Beef and Broccoli

Tender Chinese beef stir fried with broccoli in a savory sauce! This Beef and Broccoli recipe is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right into your kitchen. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. With tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and a rich sauce, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, and oyster sauce creates a savory and mouthwatering flavor.
• Healthy Option: Packed with broccoli and lean beef, this dish provides essential nutrients while being lower in calories compared to takeout options.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that can easily adapt to your preferences.
• Better Than Takeout: Enjoy the same great taste as restaurant-style meals without the wait or cost.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Beef and Broccoli, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Pot for boiling broccoli
• Cooking utensils (spatula, tongs)

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: Provides enough space for even cooking and allows for high-heat frying which is key in stir-fry dishes.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for marinating the beef and mixing sauces without mess.
• Pot for boiling broccoli: Quickly blanches the broccoli to retain its bright color and crunch.

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 wine
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Stir-Fry Sauce

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

For Cooking

• 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, combine the thinly sliced beef with baking soda, Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, white pepper, water, and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly until the beef is well coated. Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Mix Stir-Fry Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch until fully combined. Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Boil Broccoli

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil with a generous pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the broccoli and cook for 1-2 minutes until bright green. Drain well 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 browned. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Stir Fry Everything Together

Add another tablespoon of cooking oil to the hot skillet. Once heated, add minced garlic and ginger; sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Next, add boiled broccoli and cook for an additional minute. Finally, return the cooked beef to the skillet along with the stir-fry sauce. Toss everything together for about 1-2 minutes until thickened and well-coated. Turn off heat and mix in toasted sesame oil.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your delicious Beef and Broccoli garnished with freshly diced green onions alongside rice or noodles. Enjoy!

How to Serve Beef and Broccoli

Serving Beef and Broccoli is an opportunity to impress your family or friends with a delicious, authentic Chinese dish. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Rice

• Steamed White Rice: Fluffy and neutral, it perfectly balances the savory flavors of the beef and broccoli.
• Fried Rice: Add some extra vegetables and protein for a hearty meal that complements the stir fry.

With Noodles

• Lo Mein: Soft, chewy noodles that soak up the sauce, making every bite delightful.
• Rice Noodles: A gluten-free option that adds a nice texture without overpowering the dish.

Garnished

• Green Onions: Freshly diced green onions add a crunch and bright flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds can provide an extra layer of nuttiness when sprinkled on top.

As a Wrap

• Lettuce Wraps: Serve Beef and Broccoli in crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb alternative to traditional serving methods.

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How to Perfect Beef and Broccoli

To achieve the best Beef and Broccoli, follow these tips for exceptional results every time.

• Use Flank Steak: This cut of meat is tender and flavorful, which makes it ideal for stir frying.
• Slice Against the Grain: Cutting against the grain ensures that your beef pieces are tender and easy to chew.
• Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, marinate the beef for up to an hour if time allows.
• High Heat Cooking: Cooking on high heat will give you that beautiful sear on the beef and keep the broccoli crisp-tender.
• Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Quickly blanching helps retain its vibrant color and nutrients while maintaining crunchiness.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply add a bit more cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Beef and Broccoli

Pairing side dishes with Beef and Broccoli can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Steamed Dumplings: These soft pillows filled with meat or veggies make a fantastic accompaniment.
2. Egg Rolls: Crispy on the outside and packed with flavor inside, they add a nice crunch to your meal.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad can cut through the richness of the beef, adding a light touch.
4. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers comforting flavors that pair well with Asian cuisine.
5. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles can provide a sharp contrast to the savory elements of Beef and Broccoli.
6. Sesame Spinach Salad: Lightly dressed spinach salad adds greens while complementing the umami flavors in your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Beef and Broccoli, certain common mistakes can hinder your dish’s quality. Avoiding these errors will ensure a delicious meal every time.

• Using tough cuts of meat: Always choose flank steak or another tender cut. Tough cuts can lead to chewy beef that detracts from the dish.
• Overcooking the broccoli: Broccoli should be bright green and crisp. Cooking it too long makes it mushy and less appealing.
• Skipping the marinade: Marinating the beef enhances its flavor and tenderness. Don’t rush this step; even a short marination can make a difference.
• Not using enough seasoning: Be generous with soy sauce and oyster sauce. A well-seasoned stir-fry is more flavorful and satisfying.
• Cooking at too low of heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to sear the beef properly. Low heat can result in steaming instead of frying, which affects texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Beef and Broccoli in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Beef and Broccoli

• Place cooled Beef and Broccoli in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Beef and Broccoli

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Beef and Broccoli that you might find helpful.

How can I make Beef and Broccoli healthier?

You can substitute low-sodium soy sauce for regular soy sauce and use more vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added nutrition.

What type of beef is best for Beef and Broccoli?

Flank steak is ideal due to its tenderness. Other options include sirloin or ribeye, but avoid tougher cuts as they won’t yield the best results.

Can I use frozen broccoli for Beef and Broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw it before cooking for better texture.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Beef and Broccoli?

Adding additional spices like garlic powder or red pepper flakes can give your dish an extra flavor boost.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for weekly meal prep.

Final Thoughts

This Beef and Broccoli recipe is not only quick but also incredibly delicious, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights. The ability to customize it with different vegetables or protein options adds to its versatility. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a comforting homemade meal that rivals any takeout!