Beef and Broccoli Recipe

 Beef and Broccoli is a classic Chinese-American dish that is quick, flavorful, and easy to prepare at home. The combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce makes it a perfect meal to serve over steamed rice. Here’s a simple recipe for making Beef and Broccoli:

Ingredients:

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

2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)

For the Marinade:

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

1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for added umami)

1 tbsp cornstarch

1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)

For the Sauce:

3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)

2 tbsp oyster sauce

2 tbsp hoisin sauce

1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)

1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)

1/2 cup beef broth (or water)

2 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry)

For Garnish:

Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Sliced green onions (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

Thinly slice the flank steak or sirloin against the grain into bite-sized pieces. To make this easier, you can freeze the meat for 20-30 minutes before slicing.

In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, sesame oil (if using), black pepper, and garlic powder. Add the sliced beef to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Marinate the beef for about 15-30 minutes (you can marinate longer if you have time).

2. Prepare the Sauce:

In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and beef broth. Set aside.

3. Cook the Broccoli:

Steam or blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside. You can also sauté the broccoli in a bit of oil if you prefer a slightly crispy texture.

4. Cook the Beef:

Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.

Add the marinated beef to the pan in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to get a nice caramelized crust, then stir-fry the beef for another 3-4 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

5. Make the Sauce:

In the same pan, add the sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry (2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water). Continue to cook the sauce for another 1-2 minutes, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

6. Combine the Beef and Broccoli:

Add the cooked beef back into the pan, along with the steamed broccoli. Stir to coat the beef and broccoli in the sauce, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well-mixed.

7. Serve:

Serve the Beef and Broccoli hot over steamed rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.

Tips:

Beef Choices: You can use other cuts of beef like ribeye, round steak, or even ground beef. Flank steak is a great option because it’s tender and absorbs the flavors well.

Make it Spicy: Add some chili flakes or sliced fresh chili to the sauce if you prefer some heat.

Frozen Broccoli: If you're using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

Beef and Broccoli is an easy and quick meal t

hat’s perfect for busy weeknights, with the savory sauce and tender beef making it a family favorite!