Craving that irresistible P.F. Chang's Broccoli Beef but don't want to deal with the restaurant prices or crowds? This recipe brings the same fantastic flavor right to your kitchen! This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, impressing guests, or simply satisfying your craving for a delicious, healthy meal. Get ready for tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and a sauce so good you'll be licking your plate clean. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup water
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Prepare the beef by thinly slicing it against the grain. This ensures tenderness. Pat the beef dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a better sear.
Make the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
Cook the Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- Add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet. Add the broccoli and bell pepper and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until tender-crisp.
Combine and Simmer:
- Return the beef to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened (about 1-2 minutes). Add the water if the sauce is too thick.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the broccoli beef immediately over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Thinly sliced beef is key: Using thinly sliced beef ensures it cooks quickly and evenly, preventing toughness.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you overcrowd the pan when stir-frying the beef, it will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, omit them entirely.
- Fresh ginger and garlic make a difference: Using fresh ginger and garlic will significantly elevate the flavor of the dish.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms.
- Use a different protein: Chicken or shrimp can be substituted for the beef. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Make it spicier: Add a dash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-450 Protein: 30-35g Carbohydrates: 30-35g Fat: 15-20g
This delicious and easy P.F. Chang's copycat Broccoli Beef recipe is a surefire way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. It’s a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights and a fantastic homemade cooking experience for both experienced cooks and beginners. Enjoy!