Name: Easy Beef and Broccoli: A Quick and Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound of beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain; 2 cups of broccoli florets; 3 tablespoons of soy sauce; 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon of cornstarch; 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon of ginger, minced; 1/2 cup of beef broth or water; 1 tablespoon of sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooked rice, for serving

Easy Beef and Broccoli: A Deliciously Simple Delight

Easy Beef and Broccoli is a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine right to your dinner table. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also offers a delightful combination of tender beef and crisp broccoli, all enveloped in a savory sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. Originating from Chinese-American cuisine, this dish has become a beloved staple in households around the world, celebrated for its rich flavors and satisfying textures.

People love Easy Beef and Broccoli for its convenience and versatility. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The tender slices of beef paired with the crunchy broccoli create a delightful contrast that is both nutritious and filling. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies for those who might be a bit picky about their greens. Whether served over rice or noodles, Easy Beef and Broccoli is sure to become a favorite in your home, just as it has in mine!

Ingredients:

1 pound of beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
2 cups of broccoli florets
3 tablespoons of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of ginger, minced
1/2 cup of beef broth or water
1 tablespoon of sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice, for serving

Preparing the Beef

Start by slicing the beef. I find it easiest to freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing. This firms it up and makes it easier to cut thinly.
Once the beef is slightly frozen, remove it from the freezer and slice it against the grain into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. This helps to ensure that the beef is tender when cooked.
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef evenly. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Preparing the Broccoli

While the beef is marinating, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender.
Immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
After a few minutes, drain the broccoli and set it aside.

Making the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, and 1/2 cup of beef broth or water. Stir until well combined.
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the sauce mixture. This will add a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.

Cooking the Beef

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the beef.
Add the marinated beef to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to cook the beef in batches. Sear the beef for about 2-3 minutes without stirring, allowing it to develop a nice brown crust.
Once the beef is browned, stir it to cook the other sides for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Stir-Frying the Broccoli

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the blanched broccoli and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until heated through.
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the broccoli.
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and coat them in the sauce.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a little more cornstarch with water and add it to the skillet.

Finishing Touches

Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, drizzle the sesame oil over the beef and broccoli. This adds a lovely nutty flavor.
Give everything a final stir to ensure the sesame oil is evenly distributed.
Remove the skillet from heat and taste the dish. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Serving

Serve the beef and broccoli hot over a bed of cooked rice. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce, making every bite satisfying.

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal, this Easy Beef and Broccoli recipe is an absolute must-try! Not only does it come together in under 30 minutes, but it also packs a punch with its savory flavors and vibrant colors. The tender beef combined with crisp broccoli creates a delightful texture that is sure to please your taste buds. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor.

For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing this dish with a steaming bowl of jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also serve it over noodles for a delightful twist. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to elevate the flavor profile. You can even switch things up by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the mix, making it a versatile dish that can cater to your preferences.

I encourage you to give this Easy Beef and Broccoli recipe a try! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you stick to the original recipe, or did you make any fun variations? Sharing your thoughts and any tweaks you made can inspire others to try their hand at this delicious dish.

Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation and share it on social media! Tagging your friends or family who might enjoy this recipe can help spread the joy of cooking and eating together. Cooking is not just about the food; it’s about the memories we create around the table. So, gather your loved ones, whip up this Easy Beef and Broccoli, and enjoy a delightful meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!