Beef and Broccoli Recipe

If you’re seeking a quick and satisfying dish that brings together savory flavors and vibrant textures, this Beef and Broccoli Recipe is certain to become one of your all-time favorites. Inspired by the classic Chinese-American cuisine often found in bustling restaurants, our take on Beef and Broccoli balances the sweet and salty flavors in a way that will have your taste buds dancing. Best of all, making this dish at home can be just as delicious—if not more so—than any takeout order.

Beef and Broccoli typically calls to mind tender beef slices enveloped in a velvety, slightly sweet yet savory sauce, paired with fresh, crisp broccoli florets. This robust blend of umami from the beef, coupled with the delicate notes of ginger and garlic, transforms an everyday meal into a delightful culinary experience. It’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights, special gatherings with friends, or even meal prep for a protein-packed lunch.

While it might look like you need specialized cooking skills to achieve that perfect stir-fry, this recipe is very approachable, thanks to detailed instructions and minimal prep time. Throughout this article, we’ll explore the essential steps—from assembling the marinade to achieving a restaurant-quality sauce—so you can enjoy the authentic taste of Beef and Broccoli right from your kitchen. Let’s jump right in and uncover the secrets behind this mouthwatering meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef and Broccoli is a testament to how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly exceptional. Below are some reasons you’ll absolutely love this dish:

1. Quick and Easy: Perfect for those hectic nights or when you want a meal that’s both satisfying and fuss-free. The entire process, from marinating the beef to stir-frying, can be completed in under 30 minutes once you have your ingredients prepped.
2. Incredibly Flavorful: A sweet-savory sauce featuring soy sauce, ginger, and garlic elevates the umami profile of the beef. The broccoli florets add a fresh crunch and soak up every bit of that delectable sauce.
3. Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Looking to boost nutrition further? Throw in some bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots.
4. Great for Meal Prep: Beef and Broccoli refrigerates well, retaining its flavor and texture for days. Prepare a double batch for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
5. Kid-Friendly: Kids often love the mildly sweet sauce and tender meat. It’s a great way to introduce children to a variety of vegetables in a palatable manner.
6. Restaurant-Quality at Home: Learn to create a hearty dish in your kitchen without relying on takeout. Mastering the technique of stir-frying will empower you to experiment with countless other stir-fry recipes.

With such tempting qualities, it’s no wonder Beef and Broccoli has become a global favorite. Read on to find out how to gather and prepare your ingredients to guarantee a successful result every time.

Ingredients

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to organize all of your ingredients. This recipe’s backbone lies in a tender beef cut, crisp broccoli florets, and a carefully balanced sauce. Below is an itemized list to guide your grocery shopping and preparation:

Main Ingredients

1. Beef (1 pound / 450 g): Choose a lean yet tender cut such as flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak. Opt for the freshest cut you can find for enhanced flavor and texture.
2. Broccoli Florets (3–4 cups): Fresh broccoli is ideal, offering maximum crispness and nutrient retention. If you’re short on time, pre-cut broccoli or frozen florets can work, though fresh is recommended for the best taste.
3. Garlic (3–4 cloves): Minced garlic infuses the dish with a savory aroma that pairs beautifully with the soy-based sauce.
4. Ginger (1–2 inches, grated): Fresh ginger offers a bright, zesty flavor that is integral to many stir-fry recipes.

Marinade and Sauce

1. Soy Sauce (1/4 cup): If you prefer a lower sodium intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce. You may need to adjust salt later based on personal preference.
2. Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons): Contributes mild sweetness and helps balance the soy sauce’s saltiness. You can also use honey or coconut sugar.
3. Oyster Sauce (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a rich, savory depth. Consider it an optional ingredient if you’re keeping an eye on your sodium or avoiding shellfish-based sauces.
4. Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): One tablespoon will be used in the marinade; the remaining tablespoon helps thicken the stir-fry sauce. This is how you achieve that trademark velvety coating on the beef.
5. Beef Stock or Water (1/2 cup): Helps to create enough sauce to generously coat both the beef and the broccoli.
6. Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, nutty aroma that complements the sweet and savory elements of the dish.

Cooking Essentials

1. Cooking Oil (2 tablespoons): Select a high smoke point oil, like vegetable oil or canola oil, to handle the quick, high-heat stir-fry process.
2. Salt and Pepper (to taste): Adjust according to your preference, bearing in mind that the soy sauce already provides a salty component.
3. Optional Garnishes: Toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, or red pepper flakes can heighten visual appeal and flavor.

Having your ingredients and cooking tools organized before you start will set you up for a seamless cooking experience. Proper preparation ensures you can focus on technique and flavor rather than scrambling around the kitchen.

