Ah, Beef and Broccoli – a classic Chinese-American dish that holds a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I tried this recipe; it was one of those chilly winter evenings when I craved something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. I had been experimenting with Chinese-inspired recipes, and this one caught my eye.
After trying it, I instantly fell in love with the perfect blend of tender beef, crunchy broccoli, and the rich, savory sauce. Over the years, I’ve perfected my version of Beef and Broccoli, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
What is Beef and Broccoli?
Beef and Broccoli is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring thinly sliced beef and fresh broccoli florets, all cooked in a delectable brown sauce. Its origin can be traced back to the Chinese immigrants who brought their culinary expertise to the United States in the late 1800s. Since then, this dish has evolved and become a staple in Chinese-American cuisine, gaining recognition and popularity across the globe. [Screenshot]
Why Should you try this recipe?
There are countless reasons why you should give Beef and Broccoli a try. Here are a few compelling ones:
- The combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and the rich, savory sauce creates a mouthwatering and satisfying meal that you’ll crave again and again.
- Beef and Broccoli is not only delicious but also nutritious. Packed with protein from the beef and an array of vitamins and minerals from the broccoli, it’s a well-balanced and wholesome dish.
- This recipe is simple and requires minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or for when you want to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Beef and Broccoli is a versatile dish that can be easily tailored to your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or switch up the protein – the possibilities are endless!
- The vibrant colors and enticing aroma of Beef and Broccoli make it an impressive dish to serve to family and friends. They’ll be amazed by your culinary prowess and beg for the recipe!
Beef and Broccoli Recipe Ingredients:
To make this delightful Beef and Broccoli, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb Flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 Tbs Cornstarch
- 2 Tbs soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
- Olive oil for cooking
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 broccoli heads, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
For the sauce:
- 1/2 cup beef stock (low-sodium if available)
- 3 Tbs soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (feel free to adjust based on your preference)
- 1 Tbs chopped ginger
- 3 Tbs brown sugar
- 1 Tbs Cornstarch
Ingredient Notes And Substitues
In my experience, selecting the right ingredients and making a few tweaks can take your Beef and Broccoli from good to great. Here are some personal insights on the ingredients:
- Flank steak: I find that flank steak is the best cut for this recipe, as it stays tender and juicy when cooked. However, you can also use sirloin or top round if you prefer.
- Soy sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content of the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try using tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free or soy-free alternative.
- Olive oil: I prefer using olive oil for its health benefits and mild flavor, but you can use any cooking oil of your choice, such as vegetable or canola oil.
- Onion and broccoli: Use fresh, firm vegetables for the best taste and texture. You can also experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or baby corn to add variety.
- Beef stock: Low-sodium beef stock is ideal for controlling the saltiness of the sauce. You can also use chicken stock or vegetable stock if that’s what you have on hand.
- Garlic and ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger add a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste – I personally love a garlicky kick, so I go heavy on the garlic cloves.
- Brown sugar: The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors. You can adjust the amount according to your preference or substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Remember, the key to a delicious Beef and Broccoli lies in using fresh, quality ingredients and personalizing the dish to your taste buds. So, feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!
How to Make This Beef and Broccoli Recipe?
Follow these detailed steps to create a scrumptious Beef and Broccoli dish that will impress everyone at the table. I’ve broken down the process into manageable sections for your convenience.
Prepare the beef and vegetables:
- Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips. This ensures that the beef remains tender and easy to chew.
- Dice the onion and cut the broccoli into small, evenly-sized florets. This helps them cook evenly and makes for a better presentation.
Marinate the beef:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the sliced beef, 1 Tbs cornstarch, and 2 Tbs soy sauce. Mix well, ensuring each piece of beef is coated. Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step helps to tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavor.
Prepare the sauce:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef stock, 3 Tbs soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped ginger, brown sugar, and 1 Tbs cornstarch. Set aside. The cornstarch will help to thicken the sauce as it cooks.
Cook the beef and vegetables:
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the beef for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and then add the diced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion begins to soften and turn translucent.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender-crisp. You can cover the skillet with a lid to help the broccoli cook faster.
Combine and simmer:
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the onion and broccoli. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
How to Serve:
To serve your Beef and Broccoli, dish it out over steamed white or brown rice, or even noodles if you prefer. You can also offer it alongside some stir-fried vegetables or a refreshing cucumber salad for added variety.
For a touch of elegance, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions. Don’t forget to provide serving utensils, such as a large spoon or a pair of tongs, to help your guests serve themselves easily. Enjoy your meal while it’s warm and the flavors are at their peak.
Storage and Freezing Instructions:
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can use a microwave or reheat it gently in a skillet on the stovetop until warmed through.
- Freezing: To freeze the Beef and Broccoli, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top plastic bag. Ensure that there is minimal air trapped inside, and then seal the container or bag tightly. The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it gently in a skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Pro Tips to Make This Recipe:
- Slice the beef thinly and against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Marinate the beef for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate and the meat to tenderize.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef to ensure even browning.
- Adjust the garlic and ginger in the sauce according to your personal preference.
- Feel free to substitute or add your favorite vegetables to make the dish more vibrant and colorful.
Alternative Recipes:
If Beef and Broccoli isn’t quite to your taste or if you’re looking for more variety, here are some alternative recipes to consider:
- Kung Pao Chicken: A spicy, flavorful dish featuring diced chicken, peanuts, and red chilies.
- Vegetable Stir Fry: A versatile, healthy, and colorful dish that allows you to use any combination of your favorite vegetables.
- Healthy Broccoli Salad
- Slow Cooker Pot Roast
- Sweet And Sour Meatballs (With Pineapple)
- Meatballs With Grape Jelly And Chili Sauce
Frequently Asked Questions:
Easy Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 lb Flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 broccoli heads, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil for cooking
For the sauce:
- ½ cup beef stock (low-sodium if available)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (feel free to adjust based on your preference)
- 1 tbsp chopped ginger
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
How to Make?
- Slice the flank steak and prepare the vegetables.
- Combine beef, cornstarch, and soy sauce in a bowl to marinate.
- Whisk together sauce ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Cook beef in a skillet or wok, then set aside.
- Sauté onion in the same skillet, followed by broccoli.
- Add beef back to the skillet, pour in the sauce, and simmer.
- Serve over rice or noodles, and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Always cut the meat before cooking
- Make sure the meat is perfectly marinated
- Cut the broccoli into small and equal pieces
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
The famous Chinese-American dish is one that everyone is obsessed with. It is made up of ingredients you always have in your kitchen. The beef and broccoli sauce contains garlic, broth, soy sauce, lime juice, and Sriracha.
Broccoli and beef are very nutritious and rich in vitamin k, potassium, protein, and many other ingredients. So, it is good for you.
It is an American-styled flanked steak stirred with Chinese-style sauce. So, it is nowadays regarded as a mixed Chinese-American recipe.
