Easy 4 Step Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Craving takeout but want a healthier, homemade option? This easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry recipe is the answer! With just 5 simple ingredients and 30 minutes, you can create a delicious dish that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant. Learn how to perfectly stir-fry tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce, and ditch the takeout menus for good!

This simple Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry version delivers authentic Asian flavors using just five essential ingredients. The dish combines tender sliced beef with fresh broccoli florets, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes that come together in under 30 minutes.

The key to this streamlined recipe lies in choosing the proper cut of beef – flank steak is ideal for its quick-cooking properties and ability to remain tender when sliced adequately against the grain. The sauce relies solely on soy sauce, which provides both seasoning and moisture to create a naturally rich glaze.

Marinate the beef slices in 1/4 cup soy sauce for 15 minutes—heat oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Stir-fry the garlic for 30 seconds, add the beef, and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove beef and set aside. In the same pan, add broccoli and stir-fry for 3 minutes. Return beef to the pan, add remaining soy sauce, and cook for 2 minutes until broccoli is crisp-tender and the sauce thickens slightly.

For best results, slice the beef when it’s partially frozen, making it easier to get thin, even slices. Ensure your wok or pan is very hot before adding ingredients to achieve proper searing and prevent the meat from stewing. Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef; work in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and achieve proper browning.

History of Beef and Broccoli

While the combination of beef and broccoli has ancient roots in Chinese cuisine, the specific stir-fry dish known today emerged in San Francisco during the 1920s as Chinese immigrants adapted their cooking to local ingredients and American tastes.

Chinese-American restaurateurs discovered that Western broccoli made an excellent substitute for traditional Chinese greens like gai lan, while tender cuts of beef appealed to American palates.

The dish quickly became a staple of Chinese-American restaurants across the country.

Recipe

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This classic Chinese-inspired dish combines tender beef strips with crisp broccoli florets in a savory sauce. The dish requires 15 minutes of preparation time, including slicing the beef and cutting the broccoli into bite-sized pieces.

The cooking time is approximately 12 minutes, making this an ideal weeknight dinner option. The key to success lies in having all ingredients prepped and ready before heating the wok, as the cooking process moves quickly once started.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound flank steak, sliced against the grain
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tools:

• Wok or large skillet
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Large plate or bowl

Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips and coat with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, and cornstarch in a bowl.

Heat vegetable oil in a wok over high heat, stir-fry beef until browned (2-3 minutes), and remove to a plate. Add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to the wok and stir-fry for 30 seconds.

Add broccoli and stir-fry for 3 minutes. Return beef to wok, pour in sauce mixture, and cook until sauce thickens (2-3 minutes), stirring constantly.

Nutrition Information (per serving, serves 4):

Calories: 350

Protein: 29g

Carbohydrates: 15g

Fat: 20g

Fiber: 3g

Sodium: 890mg

For best results, freeze the beef for 15 minutes before slicing to achieve thinner cuts. Avoid overcrowding the wok to guarantee proper searing of the meat and even cooking of the vegetables.

The broccoli should remain bright green and slightly crisp when done. If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with additional beef broth. This dish is best served immediately over steamed rice while the sauce is hot and the vegetables are crisp.

Cooking Steps

Stir-frying begins with marinating thinly sliced beef strips while heating oil in a wok until it shimmers.

Once the wok is heated correctly, crisp broccoli florets are quickly stir-fried until they turn bright green and develop slightly charred edges.

The final symphony involves adding the marinated beef to the wok, followed by a flavorful sauce that simmers and thickens to create that perfect restaurant-style glaze.

Step 1. Marinating Sliced Beef First

Proper marination of thinly sliced beef forms the foundation of an authentic stir-fry. In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice wine, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and a drizzle of sesame oil.

This classic Chinese marinade not only tenderizes the meat but infuses it with deep, savory flavors.

Add your sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. I’ve learned through countless stir-fries that 20-30 minutes is the sweet spot – any longer and the meat can become too soft.

Give the bowl an occasional gentle stir to redistribute the marinade.

While waiting, this is the perfect time to prep your broccoli and other ingredients. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for taking this extra step.

Step 2. Heat Oil in Wok

Heating your wok to the proper temperature before adding oil is essential for achieving the perfect stir-fry.

Place your wok over high heat and wait until you can hold your hand about 2 inches above the surface for just a second or two before it feels too hot.

Add 2 tablespoons of high-smoke-point oil, such as peanut or vegetable oil, and swirl it around to coat the sides of the wok.