How to Make Beef and Broccoli Recipe

This section will walk you through the process of creating a delicious Beef and Broccoli meal, step by step. From selecting and slicing the beef correctly to stir-frying the broccoli to perfection, we’ll share everything you need to achieve that authentic restaurant-style result.

Step 1: Prep the Beef

1. Trim and Slice: Using a sharp knife, trim away any excess fat. Slice the beef thinly against the grain into uniform strips (about 1/4-inch thick). Cutting against the grain helps to break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender bite.
2. Marinate: In a mixing bowl, whisk together half of the soy sauce (2 tablespoons), half of the cornstarch (1 tablespoon), half the grated ginger, and one minced garlic clove. Coat the beef slices thoroughly in this mixture. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to permeate the meat.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the remaining soy sauce (2 tablespoons), oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, the rest of the grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and half a cup of beef stock (or water).
2. Add Cornstarch: Whisk in the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to ensure the sauce thickens properly. Stir until no lumps remain.

Step 3: Blanch or Steam the Broccoli

There are two common methods to cook your broccoli before stir-frying:

• Blanching: Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the broccoli florets. Boil for 1–2 minutes until the florets become bright green. Drain and immediately transfer them to a bowl of cold water to halt the cooking process and retain the color.
• Steaming: If blanching isn’t your style, steaming works equally well. Place the florets in a steamer basket over boiling water for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.

Both methods help achieve crunchy, bright green broccoli. Draining or drying the florets well is crucial before adding them to the stir-fry to avoid extra moisture in your dish.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

1. Heat the Oil: In a wok or large skillet, heat the cooking oil over high heat. The high temperature allows for quick searing of the beef.
2. Add the Beef: Place the marinated beef slices in the hot oil. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If your pan isn’t large enough, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
3. Stir-Fry: Stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes, or until the beef browns on all sides. Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of your slices. Take care not to overcook the beef, as it can become tough.

Step 5: Combine with Broccoli and Sauce

1. Add Broccoli: Toss the drained and blanched (or steamed) broccoli florets into the wok with the beef. Stir-fry for another minute to let the broccoli pick up some of the meaty flavors.
2. Pour in the Sauce: Give the sauce a quick stir (as cornstarch can settle at the bottom) and pour it evenly over the beef and broccoli. The sauce will begin to thicken almost immediately as it contacts the heat.
3. Coat and Simmer: Stir everything together until the beef and broccoli are well-coated. Lower the heat if needed, and let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Check Flavor and Consistency

1. Taste Test: Sample the sauce and adjust with additional soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, or water to control the thickness or sweetness.
2. Serve Hot: Once the sauce coats the beef and broccoli to your liking, remove the wok from the heat. Transfer the dish to a serving plate or bowl.

With those steps, your Beef and Broccoli is ready to be devoured! Next, we’ll discuss tips on how to serve and store your freshly prepared meal.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Over Rice: One of the most classic ways to enjoy Beef and Broccoli is by serving it over steamed rice. The fluffy texture of white rice complements the sauce, allowing you to savor every bit of flavor.
• Noodles Alternative: If you prefer noodles, you can serve Beef and Broccoli over chow mein, lo mein, or plain noodles for a filling meal.
• Add More Veggies: Take advantage of the stir-frying process by adding carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas. This boosts the nutritional content and variety of textures.
• Garnishing: For a final touch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top, or add finely sliced green onions to elevate presentation and taste.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Beef and Broccoli stays fresh for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: If you’d like to freeze the meal, ensure it cools down completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Note that the texture of broccoli may soften after freezing, but the flavor remains intact.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover Beef and Broccoli on the stovetop over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of water or beef stock to loosen the sauce if it has thickened substantially in the fridge. For single servings, a microwave can work in a pinch, though stovetop heating preserves texture better.

Helpful Notes

Even seasoned cooks can benefit from insider tips and tricks. Below are some additional pointers to ensure that your Beef and Broccoli stir-fry comes out perfect:

1. Cut Against the Grain: This cannot be stressed enough. Slicing the meat properly is key to achieving tenderness. Feel for the direction of the muscle fibers, then cut across them, rather than parallel.
2. High Heat is Your Friend: Stir-frying is all about hot and quick cooking. Make sure your wok or skillet is fully heated before adding oil and beef to sear effectively.
3. Avoid Overcrowding: Too much meat in the pan at once can cause steaming rather than stir-frying. Cook in batches if needed.
4. Balance the Sauce: If you find the sauce too salty, add water or beef stock. If it’s too sweet, add a little more soy sauce or a tiny splash of vinegar to cut the sweetness.
5. Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness by adding or reducing cornstarch. A thin sauce can be thickened by mixing a small amount of cornstarch with water, then adding it to the wok. A sauce that’s too thick can be thinned with additional stock or water.
6. Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated ginger, freshly minced garlic, and fresh broccoli florets all make a noticeable difference in flavor.
7. Marination Time: Even a short marination of 15–20 minutes helps the meat absorb flavors. If you have more time, let the beef marinate for up to an hour in the refrigerator for an even more robust taste.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to refine the flavor, texture, and appearance of your Beef and Broccoli dish, achieving consistent, delicious results every time.

