Beef Broccoli Recipe: Craving a quick, delicious, and healthy meal that bursts with flavor? This Beef Broccoli recipe is a perfect choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Packed with tender beef slices, crunchy broccoli, and a savory stir-fry sauce, it’s not only easy to prepare but also takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this step-by-step guide will help you achieve restaurant-quality Beef Broccoli at home.
What is Beef Broccoli?
Beef Broccoli is a classic Asian-inspired stir fry that combines thinly sliced beef with vibrant green broccoli in a flavorful soy-based sauce. Originating from Chinese-American cuisine, this dish has become a popular staple in households and takeout menus worldwide. Known for its simple preparation and balanced flavors, Beef Broccoli is a go-to recipe for busy individuals looking for a nutritious yet tasty meal.
Why You Should Try This Beef Broccoli Recipe
Why settle for takeout when you can create a better version at home? Here’s why you need to try this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Healthier Option: Fresh ingredients with no added preservatives.
- Budget-Friendly: Costs less than restaurant takeout.
- Customizable: Adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your preference.
- Nutritious: High in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
Ingredients Needed for Beef Broccoli
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
Beef Marinade Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (optional for tenderizing)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Broccoli and Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
Tools and Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or wok
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Tongs or a spatula
How to Choose the Right Ingredients
Best Beef Cuts for Stir Fry
For the perfect Beef Broccoli, choose tender cuts of beef:
- Flank Steak: Affordable and works well for stir-frying.
- Sirloin: Slightly more tender and flavorful.
- Ribeye: A pricier option but incredibly juicy and soft.
Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
Choosing Fresh Broccoli
- Look for broccoli heads that are dark green with tight, firm florets.
- Avoid yellowing or wilting broccoli.
- Fresh broccoli should feel firm and have a crisp texture when broken.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Beef Broccoli
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, baking soda (optional), and vegetable oil.
- Add the thinly sliced beef and toss well to coat.
- Let the beef marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors and tenderize.
Tip: The baking soda helps break down the beef fibers, resulting in extra tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
- While the beef is marinating, rinse and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli and blanch for 1-2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Let it sear for 1 minute without moving, then stir-fry for another minute until browned.
- Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: Stir Fry Everything Together
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the beef to the skillet, followed by the blanched broccoli.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons of water. Pour the sauce into the skillet.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli evenly.
- Remove from heat and serve hot.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Beef Broccoli
How to Avoid Overcooking the Beef
- Cook beef quickly over high heat to maintain its tenderness. Avoid overcooking, as it can become chewy.
How to Keep Broccoli Crisp
- Blanching broccoli and shocking it in ice water preserves its vibrant color and crunch.
Nutritional Value of Beef Broccoli
Here’s a quick breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280-350 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 15g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Beef Broccoli with steamed white rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
- Pair it with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Variations of the Recipe
Beef Broccoli with Oyster Sauce
- Add extra oyster sauce for deeper umami flavor.
Spicy Beef Broccoli Stir Fry
- Add red chili flakes or Sriracha for spice lovers.
Keto-Friendly Beef Broccoli
- Use low-sodium soy sauce and serve with cauliflower rice.
How to Store Leftovers
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs about Beef Broccoli Recipe
What are the key ingredients for a Beef Broccoli recipe?
The essential ingredients for Beef Broccoli include thinly sliced beef (such as flank steak or sirloin), fresh broccoli florets, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Some recipes also suggest adding ginger and sesame oil for an enhanced flavor.
How do you tenderize the beef for this dish?
To tenderize the beef, you can use a method called velveting. This involves marinating the beef slices in a mixture of cornstarch, soy sauce, and sometimes baking soda for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This process helps keep the meat tender and juicy when stir-fried.
Can Beef Broccoli be made ahead of time?
Yes, Beef Broccoli can be prepared ahead of time. Cook the beef and broccoli separately and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, quickly stir-fry them together with the sauce to ensure the broccoli remains vibrant and crisp, and the beef stays tender.
What are some tips for keeping the broccoli vibrant green when cooking?
To keep the broccoli vibrant green, blanch it in boiling water with a pinch of salt for about two minutes, then immediately plunge it into ice water to halt the cooking process. This technique preserves its bright color and crisp texture.
Is Beef Broccoli suitable for freezing?
Freezing Beef Broccoli is possible, though it’s best to freeze the components separately. Freeze the cooked beef and blanched broccoli in airtight containers. Thaw and reheat by stir-frying to maintain the best texture and flavor of the dish.
What side dishes pair well with Beef Broccoli?
Beef Broccoli pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. For a low-carb option, consider serving it with cauliflower rice or alongside a fresh garden salad.
Conclusion
This Beef Broccoli recipe is a delicious, quick, and versatile dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a flavorful sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe today and impress your family with a restaurant-quality meal at home!
