Beef and Broccoli is a classic dish in many Chinese restaurants, and making it at home allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a deliciously savory and slightly sweet dish that rivals your favorite takeout. Here’s how to prepare Beef & Broccoli at home, ensuring it’s even better than what you can order out!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 8-10 oz broccolini (or broccoli), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsps sherry wine
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- Vegetable oil, for cooking
- Optional: Cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water, for thickening the sauce)
- Optional: Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- Optional: Green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions:
- Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with the soy sauce, sesame oil, and sherry wine. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors and tenderize.
- Prepare the Broccolini:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccolini or broccoli for about 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside. This step helps to preserve a vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the marinated beef in a single layer, allowing it to sear without stirring for about 1-2 minutes. Then stir-fry until the beef is nearly cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, and then add the minced garlic and ginger paste. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return the beef to the pan along with the broccolini. Add the brown sugar and toss everything together. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and heat until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Drizzle additional sesame oil if desired for extra flavor.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and freshness.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips:
- Slicing the Beef: Ensure the beef is thinly sliced against the grain; this makes it more tender when cooked.
- Adjusting Flavors: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or saltiness by varying the amount of brown sugar and soy sauce according to your preference.
Conclusion:
This homemade Beef & Broccoli recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly flavorful, offering a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic Chinese dish right from your own kitchen, ensuring it’s fresh and tailored to your taste. Enjoy this delightful meal that’s sure to impress both family and guests!