Quick And Easy Beef And Broccoli Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Beef: I recommend flank steak or sirloin for a tender texture. You can use ground beef or even chicken or tofu for a different twist. Just remember to adjust cooking times for different proteins.

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best for this dish, but you can swap them with snow peas or bell peppers if you’re missing broccoli. Frozen broccoli works too; just thaw and drain excess moisture.

Soy Sauce: This adds umami flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos or tamari can be great alternatives. They’ll offer a similar flavor without the soy.

Oyster Sauce: It gives depth to the dish. If you’d like to skip it, just increase the soy sauce slightly or use hoisin sauce for a sweet touch.

Sesame Oil: Provides a lovely nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, olive oil or any other cooking oil works, but you might miss that sesame kick!

How Do I Get the Beef Perfectly Cooked?

Getting the beef just right is key to this dish. You want it browned but not overcooked, which can be tricky. Here’s how to do it:

• Cut the beef thinly against the grain. This makes it more tender.
• Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the beef. This helps to sear it and locks in moisture.
• Cook in batches if needed. Avoid crowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
• Don’t forget to season your beef with salt and pepper for extra flavor!

Quick and Easy Beef and Broccoli

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Main Dish:

• 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 5 minutes mixing the sauce and prepping the ingredients, followed by 10 minutes of cooking everything together. It’s a quick and delicious meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, and beef broth or water. Whisk these ingredients together until the cornstarch is dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Set this sauce mixture aside for later.

2. Cook the Beef:

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced beef to the skillet. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until it’s nicely browned. When done, take the beef out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Stir-Fry the Garlic and Broccoli:

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Then, toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the broccoli florets. Stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.

4. Combine Everything Together:

Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the broccoli. Now, pour the sauce you prepared earlier over the beef and broccoli. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beef is heated through.

5. Finishing Touches:

Drizzle the sesame oil over the beef and broccoli and give it a good stir to mix everything together. If you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for garnish.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Your quick and easy beef and broccoli is ready! Serve it hot over rice or noodles, and enjoy your delicious meal!

Can I Use Chicken or Pork Instead of Beef?

Absolutely! This recipe works great with chicken breast or thighs, or even pork tenderloin. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as chicken may take a bit longer to cook through. Slice the chicken or pork thinly for quicker cooking.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out.

What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, you can leave it out or use a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar to create a sweet-salty flavor. Alternatively, hoisin sauce can also serve as a good substitute for some added sweetness.

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, just use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce (if using) is also gluten-free. There are several brands that offer gluten-free alternatives, making this dish accessible for everyone!