredients makes it accessible for everyone, including those seeking a vegan Beef and broccoli stir-fry alternative!
This recipe takes only about 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it an ideal choice for those who crave a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you will find yourself whipping up this restaurant-quality dish in no time. This recipe serves 4 and is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Broccoli and Sauce:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce (or mushroom sauce for vegan)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Possible Ingredient Swaps:
- Use chicken breast or tofu instead of flank steak for different protein options.
- Swap broccoli for snap peas, bell peppers, or asparagus for a colorful twist.
- Replace oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or soy sauce for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
Equipment List
- Large skillet or wok
- Cutting board
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Small bowl for marinade
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, creating a smooth marinade. Add the sliced flank steak and coat thoroughly. Allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Broccoli: In a pot of boiling water, blanch the broccoli florets for about 2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer the broccoli to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
- Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the skillet in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until browned and caramelized on one side. Stir-fry to cook the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Add Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautรฉing for about 30 seconds. This will create a fragrant base for your stir-fry.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked beef to the skillet along with the blanched broccoli. Stir to combine.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Pour this mixture over the beef and broccoli, tossing well to coat evenly. Allow it to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, thickening the sauce slightly.
- Final Touch: Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness or sugar for sweetness.
- Serve: Transfer the Beef and Broccoli stir-fry to a serving platter. It pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Special Notes
For storage, keep any leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef or vegetable broth to keep the dish moist.
If your sauce is too thick, simply add 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth until you achieve your desired consistency. You can also thicken the sauce further with a cornstarch slurry if needed.
Variations and Customizations
Consider dietary restrictions or preferences by customizing this recipe:
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
- Vegan: Substitute the beef with tofu or a plant-based protein and replace oyster sauce with mushroom sauce.
- Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a ketogenic option.
Feel free to add nuts like cashews for a crunchy texture or toss in a handful of snap peas for more color and nutrients!
Nutritional Information
Estimated breakdown per serving (for beef version):
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
Engaging Visual Details
The beauty of Beef and Broccoli stir-fry lies not just in its taste but also in its vibrant presentation. Picture the dark, glossy sauce glistening on tender strips of beef intermingled with bright green, crisp broccoli. Aromatic garlic and ginger should waft through your kitchen, enticing everyone to the table. For the best visual impact, consider uploading photos at various stages: the beautiful marinated beef, the vivid green broccoli after blanching, and the final plated dish served over a bed of fluffy white rice.
Conclusion
This easy Beef and Broccoli stir-fry recipe is sure to become a household favorite, loved for its simplicity, flavor, and quick cooking time. Whether you are preparing it for a family weeknight dinner or experimenting with meal prep, this dish offers versatility and satisfaction in every bite. Leave a comment below if you tried this recipe! If you whip up your own version, donโt forget to share it on Instagram and tag us with MyDeliciousDish for a chance to be featured!
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