Beef and Broccoli Recipe
This Beef and Broccoli recipe is a classic Chinese takeout favorite made at home with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a flavorful savory sauce. It’s quick, easy, and full of delicious flavor!
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 lb flank steak (or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about 2 heads of broccoli)
- ¼ cup water (or broth)
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for extra sweetness and depth)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toss well to coat the beef evenly. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, beef broth, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and hoisin sauce (if using). Set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Alternatively, you can steam the broccoli if preferred.
- Stir-Fry the Beef:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, undisturbed, to allow it to brown. Then stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until the beef is fully cooked and browned.
- Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Broccoli:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cooked broccoli and stir to combine. Pour in the water (or broth) and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the broccoli to heat through.
- Combine the Beef and Broccoli:
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli. Stir to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, until it thickens and everything is well coated.
- Serve:
- Serve the Beef and Broccoli hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions, if desired.
Tips:
- Tenderizing Beef: For more tender beef, you can tenderize the flank steak by lightly scoring it or by using a meat mallet.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the stir-fry for extra color and flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a sliced chili pepper to the sauce if you like a little heat.
- Beef Substitutes: You can use chicken, pork, or even tofu instead of beef if you prefer.
This Beef and Broccoli recipe is a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or for meal prepping!