Beef and broccoli stir-fry is a timeless Chinese-American dish that has become a favorite in many households and restaurants. It is a simple yet satisfying combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce that brings it all together. This dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a go-to choice for those craving a delicious and hearty meal. The beef is marinated in a flavorful sauce and stir-fried quickly at high heat, locking in all the juices and flavor, while the broccoli remains crisp-tender, providing a fresh contrast to the richness of the beef.
Not only is beef and broccoli stir-fry a delectable meal, but it is also quick to make, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation. With a cooking time of under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you need a comforting yet wholesome meal. Additionally, it’s an incredibly versatile dish that can be served over rice, noodles, or enjoyed on its own for a lighter option. With its protein-packed beef and nutritious broccoli, this dish also delivers a good dose of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a healthy option for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying stir-fry.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beef and broccoli stir-fry is loved for many reasons. First and foremost, it’s a quick and easy recipe that requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy nights when you want a nutritious meal that’s both delicious and filling. The stir-frying method preserves the flavors and textures of the ingredients while ensuring everything is cooked to perfection in just a few minutes.
Another reason this dish is so popular is because of its versatility. You can adjust the flavor profile by tweaking the sauce, adding more or less soy sauce, garlic, or ginger, depending on your taste preferences. The beef can be swapped for other proteins like chicken, pork, or tofu, while the broccoli can be replaced with other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for a personalized touch.
The combination of beef and broccoli provides a balanced meal that’s rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins. The beef is a good source of iron and zinc, while the broccoli offers an abundance of vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a family, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone satisfied.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Marinade:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or more if needed)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced or grated
- 1 lb broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for added sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for a deeper flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Preparation
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Toss everything together to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the marinade. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors. This step not only enhances the flavor but also helps tenderize the beef, ensuring it cooks quickly and remains juicy.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
While the beef is marinating, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and blanch the broccoli florets in the boiling water for about 2-3 minutes, just until they are bright green and slightly tender. Immediately drain the broccoli and rinse it under cold water or place it in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This will help preserve the color and crispness of the broccoli. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, turning the beef occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. The beef should be browned but still tender. Once cooked through, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Aromatics
In the same skillet or wok, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil, followed by the sliced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes tender and starts to brown. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the aromatics to release their fragrance.
Step 5: Combine the Beef and Broccoli
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the onions, garlic, and ginger. Add the blanched broccoli to the pan and toss everything together. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, beef broth (or water), and hoisin sauce (if using). Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli, stirring to coat the ingredients evenly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water and add it to the skillet. Let the stir-fry cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to combine.
Step 6: Serve
Once the beef and broccoli are well-coated in the sauce, transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish. Drizzle with a teaspoon of sesame oil for added flavor and garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions, if desired. Serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Variation
Beef and broccoli stir-fry can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some variations to try:
- Vegetable Substitutes: If you want to change up the vegetables, consider using snow peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms in place of or in addition to the broccoli. These vegetables add their own unique flavors and textures while complementing the beef.
- Spicy Stir-Fry: For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes, chopped fresh chili peppers, or a tablespoon of chili paste to the sauce.
- Alternative Proteins: Swap the beef for chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu to create a different version of this dish while keeping the same basic preparation.
- Sweet and Savory: If you prefer a sweeter stir-fry, add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the sauce mixture to balance the savory flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Cooking Notes
- Thinly Slice the Beef: To ensure that the beef cooks quickly and remains tender, it’s essential to slice it against the grain into thin strips. This helps the fibers break down and results in a more tender texture.
- High Heat for Stir-Frying: Stir-frying is best done at high heat to ensure that the ingredients cook quickly while maintaining their texture. Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the ingredients.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and lose its vibrant color. Blanching it for just 2-3 minutes is enough to soften it while keeping it crisp-tender.
Serving Suggestions
Beef and broccoli stir-fry is typically served over rice or noodles, but there are many ways to enjoy it:
- Steamed Rice: Serve the stir-fry over a bed of steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice for a filling meal.
- Noodles: Pair the stir-fry with your favorite noodles, such as soba noodles, egg noodles, or even rice noodles, for a more hearty option.
- Vegetarian Version: Serve the stir-fry as a stand-alone dish or with a side of steamed dumplings or spring rolls for a vegetarian meal.
Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the beef and broccoli in advance by marinating the beef and blanching the broccoli a day ahead. Just store them separately in the fridge and cook them up when you’re ready.
- Add More Sauce: If you love extra sauce, double the sauce ingredients to ensure there’s enough to coat the beef and broccoli thoroughly. You can also add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much during cooking.
- Use Fresh Broccoli: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh broccoli. Frozen broccoli can be used, but it may not retain the same crisp-tender texture as fresh broccoli.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Protein: 28 g
Sodium: 800 mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen beef for stir-fry?
While fresh beef is recommended for stir-frying, you can use frozen beef if necessary. Just ensure it’s fully thawed before slicing and marinating.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this stir-fry vegetarian by replacing the beef with tofu or tempeh and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How do I keep the beef tender?
To keep the beef tender, make sure to slice it thinly against the grain and marinate it before cooking. Stir-frying it quickly over high heat also helps retain its tenderness.
Conclusion
Beef and broccoli stir-fry is a delicious and nutritious dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this stir-fry is sure to satisfy your cravings. The tender beef, crisp broccoli, and savory sauce come together perfectly to create a meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, you can enjoy this classic dish any time you like. Serve it with rice or noodles and enjoy a flavorful, balanced meal.
