Craving a quick and satisfying meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This Easy Homemade Beef and Broccoli recipe has you covered. With tender beef strips, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce, it’s a dish that brings the restaurant experience right to your kitchen.
Perfect for a busy weeknight, this recipe is both simple and delicious, ensuring you’ll have a delightful dinner on the table in no time. Get ready to impress your taste buds with this classic favorite!
Steps
- Prepare all your ingredients by chopping the vegetables, slicing the beef, and measuring all necessary components. This organization helps streamline the cooking process.
- Whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water in a large bowl. Add the beef slices to this mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
- In another bowl, mix the remaining cornstarch with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger to create the stir-fry sauce. Set this sauce aside for later use.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the beef, stirring constantly, until it’s nearly done, then remove it from the pan using a slotted spoon.
- Add the remaining vegetable oil to the skillet and stir-fry the broccoli florets and sliced onions until the broccoli becomes tender, which should take about 4 minutes.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and bring it to a boil, stirring continuously for about a minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve the beef and broccoli hot, accompanied by rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
- 1 pound flank steak, cut into thin 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 4 cups small broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup sliced white onions
Nutritional Values
Calories: 332kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 1156mg | Potassium: 772mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 565IU | Vitamin C: 83.2mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 3.1mg
FAQ
- Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
- Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just be aware that frozen veggies release more water when cooked, so make sure to cook them on medium-high heat without a lid to allow the water to evaporate quickly.
- Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?
- Certainly! You can prepare the beef and broccoli ahead by chopping the vegetables, slicing the beef, and making the sauce. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- How should I store and reheat leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, use a pan or microwave, making sure not to overcook to preserve the dish’s texture. Reheat in short intervals and stir occasionally for even heat distribution.
- What are the best cuts of beef for this stir-fry?
- Flank steak is ideal due to its tenderness and quick cooking time. Other suitable options include chuck steak, top sirloin, skirt steak, and beef tenderloin, each offering distinct flavors and textures.
- Why is it important to slice the beef against the grain?
- Slicing against the grain shortens the meat fibers, resulting in tender pieces. It helps retain the beef’s juiciness and ensures even cooking during stir-frying.
- What are some tips for stir-frying successfully?
- Ensure all ingredients are prepped before starting, use high heat, and don’t forget to boil the sauce to activate the cornstarch as a thickening agent. Preheating the pan helps maintain the broccoli’s crispness and achieves a perfect sear on the beef.
Tips
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: Since stir-frying is a quick process, have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This includes chopping vegetables, slicing meat, and measuring out all components.
- Slice Meat Against the Grain: For tender beef, cut the steak thinly against the grain. This technique shortens muscle fibers, resulting in more tender bites.
- Use High Heat and Preheat Properly: Ensure your pan is adequately preheated over high heat before adding ingredients. This helps maintain the crispy texture of the broccoli and gives the beef a perfect sear.
- Blanch Broccoli for Brightness: For vibrant green broccoli, blanch it in boiling water before adding it to the stir-fry. This step reduces cooking time and enhances color retention.
Equipment
- Wok or large nonstick sauté pan – For stir-frying the beef and broccoli.
- Slotted spoon – For transferring the beef from the pan.
- Whisk – For mixing the cornstarch and sauce ingredients.
