Beef and Broccoli Recipe

If you’re searching for a fast, satisfying, and downright delicious stir-fry, let me introduce you to Beef and Broccoli. This beloved classic brings together juicy, tender beef and crisp, vibrant broccoli all tossed in a glossy, umami-packed sauce that coats every bite perfectly. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or your next dinner party, Beef and Broccoli always delivers big on flavor and comfort, with just a handful of simple ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in this recipe plays a crucial role in crafting the deep, savory flavors and irresistible texture that make Beef and Broccoli stand out. These ingredients are straightforward, but each brings something special—whether it’s a punch of umami, a pop of color, or that signature saucy silkiness.

• Flank steak: Slicing the beef thinly against the grain makes it incredibly tender and perfect for soaking up all the marinade flavors.
• Baking soda: Helps to tenderize the beef, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth good.
• Shaoxing wine: Adds subtle depth and complexity; a quick splash really elevates the dish.
• Light soy sauce: Gives the marinade savory richness, perfect for seasoning the meat and sauce.
• Oyster sauce: Brings an unmistakable savory-sweet quality that’s key in Beef and Broccoli.
• White pepper: Adds a gentle heat and earthiness that’s more floral than standard black pepper.
• Water: Helps the marinade permeate the beef and ensures it stays juicy.
• Cornstarch: Essential for tenderizing the steak and creating that luscious, glossy stir-fry sauce.
• Dark soy sauce: Deepens color and adds complex caramel notes to the sauce.
• Granulated sugar: Balances saltiness and gives a subtle sweetness to the dish.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Rounds out the sauce with savory undertones, avoiding excessive saltiness.
• Broccoli: Cut into bite-sized florets, it brings crisp texture and bright color to the finished dish.
• Garlic: Infuses the oil and sauce with rich aroma and warm, savory depth.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger gives everything a zingy, refreshing lift.
• Toasted sesame oil: Just a drizzle at the end provides nutty aroma and an unmistakable Asian-inspired finish.

How to Make Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by preparing your flank steak: slice it against the grain into thin 1/4 inch strips. In a mixing bowl, combine the beef with baking soda, Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, white pepper, water, and cornstarch. Massage all those flavors into the meat, ensuring each piece gets thoroughly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes—this quick soak does wonders for both the flavor and tenderness of your final Beef and Broccoli.

Step 2: Mix the Stir-Fry Sauce

Grab a small mixing bowl and stir together the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, chicken broth, and a touch of cornstarch. This sauce is the heart of your Beef and Broccoli, layering on savory, sweet, and just a whisper of richness that will cling to every bite once it hits the wok.

Step 3: Boil the Broccoli

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and drop in your broccoli florets. Let them cook for just 1 to 2 minutes—you want them to stay bright and crisp, not mushy. Quickly drain and set aside. Pre-blanching like this ensures the broccoli is perfectly tender but keeps its vibrant color when tossed in the stir-fry.

Step 4: Sear the Beef

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, arrange the marinated beef in a single layer. Resist the urge to stir too early—let it sear for about 30 seconds on each side for maximum browning. When the beef is deeply golden and just cooked through, transfer it to a plate and set aside.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and bring it back to medium-high heat. Toss in the garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until they’re fragrant. Add the broccoli and toss it around for about a minute so it soaks up all that garlicky aroma. Return the beef to the pan, then pour in your stir-fry sauce. Stir and toss everything together for 1 to 2 minutes. When the sauce thickens into a beautiful glaze and coats every piece, turn off the heat and finish with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Spoon the piping hot Beef and Broccoli over steamed rice or your favorite grain. Top with diced green onions for a fresh kick, and enjoy every saucy, savory forkful!

How to Serve Beef and Broccoli

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of freshly sliced green onions instantly wakes up the plate, adding both color and a gentle bite. For a fun twist, scatter sesame seeds over the top, or add a dash of crushed red pepper for a gentle heat. Citrus zest or a squeeze of lime can also brighten the dish right before serving.

Side Dishes

Beef and Broccoli deserves a great support cast! My favorite is a bowl of warm, jasmine rice soaking up all that glossy sauce. If you want something lighter, try serving with cauliflower rice or a tangle of quick-stir-fried noodles. Steamed dumplings or a simple crispy spring roll also make perfect matches for a takeout-at-home feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Ditch the traditional bowl and try loading Beef and Broccoli into lettuce wraps for a handheld appetizer. Serve individual servings atop rice in pretty cups as part of a party spread, or spoon the stir-fry over noodles with a shower of toasted peanuts for an inspired dinner party twist. Don’t be afraid to get creative—the flavors play well in just about any setting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Beef and Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal even more satisfying. Leftovers will keep well for up to three days. Just be sure to refrigerate promptly to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze Beef and Broccoli, let it cool completely first. Transfer into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing excess air. It freezes well for up to two months. For best results, freeze the cooked beef and broccoli separately from the rice or noodles, if you plan to serve it that way.

Reheating

To reheat, you can quickly stir-fry Beef and Broccoli in a hot pan with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce and prevent drying out. A microwave works too—cover loosely and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until warmed through. Just be careful not to overcook, so the broccoli stays nicely crisp-tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Beef and Broccoli?

Absolutely! While flank steak is classic for its tenderness and fast cooking time, you can substitute with skirt steak, sirloin, or even thinly sliced ribeye. Just make sure to cut whichever cut you use against the grain to keep the beef tender.

What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?

No worries—a dry sherry makes an excellent substitute and is easy to find in most supermarkets. You can also use Japanese sake or an extra splash of chicken broth in a pinch, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Can I make Beef and Broccoli gluten-free?

Yes! Swap soy sauce and oyster sauce for their gluten-free versions, and double check your chicken broth’s label. With these easy swaps, you can enjoy all the classic flavor of Beef and Broccoli without the gluten.

How do I keep the broccoli bright and crisp?

Blanching broccoli for just 1 to 2 minutes in boiling salted water is the key—this locks in the color and keeps the texture fresh. Plunging the broccoli into ice water right after boiling is optional, but helps lock in the color even more.

Can I add other vegetables to Beef and Broccoli?

Certainly! Sliced bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots are fantastic additions. Just remember to balance the cooking times so that all your veggies end up crisp-tender and colorful.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Beef and Broccoli at home, now’s your chance to taste just how wonderful homemade can be. It’s the perfect dish to whip up when you crave something both comforting and vibrant—plus, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together. Give it a try, and you may find it becomes as much a staple in your kitchen as it is in mine!

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