This savory Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick and delicious way to enjoy tender beef paired with crisp, vibrant broccoli in a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish brings together the delightful tastes of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to create a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 4
- Serving size: 1 plate (approx. 250g)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
Ingredients:
For the beef and broccoli:
- 450g (1 lb) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 300g (10 oz) broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (15 ml)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (5 g)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (60 ml)
- 1/4 cup beef broth (60 ml)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (30 ml)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (8 g), mixed with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water
- 1 teaspoon sugar (5 g)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Method of Preparation:
- Prepare the beef: Thinly slice the beef against the grain. In a medium bowl, mix the beef slices with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and set aside to marinate while preparing the other ingredients.
- Blanch the broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Cook the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and just cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the remaining soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce, sugar, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Combine and serve: Add the cooked beef and blanched broccoli back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the sauce and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Choose the right cut of beef: Sirloin or flank steak works best as they are tender and cook quickly. Slice the beef thinly against the grain for a tender bite.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli: Blanching ensures the broccoli stays crisp and vibrant in color.
- Prep everything before cooking: Stir-frying is a fast process, so having all ingredients prepped and ready to go is crucial.
- Use high heat: Cooking on high heat ensures that the beef sears quickly and doesn’t become tough.
- Customize the spice level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
FAQs:
- Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Thaw it before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- What can I substitute for oyster sauce? You can use hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a small amount of brown sugar as a substitute.
- How can I make this dish gluten-free? Substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Can I add other vegetables to the stir-fry? Absolutely! Bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots are great additions.
- What side dishes go well with this stir-fry? Steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles make excellent side dishes.