Conclusion

Beef and Broccoli is a classic stir-fry meal that effortlessly blends succulent, marinated beef with crisp broccoli florets and a flavorful sauce. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this dish stands out as a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require lengthy prep or complicated ingredients. By following the step-by-step instructions laid out above—and incorporating helpful tips like cutting against the grain, marinating the meat, and cooking at a high temperature—you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

This dish is endlessly versatile, so don’t hesitate to get creative by adding extra vegetables or adjusting the sauce to fit your preferred flavor profile. Best of all, it stores incredibly well, which means you can double the recipe and have a quick, ready-to-eat lunch or dinner for days to come. So, whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or impressing dinner guests with your culinary prowess, this Beef and Broccoli Recipe is sure to be a hit.

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Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Rebecca Blumer

Discover the ultimate Beef and Broccoli Recipe! A quick, flavorful stir-fry with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce. Perfect for weeknights!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese-American

Servings 4 People

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb 450 g beef (flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak, thinly sliced against the grain)
• 3 –4 cups broccoli florets fresh, blanched or steamed
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 inch fresh ginger grated

Marinade and Sauce

• 1/4 cup soy sauce use low-sodium if preferred
• 2 tbsp brown sugar or substitute with honey or coconut sugar
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce optional, for added depth of flavor
• 2 tbsp cornstarch 1 tbsp for marinade, 1 tbsp for sauce thickening
• 1/2 cup beef stock or water
• 1 tsp sesame oil for added aroma

Cooking Essentials

• 2 tbsp cooking oil vegetable oil or canola oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: toasted sesame seeds sliced green onions, or red pepper flakes

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prep the Beef

• Trim and Slice: Using a sharp knife, trim away any excess fat. Slice the beef thinly against the grain into uniform strips (about 1/4-inch thick). Cutting against the grain helps to break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender bite.
• Marinate: In a mixing bowl, whisk together half of the soy sauce (2 tablespoons), half of the cornstarch (1 tablespoon), half the grated ginger, and one minced garlic clove. Coat the beef slices thoroughly in this mixture. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to permeate the meat.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

• Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the remaining soy sauce (2 tablespoons), oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, the rest of the grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and half a cup of beef stock (or water).
• Add Cornstarch: Whisk in the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to ensure the sauce thickens properly. Stir until no lumps remain.

Step 3: Blanch or Steam the Broccoli

• Blanching: Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the broccoli florets. Boil for 1–2 minutes until the florets become bright green. Drain and immediately transfer them to a bowl of cold water to halt the cooking process and retain the color.
• Steaming: If blanching isn’t your style, steaming works equally well. Place the florets in a steamer basket over boiling water for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

• Heat the Oil: In a wok or large skillet, heat the cooking oil over high heat. The high temperature allows for quick searing of the beef.
• Add the Beef: Place the marinated beef slices in the hot oil. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If your pan isn’t large enough, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Stir-Fry: Stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes, or until the beef browns on all sides. Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of your slices. Take care not to overcook the beef, as it can become tough.

Step 5: Combine with Broccoli and Sauce

• Add Broccoli: Toss the drained and blanched (or steamed) broccoli florets into the wok with the beef. Stir-fry for another minute to let the broccoli pick up some of the meaty flavors.
• Pour in the Sauce: Give the sauce a quick stir (as cornstarch can settle at the bottom) and pour it evenly over the beef and broccoli. The sauce will begin to thicken almost immediately as it contacts the heat.
• Coat and Simmer: Stir everything together until the beef and broccoli are well-coated. Lower the heat if needed, and let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Check Flavor and Consistency

• Taste Test: Sample the sauce and adjust with additional soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, or water to control the thickness or sweetness.
• Serve Hot: Once the sauce coats the beef and broccoli to your liking, remove the wok from the heat. Transfer the dish to a serving plate or bowl.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~350
• Fat: ~15 g
• Saturated Fat: ~4 g
• Carbohydrates: ~20 g
• Fiber: ~3 g
• Sugar: ~5 g
• Protein: ~30 g
• Sodium: ~700 mg

 

Disclaimer: The nutrition information provided is estimated based on automated calculations and should be viewed as an approximation. These values are offered as a helpful reference and may vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used. For the most accurate results, please consult your own nutritional data or preferred brand values.

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FAQs

Below are some common questions you might encounter while preparing and enjoying your Beef and Broccoli. These answers will help you troubleshoot and optimize your cooking experience.