Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or lengthy preparation? Then look no further! This Beef and Broccoli recipe is your ticket to a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious dinner. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, impressing guests, or simply enjoying a satisfying homemade meal. Get ready to experience the perfect balance of tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and a savory sauce that will leave you wanting more. This easy recipe is perfect for those looking for quick dinner ideas or healthy meals, and it's a great way to showcase your homemade cooking skills.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for spice
Instructions:
Marinate the Beef:
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef, cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Gently toss to coat the beef evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This helps tenderize the beef and ensures the sauce clings beautifully.
Stir-fry the Broccoli:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli from the wok and set aside.
Cook the Beef:
- Add the marinated beef to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until it's browned and cooked through. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, ¼ cup soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. Add red pepper flakes for extra heat, if desired.
Combine and Serve:
- Pour the sauce over the cooked beef in the wok. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the cooked broccoli back to the wok and toss gently to coat everything in the delicious sauce.
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Cooking Tips for the Best Beef and Broccoli:
- Don't overcook the beef: Overcooked beef will be tough. Aim for a medium-rare to medium doneness for the best texture.
- Use fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli will have a brighter flavor and better texture than frozen.
- Adjust the sauce to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, brown sugar, or rice vinegar to your liking. You can also experiment with other ingredients like honey or oyster sauce.
- Prep your ingredients beforehand: Chopping the broccoli and marinating the beef ahead of time will make the cooking process much faster.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Use a different type of beef: Flank steak or ribeye also work well in this recipe.
- Make it spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 30-35g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This delicious Beef and Broccoli recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals that are perfect for weeknight dinners. Enjoy!