Beef and Broccoli Recipe

 Beef and Broccoli is a popular and flavorful stir-fry dish that's easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It features tender strips of beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious dish:

Ingredients:

For the Beef and Marinade:

1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain

2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon rice vinegar or dry sherry

1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Stir-Fry:

3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil)

1 medium onion, sliced (optional)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced or grated

2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)

1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey

1/2 cup beef broth (or water)

1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)

1 tablespoon water (to mix with cornstarch)

Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

Marinate the Beef:

1. Prepare the Beef: Slice the flank steak or sirloin thinly against the grain into strips. This helps ensure the beef is tender after cooking.

2. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar (or dry sherry), sesame oil, and black pepper. Toss to coat, and let the beef marinate for about 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Blanch the Broccoli:

1. Prepare the Broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes, until just tender but still vibrant green. Drain the broccoli and set aside.

Cook the Beef and Broccoli:

1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

2. Cook the Beef: Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef to the pan in a single layer. Let it sear for 1-2 minutes without stirring. Then stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion (if using), garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Prepare the Sauce:

1. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), brown sugar or honey, and beef broth. Stir to combine.

2. Thicken the Sauce: In another small bowl, mix the 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the sauce mixture and stir to combine.

Combine Everything:

1. Add the Broccoli: Return the cooked beef to the pan, followed by the blanched broccoli. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli. Stir everything to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and everything to heat through.

Serve:

1. Serve Hot: Once everything is well coated and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Serve the Beef and Broccoli over hot cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

Tips:

Customize the Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to the stir-fry for more variety.

Tender Beef: Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain, which will help it stay tender after cooking.

Make it Spicy: If you like heat, add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or some sliced fresh chilies to the stir-fry.

This Beef and Broccoli recipe is quick, savory, and satisfying—perfect for a homemade version of this popular Chinese takeout dish!