Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal, Beef with Broccoli is a classic dish that combines tender beef and vibrant broccoli in a savory sauce. This recipe is not only satisfying but also healthier than takeout options. Follow the steps below to create your own homemade Beef with Broccoli.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Beef:
– 1 pound lean flank steak (or other lean steak), cut into thin 1-inch pieces
– 3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
For the Sauce:
– ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
– ¼ cup water or low-sodium beef broth
– 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
– 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated (or 1/8 to ¼ teaspoon powdered ginger)
For the Stir-Fry:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
– 4 cups broccoli, chopped
– ½ cup white onions, sliced
– 2 scallions, sliced (optional)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Directions
1. Marinate the Beef: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water until smooth. Add the sliced beef to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with the soy sauce, water or broth, brown sugar, chopped garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and set aside.
3. Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated beef to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until it’s almost cooked through. Using a slotted spoon, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped broccoli and sliced onions. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender.
5. Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute or until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Serve: Serve the beef and broccoli over brown rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced scallions, if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Beef with Broccoli!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Marinate the Beef:
– In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water until smooth.
– Add the sliced beef to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
– In a separate small bowl, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with the soy sauce, water or broth, brown sugar, chopped garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and set aside.
Cook the Beef:
– Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat.
– Add the marinated beef to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until it’s almost cooked through.
– Using a slotted spoon, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
Cook the Vegetables:
– In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
– Once the oil is hot, add the chopped broccoli and sliced onions.
– Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender.
Combine and Finish Cooking:
– Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables.
– Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables.
– Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute or until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve:
– Serve the beef and broccoli over brown rice or noodles.
– Garnish with sliced scallions, if desired.
Notes
Beef Selection:
– Lean flank steak is recommended, but other lean cuts can work as well.
Vegetable Options:
– Feel free to add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for more variety.
Storage:
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions:
– This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles, and can be topped with sesame seeds for added texture.
Cook techniques
Marinating the Beef
Marinating the beef with cornstarch and water helps tenderize the meat and create a nice coating that can hold onto the sauce during cooking.
Preparing the Sauce
Mixing the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl ensures that all elements are well combined before being added to the stir-fry, allowing for a uniform flavor throughout the dish.
Cooking the Beef
Cooking the beef in a hot pan allows it to sear quickly, locking in juices and flavor. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking without overcooking.
Stir-Frying the Vegetables
Quickly cooking the broccoli and onions over high heat preserves their texture and nutrients. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
Thickening the Sauce
Bringing the sauce to a boil after adding it to the cooked beef and vegetables activates the cornstarch, thickening the sauce and helping it adhere to the ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serving the beef and broccoli over brown rice or noodles enhances the meal, providing a hearty base that complements the dish’s flavors.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other lean cuts of beef, such as sirloin or top round, if flank steak is not available.
What can I substitute for broccoli?
You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or bok choy according to your preference.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute for regular soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
How long can leftovers be stored?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and sauce ahead of time and cook it when ready to serve to ensure the best texture and taste.
Conclusion
The Beef with Broccoli recipe is a delightful and healthy option for a home-cooked meal, offering a balance of tender beef and fresh vegetables, all enveloped in a savory sauce. It’s easy to prepare and can be enjoyed over rice or noodles, making it a versatile dish for any weeknight dinner.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Stir-Fry with Mixed Vegetables
A quick and colorful dish featuring chicken breast, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas stir-fried with a soy sauce and sesame oil dressing.
Vegetable Lo Mein
A vegetarian-friendly noodle dish, tossed with a mix of colorful vegetables like bok choy, carrots, and bell peppers in a flavorful soy-based sauce.
Shrimp Fried Rice
Delicious shrimp combined with day-old rice, peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs, seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil for a satisfying meal.
Beef and Pepper Stir-Fry
Thinly sliced beef sautéed with bell peppers and onions in a sweet and spicy sauce, served over steamed rice for a filling dish.
Tofu and Broccoli Stir-Fry
A plant-based alternative using firm tofu stir-fried with broccoli and a savory garlic soy sauce for a healthy lunch or dinner option.
