Classic Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Whether served over rice or noodles, beef and broccoli is always a crowd-pleaser. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a satisfying and healthy meal that can be ready in less than 30 minutes.

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Why You’ll Love This Classic Beef and Broccoli Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy & Flavorful: Packed with protein from the beef and nutrients from the broccoli, this dish is both delicious and nutritious.
• Restaurant-Quality: The homemade stir-fry sauce delivers that classic beef and broccoli flavor, without the need for takeout.
• Customizable: You can easily add other vegetables or adjust the sauce to your taste.

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Key Ingredients for Classic Beef and Broccoli

1. Beef

• Flank steak or sirloin is ideal for this recipe. It’s tender and flavorful, and when sliced thinly, it cooks quickly in the stir-fry.

2. Broccoli

• Fresh broccoli florets add a crisp, tender texture and bright color to the dish. You can also use frozen broccoli if needed, just be sure to thaw it first.

3. Soy Sauce

• Soy sauce forms the base of the stir-fry sauce, giving it that signature salty, umami flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce is a good option to control the saltiness.

4. Garlic & Ginger

• Fresh garlic and ginger provide depth and aromatic flavor to the stir-fry, balancing out the richness of the sauce.

5. Oyster Sauce

• Oyster sauce adds a rich, savory flavor with a slight sweetness, elevating the dish. You can find it in the Asian section of most grocery stores.

6. Cornstarch

• Cornstarch is used to tenderize the beef and thicken the sauce, giving it that smooth, glossy finish.

7. Sesame Oil

• A drizzle of sesame oil adds a nutty, aromatic flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.

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How to Make Classic Beef and Broccoli

This beef and broccoli stir-fry is quick and easy to make, with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a delicious sauce. Here’s how to prepare it:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

• Thinly slice 1 lb of flank steak or sirloin against the grain. In a bowl, toss the beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Set aside to marinate for 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

• Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch 3 cups of broccoli florets for 1-2 minutes until they are bright green and just tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1/4 cup water. Set the sauce aside.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

• Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Sauté the Garlic and Ginger

• In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon minced ginger, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6: Add the Sauce and Broccoli

• Pour the sauce into the skillet and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add the cooked beef and blanched broccoli back into the skillet and toss everything together, cooking for another 2 minutes until heated through.

Step 7: Finish with Sesame Oil

• Drizzle 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over the stir-fry and give it one final toss. Remove from heat.

Step 8: Serve

• Serve the beef and broccoli over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired. Enjoy!

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Tips for Making the Best Beef and Broccoli

1. Slice the Beef Thinly

• Slice the beef against the grain and as thin as possible to ensure it cooks quickly and remains tender.

2. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli

• Blanch the broccoli just until it’s bright green and tender-crisp. It will finish cooking in the stir-fry and retain its color and crunch.

3. Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger

• Fresh garlic and ginger provide the best flavor for stir-fries. They give the dish an aromatic base that complements the savory sauce.

4. Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste

• If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more sugar. For a saltier flavor, increase the soy sauce. You can also add a splash of hoisin sauce for extra sweetness and depth.

5. Serve Immediately

• Beef and broccoli are best served right away while the sauce is fresh and the beef is tender.

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Recipe Variations

1. Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

• Swap the beef for thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs for a lighter version of this dish.

2. Spicy Beef and Broccoli

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle some sriracha into the sauce for a spicy kick.

3. Vegetarian Broccoli Stir-Fry

• Skip the beef and add tofu, mushrooms, or snap peas to create a delicious vegetarian stir-fry.

4. Ginger Beef Stir-Fry

• Increase the amount of fresh ginger for a more intense ginger flavor in the stir-fry.

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FAQs: Classic Beef and Broccoli

1. Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?

• Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if fresh is unavailable. Be sure to thaw it and pat it dry before adding it to the stir-fry.

2. What Should I Serve with Beef and Broccoli?

• Beef and broccoli are traditionally served with steamed white or brown rice. You can also serve it with noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

3. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

• Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them with the broccoli when ready to cook.

4. How Do I Store Leftovers?

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

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