Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a classic dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many around the world. This vibrant and flavorful recipe combines tender strips of beef with crisp broccoli, all enveloped in a savory sauce that brings everything together. Originating from Chinese cuisine, this dish has become a staple in many households, thanks to its quick preparation and delightful taste. I love how the tender beef contrasts with the crunchy broccoli, creating a perfect harmony of textures that keeps you coming back for more.
People adore Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry not just for its delicious flavor, but also for its convenience. Its a one-pan meal that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors makes this dish a favorite among families and food enthusiasts alike. Join me as we explore this beloved recipe that is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 cups of broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1/2 cup of beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Preparing the Marinade
1. In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, beef broth (or water), sesame oil, and sugar. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined. This will be our marinade and sauce for the stir fry. 2. Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for up to an hour in the refrigerator will enhance the flavor even more.Preparing the Broccoli
3. While the beef is marinating, prepare the broccoli. If you haven’t done so already, cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. 4. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Blanch the broccoli florets in the boiling water for about 2 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender but still crisp. 5. Immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This will help maintain their vibrant color and crunch. After a few minutes, drain the broccoli and set it aside.Cooking the Beef
6. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the pan. 7. Add the marinated beef to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to cook the beef in batches. Sear the beef for about 2-3 minutes without stirring, allowing it to develop a nice brown crust. 8. After the beef has browned, stir it occasionally for another 2-3 minutes until it is cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.Stir-Frying the Vegetables
9. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them! 10. Next, add the blanched broccoli to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the broccoli to absorb the flavors from the garlic and ginger.Combining Everything
11. Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the remaining marinade over the beef and broccoli mixture. Stir everything together, ensuring the beef and broccoli are well coated in the sauce. 12. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the beef and broccoli. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water or beef broth to reach your desired consistency. 13. Taste the stir fry and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the soy sauce is already salty, so adjust accordingly.Serving the Dish
14. Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. 15. Serve the beef and broccoli stir fry over a bed of cooked rice or noodles. Drizzle a little extra sesame oil on top for added flavor if desired. 16. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.Tips for the Perfect Stir Fry
– **Cutting the Beef**: Make sure to slice the beef against the grain. This will help keep it tender and easy to chew. – **High Heat**: Stir frying is all about high heat and quick cooking. Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the ingredients. – **Prep Ahead**: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Stir frying happens quickly, and you dont want to be scrambling to chop vegetables while your beef is cooking. – **Variations**: Feel
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to whip up a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal. The combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce creates a delightful harmony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also packs a punch of protein and vitamins, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dish with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up that delectable sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also add in other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or even carrots for a colorful twist. For those who prefer a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha can elevate the dish to new spicy heights. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry a try! It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adapted to suit your taste preferences, and I would love to hear about your experience. Whether you stick to the classic version or make your own variations, sharing your culinary journey with friends and family can inspire others to explore the joys of cooking. So grab your wok, gather your ingredients, and lets get stir-frying! I cant wait to see how your dish turns out! Print
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and delicious meal featuring tender beef and vibrant broccoli in a savory sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights, it pairs perfectly with rice or noodles for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 cups of broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1/2 cup of beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, beef broth (or water), sesame oil, and sugar. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Add the thinly sliced beef, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to an hour for more flavor).
- Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and blanch the broccoli for about 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Transfer to ice water to stop cooking, then drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary). Sear for 2-3 minutes without stirring, then stir occasionally for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the blanched broccoli and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the remaining marinade over the mixture and stir to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Adjust consistency with water or broth if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and serve over cooked rice or noodles. Drizzle with extra sesame oil and garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions.
Notes
- Slice against the grain for tenderness.
- Ensure your skillet or wok is hot for quick cooking.
- Have all ingredients ready before starting to cook.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
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