Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Stir-Fry:

1 lb (450g) flank steak (or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
4 cups broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads of broccoli)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced or grated
1/2 onion, thinly sliced (optional, for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
1/4 cup green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)

For the Marinade (for the Beef):

2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for a deeper umami flavor)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (to tenderize and thicken)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for a slight sweetness)

For the Stir-Fry Sauce:

3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (for sweetness)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for added depth)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil (for flavor)
1 tablespoon water (or beef broth for a richer flavor)
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

Slice the Beef: Start by slicing the flank steak (or sirloin) into thin strips against the grain. The thin slices will cook quickly and become tender. If the beef is difficult to slice, you can freeze it for about 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to cut.

Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, cornstarch, and sugar (if using). Stir until the sugar and cornstarch dissolve. Add the sliced beef to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors. This step helps to tenderize the beef and adds flavor.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook them for 2-3 minutes, or until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Drain the broccoli and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve its vibrant color. Alternatively, you can steam the broccoli for 5 minutes.

Prep the Aromatics: While the beef is marinating, mince the garlic and ginger. Slice the onion thinly, if using. Set aside the aromatics and vegetables for quick access.

3. Make the Stir-Fry Sauce:

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, water (or beef broth), cornstarch (for thickening), and black pepper. Set the sauce aside.

4. Cook the Beef:

Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (or sesame oil) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer, cooking it for about 2-3 minutes without stirring to get a good sear. After 2-3 minutes, stir the beef and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

5. Cook the Vegetables:

Stir-Fry the Aromatics: In the same skillet or wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and sliced onion (if using). Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the onion is softened.

Add the Broccoli: Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. The broccoli should retain its bright green color and some of its crunch.

6. Combine the Beef and Sauce:

Add the Beef Back: Return the cooked beef to the skillet, tossing it with the broccoli and aromatics. Stir everything together until well combined.

Add the Stir-Fry Sauce: Pour the stir-fry sauce over the beef and broccoli mixture. Stir well to coat the beef and broccoli in the sauce. Let the mixture cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become glossy.

7. Serve the Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry:

Garnish and Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the stir-fry with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and color.

Serve the beef and broccoli stir-fry over a bed of steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal. The rice will soak up the flavorful sauce, making each bite even more delicious.

Serving Suggestions:

With Rice: Serve the beef and broccoli stir-fry with steamed jasmine rice, basmati rice, or brown rice for a hearty meal. The rice soaks up the sauce beautifully, making it an essential side.
With Noodles: For a different twist, serve the stir-fry over cooked rice noodles, soba noodles, or udon for a more substantial meal. Toss the noodles in the stir-fry sauce to absorb all the flavors.
With a Side Salad: For a lighter option, serve with a side salad, such as a simple cucumber and tomato salad or an Asian-style slaw, for a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory stir-fry.
With Steamed Veggies: Add extra vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or baby corn to the stir-fry for more variety and color.

Tips for the Perfect Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry:

Use Fresh Beef: Fresh beef will yield the most tender and flavorful results. If using frozen beef, make sure it is completely thawed before marinating and cooking.
Thinly Slice the Beef: The key to tender beef in a stir-fry is slicing it against the grain into thin strips. This helps the beef cook quickly and remain tender. If you slice it too thick, it may become tough.
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Blanching the broccoli in boiling water for just a few minutes ensures that it retains its vibrant color and crunch. Avoid overcooking the broccoli, as it can become mushy.
Customize the Sauce: You can adjust the flavor of the stir-fry sauce by adding more soy sauce for saltiness, more hoisin for sweetness, or a little extra sesame oil for a nutty flavor. Taste the sauce before adding it to the stir-fry and adjust as necessary.
Use a Wok or Large Skillet: A wok is ideal for stir-frying because it heats quickly and evenly, allowing the beef and vegetables to cook at a high temperature. If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet will work just as well.
Add Heat: If you like a spicy stir-fry, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and ginger.

Storage and Reheating:

Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the beef and broccoli stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, and it makes for an easy lunch or dinner the next day.

Reheating: To reheat, simply place the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through. Serve it with freshly steamed rice or noodles to complete the meal.

Variations and Customizations:

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Replace the beef with thinly sliced chicken breasts or thighs for a lighter version of the stir-fry.
Vegetarian Stir-Fry: Skip the meat and use tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. You can also add more vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and snow peas.
Spicy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Add more heat by incorporating sliced fresh chilies, red pepper flakes, or a spoonful of chili paste into the sauce.
More Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like carrots, snap peas, baby corn, or bell peppers. Sauté them along with the broccoli for a colorful, hearty stir-fry.

Final Thoughts:

This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick, easy, and healthy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. The tender beef, crisp broccoli, and savory stir-fry sauce come together to create a satisfying meal that’s full of flavor. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or just on its own, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and healthy goodness of this tasty stir-fry!

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