"Sizzling Beef & Broccoli Delight" is a sumptuous feast that brings the vibrant flavors of Asia right to your kitchen. This recipe is a perfect blend of tender, juicy beef and fresh, crunchy broccoli, all stir-fried to perfection in a savory sauce. It's a classic dish that has been beloved for generations, known for its simplicity and rich flavors. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients and a single skillet. It's ideal for those busy weeknights when you want a nutritious, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a healthy choice for any meal of the day. The lean beef provides high-quality protein while the broccoli offers a bounty of vitamins and minerals, making it a balanced and satisfying option. The "Sizzling Beef & Broccoli Delight" is versatile enough to be served over rice, noodles, or even on its own. It's a dish that suits various dietary needs and preferences, making it a go-to recipe for families and food enthusiasts alike. Dive into the world of easy and flavorful cooking with this classic Asian stir-fry, and bring a touch of gourmet to your everyday dining.
Ingredients
- Flank steak, thinly sliced
- Broccoli florets
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Vegetable oil
- Cornstarch
- Beef broth
- Sesame oil
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Beef and Broccoli: Start by slicing the beef into thin strips and cutting the broccoli into florets. Make sure the beef is at room temperature before cooking.
Marinate the Beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add the sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
Cook the Broccoli: In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets with a splash of water, cover, and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Beef: In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil and heat over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer, allowing it to sear and brown (do this in batches if necessary). Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until just cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and beef broth until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the sesame oil and red pepper flakes if using. The sauce will thicken quickly.
Combine and Serve: Add the cooked beef and broccoli back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Hint: Slice Beef Against the Grain: For the most tender result in your stir-fry, make sure to slice the beef against the grain. This means cutting perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibers in the meat. Slicing against the grain shortens the fibers, making the beef more tender once cooked. This small but crucial step can significantly enhance the texture of your "Sizzling Beef & Broccoli Delight," making each bite delightfully tender and easy to chew.
Variations
- Garlicky - Double the Garlic: For a more robust and aromatic flavor, double the amount of minced garlic in the recipe. This garlicky variation brings a richer depth to the dish, perfect for garlic lovers.
- Sweet and Savory - Introduce Hoisin Sauce: Replace half of the soy sauce with hoisin sauce to add a sweet and savory dimension to the dish. This variation creates a unique balance of flavors, enhancing the overall taste profile with a hint of sweetness.
Equipment
- Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board for slicing the beef and cutting the broccoli florets.
- Sharp Chef's Knife: Essential for efficiently slicing the beef against the grain and chopping the broccoli and other ingredients.
- Mixing Bowls: Needed for marinating the beef and mixing the sauce ingredients.
- Large Skillet or Wok (definitely recommending using a wok for this): A large skillet or wok is ideal for stir-frying the beef and broccoli, ensuring even cooking.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Useful for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the skillet.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, and oil.
- Whisk: A small whisk for blending the cornstarch and beef broth smoothly.
- Stove: Required for cooking the dish.
Top tip
Preheat the Skillet or Wok: Before adding any ingredients, make sure to preheat your skillet or wok until it's really hot. This is crucial for achieving that perfect stir-fry sear on the beef and keeping the broccoli crisp-tender. A hot skillet ensures quick cooking, preventing the meat from releasing too much moisture and becoming tough. This technique also helps in infusing a subtle smoky flavor typical of authentic Asian stir-fries. Remember, the key to a great stir-fry is speed, and a hot skillet is your best ally!
FAQ
Absolutely! Chicken is a great alternative to beef in this stir-fry. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced, as a substitute. The cooking time may vary slightly, so cook the chicken until it's no longer pink inside.
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of this dish. Replace the beef with tofu, tempeh, or a mix of additional vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms. If using tofu, press and cube it, then pan-fry for added texture before adding it to the stir-fry.
Sizzling Beef & Broccoli Delight
Ingredients
- 500 g flank steak thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Beef and Broccoli: Slice beef into thin strips and cut broccoli into florets. Ensure beef is at room temperature.
- Marinate Beef: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Add beef, coating well. Marinate for 15 minutes.
- Cook Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet. Add broccoli with water, cover, and cook until tender. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Beef: In the same skillet, add remaining oil. Add beef in batches, searing for 1-2 minutes per side. Remove beef.
- Make Sauce: Mix cornstarch and beef broth. Pour into skillet; add sesame oil and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Return beef and broccoli to skillet. Toss in sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
FAQs:
- Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh works well.
- Making it vegetarian? Substitute beef with tofu or extra veggies.
- Storing and reheating? Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Notes:
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- If using tofu, pan-fry it before adding to the stir-fry for added texture.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Comments
No Comments