Description
Hearty beef and broccoli stir-fry brings Chinese takeout magic to home kitchens with tender meat and crisp vegetables. Quick weeknight dinners become delightful culinary experiences when you master this classic comfort dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- ½ cup soy sauce, low-sodium
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsps cornstarch
- 2 tbsps vegetable oil, divided
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
- Cooked white rice
Instructions
- Sauce Fusion: Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, oyster sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, beef broth, and sesame oil in a mixing bowl. Allow the sauce to meld flavors while preparing other components.
- Broccoli Preparation: Heat a large skillet or wok, add oil, and introduce broccoli florets with a splash of water. Swiftly stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until achieving a crisp-tender consistency. Remove and set aside.
- Beef Searing: Reheat the skillet with additional oil, carefully place beef slices in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Ingredient Harmony: Reintroduce broccoli to the skillet with seared beef. Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients, ensuring complete coverage.
- Final Integration: Gently stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thoroughly coat the beef and broccoli.
- Serving Presentation: Plate the aromatic beef and broccoli over steaming rice, creating a visually appealing and flavor-packed dish.
Notes
- Optimize Meat Slicing: Cut beef against the grain into thin, uniform slices for maximum tenderness and easier chewing. Thinner cuts (about 1/4 inch) ensure quick cooking and absorb marinade more effectively.
- Manage Heat Levels: Use high heat when searing beef to develop a golden-brown caramelized exterior without overcooking. Consistent, high temperature prevents meat from becoming tough and maintains its juicy interior.
- Control Sauce Consistency: Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent; whisk thoroughly to prevent lumps. If sauce appears too thick, gradually add beef broth to achieve desired silkiness. Adjust seasoning as needed for balanced flavor profile.
- Customize Dietary Adaptations: Swap beef with tofu or chicken for alternative protein options. Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free soy sauce substitute. For low-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice or serve over zucchini noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg