Oh boy, do I have a treat for you! Today, I want to share one of my all-time favorite dishes: **Beef with Broccoli**. This dish isn’t just a staple in Chinese cuisine; for me, it brings back fond memories of family dinners where we’d gather around the table, share stories, and indulge in the savory goodness of tender beef and vibrant broccoli. Honestly, what’s not to love about that?!
Every time I whip up this easy and delicious recipe, I’m reminded of my mom’s kitchen—how the aroma of garlic and ginger would fill the air, making everyone’s mouths water. It’s a simple recipe that can easily become a weeknight favorite or a special occasion treat. And the best part? It can be made in about 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights when I want something hearty but don’t have all evening to cook. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
What’s in Beef with Broccoli?
Let’s break down these ingredients to see what makes this dish so mouthwatering:
Beef Sirloin or Flank Steak: The star of our show! I love using flank steak for its flavor and tenderness, especially when sliced thinly against the grain. It’s perfect for stir-frying!
Broccoli Florets: These bright green beauties not only add a lovely crunch and color but are also packed with nutrients. I always opt for fresh broccoli, but frozen works in a pinch!
Vegetable Oil: We’ll need a bit for sautéing. I typically go for a neutral option like canola or grapeseed oil, as it won’t overpower our dish.
Garlic and Fresh Ginger: Can’t forget these flavor powerhouses! They add an aromatic punch that elevates the dish to a whole new level.
Soy Sauce: A must-have for this recipe—adds the salty umami flavor we all crave. Low-sodium soy sauce is a fantastic choice if you’re watching your sodium intake.
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth and richness. It’s like the secret ingredient that takes this dish from good to incredible!
Cornstarch: This little guy will help marinate the beef and also thicken our sauce just a bit.
Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances out the savory ingredients beautifully.
Rice Vinegar: Just a splash of this tangy goodness brightens the flavors.
Sesame Oil: This adds a delightful nutty flavor that is simply irresistible!
Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch to season everything to perfection.
Sesame Seeds (for garnish): These are purely optional, but they add a nice crunch and a little extra flair!
Cooked Rice or Noodles: Gotta have something to soak up that delicious sauce—my personal favorite is jasmine rice!
Is Beef with Broccoli Good for You?
When it comes to health benefits, knowing what’s on your plate is always a good thing! This dish packs a punch with nutrients:
Beef: A great source of protein and iron. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation, especially if you’re watching your red meat intake.
Broccoli: This green veggie is loaded with vitamins (hello, Vitamin C!) and fiber, making it a nutritional powerhouse.
Of course, with the soy sauce and oyster sauce, sodium levels can be higher, so if that’s a concern for you, go for low-sodium options and keep an eye on added salt. Overall, this dish strikes a pretty good balance, especially when served with brown rice or whole grain noodles!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
– 4 cups broccoli florets
– 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
– Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
This recipe serves about 4, perfect for family dinner or meal prepping for the week.
How to Make Beef with Broccoli?
Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive in!
1. In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Allow it to marinate for about 15 minutes while you get everything else ready.
2. While the beef is marinating, steam the broccoli florets until they are a vibrant green and tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Set aside that bright green goodness!
3. In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Now, return that delicious beef to the pan and add the steamed broccoli. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and a dash of salt and pepper. Pour this sauce over the beef and broccoli, tossing gently to combine everything and heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Once everything is heated through, remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve it immediately over your choice of cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy your delicious Beef with Broccoli!
Extra Tips for a Perfect Dish!
– Want to add some extra veggies? Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots can easily be tossed in for a colorful medley!
– If you enjoy a bit of spice, try adding some red pepper flakes or Sriracha to kick things up a notch.
– Leftovers? No problem! This dish warms up beautifully, making it perfect for lunch the next day.
I really hope you give this recipe a try! It’s so easy to make and truly satisfies. Please let me know how it turns out and if you add any of your own personal touches! Happy cooking!
