Beef and broccoli is a classic dish that combines tender slices of beef with crisp, fresh broccoli in a savory, flavorful sauce. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a tasty and nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The key to this dish is marinating the beef to enhance its tenderness and flavor, and then stir-frying it to perfection. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delicious dish in no time!
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 8 oz (1/2 lb) New York steak, sirloin, or chuck, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp Shaoxing wine, rice wine, or dry sherry
- 1 tsp corn starch
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/8 tsp black or white pepper
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 cups broccoli florets, blanched
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, corn starch, baking soda, and black or white pepper. Mix well to coat the beef evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to tenderize.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and beef broth or water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
- Blanch the Broccoli:
- Heat a pot of water until it reaches a rolling boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it is browned and cooked through. Transfer the beef from the skillet to a separate dish and set it aside.
- Stir-Fry the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Combine and Cook:
- Return the beef to the skillet along with the blanched broccoli. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli, stirring to combine. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer, then cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened and coats the beef and broccoli nicely.
- Serve:
- Serve the beef and broccoli over a bed of steamed rice. Garnish with additional chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Conclusion
This Quick and Simple Beef and Broccoli recipe is a delicious and hassle-free way to enjoy a classic Chinese stir-fry at home. With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and comforting textures in every bite!