I have something for you. This crazy-easy beef and broccoli recipe will turn your kitchen into a stir-fry haven. And guess what? It’s all done in one pot! We’ll crack the code on juicy beef, perfectly crisp broccoli, and a sauce so good it’ll knock your socks off. Plus, I’ve got serving ideas that will make you look like a culinary rockstar.
This isn’t your average takeout joint’s beef and broccoli – we’re talking restaurant-quality deliciousness, made right at home.! It is packed with flavor, healthy as can be, and features melt-in-your-mouth beef with broccoli so fresh it practically bursts with flavor. Sounds good? Let’s do this!
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Broccoli Recipe
You’ll adore this dish for its simplicity and flavor. The beef is tender and marinated to perfection, while fresh ginger and garlic add an aromatic touch that is simply irresistible. Paired with broccoli’s health benefits and the sauce’s hearty richness, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that satisfies both meat lovers and veggie enthusiasts alike.
What You’ll Need
For this hearty dish, you’ll want to gather the following key ingredients:
- Tender beef, such as flank steak or sirloin steak cut into slices
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Fresh ginger and cloves of garlic
- Brown sugar for a hint of sweetness
- Sodium soy sauce and oyster sauce for umami depth
- Beef broth to enhance the meaty flavor
- Cornstarch to thicken the sauce
- Sesame oil and seeds for a nutty finish
- A dash of pepper flakes for a bit of heat (optional)
How to Cook Beef and Broccoli
- Start by marinating the beef strips in a mixture of sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and a tablespoon of oil for at least 30 minutes.
- Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for two minutes then plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process.
- In a pan over medium-high heat, stir-fry garlic and ginger before adding the beef into the pan.
- Add the broccoli and stir tenderly.
- Pour in the savory sauce, stirring until the sauce has thickened and the beef and broccoli are evenly coated.
How to Ensure Tender Beef
- Slice Against the Grain: By cutting the beef into thin strips against the muscle fibers, the meat becomes more tender and easier to eat.
- Marinate: Using a portion of the sauce to marinate the beef not only imparts deep flavors but also helps to tenderize the meat. Let it sit, refrigerated, for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- High Heat, Quick Cook: Overcooking is the nemesis of tender beef. Cook it quickly over medium-high heat to sear the exterior while keeping the inside succulent.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can cause the beef to steam rather than develop a delicious sear.
- Rest the Meat: After cooking, let the beef rest briefly before mixing it with the broccoli and the final sauce. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender slices.
Serving Suggestions for Beef and Broccoli Dish
- With a bed of rice. Fluffy white rice is traditional, but for those seeking a whole-grain alternative, brown rice is an excellent option. The neutral taste of cooked rice allows the brown sauce of the beef and broccoli to shine.
- With cauliflower rice. A head of grated cauliflower cooked for 10 minutes with two tablespoons of butter is a nice serving partner for this recipe.
- With noodles: For a twist on the classic, serve the beef and broccoli over a plate of warm noodles. This can be especially attractive to those who enjoy a more hearty dish.
- Vegetable add-ins: To boost the nutritional value, consider adding additional vegetables to the mix. Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas can add color and crunch.
- Garnishes: Enhance the presentation and flavor with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of sesame oil before serving. This adds a nutty accent that complements the Asian-inspired flavors. Green onions can also be added as garnish.
- Sides: For a complete meal, add a side of egg rolls, spring rolls or dynamite cheese sticks.
Leftovers and Storage
If the dish is to be consumed on the same day, cover it with plastic wrap and leave at room temperature.
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to three days.
Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a tablespoon of water to keep it moist.
Additional Cooking Tips
- Toasting the sesame seeds before garnishing can enhance their flavor.
- Adjust the amount of cornstarch if you prefer a thicker or thinner sauce.
- Add Chinese rice wine in the lineup of ingredients for a more authentic taste.
- Always use a hot pan for searing the beef to ensure it gets that caramelized edge.
- If using frozen broccoli florets in this recipe, make sure that they are thawed properly and drained of excess water.
- If at the end of cooking, you find the sauce thicker than you expected, add room temperature water slowly. Hot water will make the sauce even thicker.
Easy One-Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Method: cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This beef and broccoli recipe is restaurant-quality deliciousness, made right at home with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 500g flank steak, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon of oil (sesame oil adds an authentic flavor)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the sauce:
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl. Separate a portion of it to marinate the beef slices.
- Marinate the beef strips for at least 30 minutes.
- Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for two minutes then plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process.
- In a pan over medium-high heat, stir-fry garlic and ginger before adding the beef into the pan. Add the broccoli and stir tenderly.
- Pour in the savory sauce, stirring until the sauce has thickened and the beef and broccoli are evenly coated.
