Craving beef and broccoli but tired of takeout? You’re in for a treat! This easy recipe gives you a tasty meal at home that’s even better than what you’d order. With simple ingredients like flank steak, fresh broccoli, and savory sauces, you’ll impress everyone at your table. Follow my step-by-step guide to make this delicious dish and see why it’s a new favorite. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
Sauce Ingredients
– 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 cup beef broth
Garnishing Ingredients
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Sesame seeds, for garnish
– Green onions, finely sliced, for garnish
I love using flank steak for this dish. It stays tender and flavorful. The broccoli florets add great color and crunch. Garlic and ginger create a lovely aroma.
For the sauce, I choose low-sodium soy sauce. This keeps the dish from being too salty. The oyster sauce gives depth and richness. Brown sugar balances the flavors. Cornstarch thickens the sauce perfectly, while the beef broth adds more taste.
To finish, I use sesame oil for a nutty touch. Sesame seeds and green onions make this dish pop. They also add texture and a fresh flavor. You’ll love the way it looks and tastes!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
– Combine marinade ingredients: In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Stir until smooth.
– Marinate the flank steak: Add 1 lb of thinly sliced flank steak to the bowl. Toss it well so that every piece is coated. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
Cooking the Broccoli
– Boiling water: Fill a pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
– Blanching the broccoli: Carefully add 3 cups of broccoli florets to the boiling water. Cook for 2 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Cooking the Beef
– Heating oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat.
– Searing the beef: Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes until it turns brown. Stir occasionally. Remove the beef and set it aside.
Sautéing Aromatics
– Adding garlic: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic.
– Ensuring proper cooking: Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it smells good. Be careful not to burn it.
Final Combination
– Adding beef and broccoli back to the skillet: Return the beef to the skillet. Add the blanched broccoli.
– Simmering the sauce: Pour in 1 cup of beef broth. Toss everything together and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes. The sauce will thicken and coat the beef and broccoli.
Serving Suggestions
– Serving with rice or noodles: Serve the beef and broccoli hot over cooked white rice or noodles.
– Presentation tips: For a nice look, sprinkle sesame seeds on top and add finely sliced green onions. Use a colorful bowl for a striking display.
Tips & Tricks
Making It Healthier
– Use low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt. This keeps the flavor high and the sodium low.
– For low-carb options, swap out rice for cauliflower rice or serve over zucchini noodles. These choices keep the dish light and healthy.
Enhancing Flavor
– Add a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice to the marinade. This gives the dish a bright kick.
– To make the beef extra tender, slice it against the grain and marinate for longer. This helps break down the fibers, making each bite juicy.
Adjusting Spice Levels
– If you like heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes while cooking. This adds a nice warmth to the dish.
– For milder flavors, skip the chili flakes and use sweet bell peppers instead. They add color and flavor without the heat.
Variations
Vegetable Additions
You can add many vegetables to make this dish even better. Here are some great choices:
– Bell peppers
– Snow peas
– Carrots
– Mushrooms
These veggies bring color and taste. Try using a mix for a fun look. The more colors, the more fun!
Alternative Proteins
Not a fan of beef? You can use chicken or tofu instead.
– Chicken: Thinly slice chicken breast. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink.
– Tofu: Use firm tofu. Press it to remove water, then cube it. Cook it for about 5 minutes until golden.
Adjust cooking times based on your choice. This lets you enjoy the dish with your favorite protein.
Different Serving Options
You can serve Beef & Broccoli in different ways.
– With rice: Use white rice for a classic meal.
– With noodles: Try egg noodles or rice noodles for a fun twist.
For a creative look, use a big bowl. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions on top. A colorful plate makes the dish pop and looks great on your table!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Beef & Broccoli fresh, store it right away. Place it in a clean container. Use an airtight container for the best results. This helps keep the flavors intact. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. It will stay good for about three to four days.
Reheating Tips
When it’s time to eat your leftovers, heat them gently. The stovetop works best. Just add a splash of water to keep the sauce moist. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring often. If you use a microwave, cover the dish. Heat in short bursts, about one to two minutes. Check and stir in between to avoid hot spots.
Freezing Instructions
Yes, you can freeze Beef & Broccoli! To do this, let it cool completely first. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Seal it well to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, transfer it to the fridge to thaw overnight. Reheat it on the stovetop for the best texture.
FAQs
How long does it take to prepare Beef & Broccoli?
It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook. In total, you will need about 40 minutes to make this dish. This gives you a quick and tasty meal for any night.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Use tofu or seitan instead of beef. For the sauce, swap soy sauce with a plant-based option. Add more veggies like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
What side dishes pair well with Beef & Broccoli?
Beef and broccoli goes great with cooked white rice or noodles. You can also serve it with steamed rice or fried rice. For a fresh touch, add a side salad with a light dressing.
How do I store leftover Beef & Broccoli?
Store leftovers in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, you can freeze it for about two months.
How can I thicken the sauce further?
To thicken the sauce, mix a little cornstarch with cold water. Stir this mixture into the sauce while it simmers. Cook it for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
This blog post covered the key elements of a tasty Beef and Broccoli dish. We looked at the main ingredients, marinade, and sauce that create the perfect flavors. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and useful tips to enhance your dish. You can even customize it with vegetables or different proteins.
Enjoy making a healthy, delicious meal without stress. Remember, practice makes perfect. Now, get cooking and impress everyone with your skills!