The oil should shimmer immediately but not smoke excessively. If you see dark smoke, your wok is too hot – remove it from heat briefly to cool down.

Give the oil about 30 seconds to heat thoroughly.

You’ll know it’s ready when tiny ripples appear across the surface. This is your sweet spot for that restaurant-quality sear we’re all chasing.

Step 3. Stir-fry broccoli Until Crisp

Toss the broccoli florets into the hot wok and spread them out in a single layer, allowing them to make direct contact with the sizzling surface.

Listen for that satisfying sizzle – it’s music to any stir-fry enthusiast’s ears!

Let the florets cook undisturbed for about 30 seconds until the bottom edges begin to char slightly. This brief moment of patience rewards you with that coveted combination of crispy exterior and tender interior.

Using your spatula, quickly stir and flip the broccoli, ensuring each piece gets its moment of glory against the hot surface.

Continue this dance for 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli turns bright green and develops those beautiful caramelized spots. The florets should remain crisp-tender – nobody likes mushy broccoli!

Season with a pinch of salt and set aside.

Step 4. Add Beef to Wok

With the broccoli perfectly cooked and set aside, return the wok to high heat and add a tablespoon of oil.

Once the oil shimmers and starts to smoke slightly, it’s time to add your marinated beef strips in a single layer.

Resist the urge to stir immediately – letting the meat sear properly is essential for developing that coveted caramelization.

After about 30 seconds, give the beef a quick stir.

You’ll notice the pieces starting to brown beautifully on the edges. This is exactly what we want!

Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is cooked to medium-rare.

The center should still be slightly pink – remember, we’ll be cooking it a bit more when we combine everything.

Don’t overcrowd the wok; work in batches if necessary.

Nobody likes steamed beef!

Step 4. Add Sauce and Simmer

Now that the beef has developed its rich sear pour your prepared sauce mixture into the wok and immediately bring it to a rapid simmer.

Using your spatula, gently stir to guarantee the sauce evenly coats every meat piece. The cornstarch in your sauce will thicken as it heats, creating that signature glossy finish we all love in restaurant-style stir-fries.

Let the sauce bubble and reduce for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce coats the back of your spatula and slowly drips off – what my grandmother called “the silk scarf test.”

If your sauce becomes too thick, don’t panic!

Add a tablespoon of water until you reach that perfect, velvety consistency. The goal is a sauce that clings lovingly to beef and broccoli.

Health Benefits of Beef and Broccoli

The beef and broccoli combination offers many health benefits, making it a nutritious and satisfying lunch option. This isn’t just your average Chinese takeout order – it’s a powerhouse combo that’ll make your body do a happy dance!

First up, let’s talk about beef. This protein heavyweight champion isn’t just flexing its muscles for show. It’s packed with high-quality protein that’ll have your biceps sending you thank-you notes. Plus, it’s loaded with iron, zinc, and B vitamins like a multivitamin wrapped in a delicious meat package!

Now, enter broccoli – the unsung superhero of the vegetable world. This little green tree is bursting with vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants than you can shake a stick at. It’s like nature’s scrub brush for your insides, helping to keep everything running smoothly.

When you put these two together, it’s like the Avengers of the food world. You’re getting a perfect balance of protein and veggies, essential nutrients, and a hefty dose of “I’m adulting like a boss” feels. Plus, it’s so versatile you can spice it up differently and never get bored.

So, next time you’re pondering what to have for lunch, remember: beef and broccoli aren’t just a meal; they’re a power move. Your taste buds, muscles, and overall health will be high-fiving each other. Now, go forth and conquer your day with this nutritional dream team!

Remember, while this combination can be part of a healthy diet, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutritional advice.

Variations and Substitutions

For a healthier option, we enjoy using lean flank steak as a substitute for traditional cuts of beef in our beef and broccoli recipe. This reduces the saturated fat content and adds a delicious, meaty flavour to the dish. Regarding flavouring, we often experiment with different marinades and seasonings to create unique variations of the classic beef and broccoli. For instance, a zesty ginger and garlic marinade can add an extra kick to the dish, while a touch of honey can bring a subtle sweetness. Additionally, we love to get creative with our presentations, sometimes opting for thinly sliced beef for a more elegant look.

Considering dietary restrictions, we also cater to those with alternative protein preferences by substituting beef with tofu or tempeh. These protein alternatives cater to vegetarian and vegan diets and offer a lighter option for those looking to reduce their meat intake. By incorporating these variations and substitutions, we ensure that our beef and broccoli recipe remains inclusive and appealing to various palates and dietary needs.

Pairing Beef and Broccoli With Sides

We love to pair our beef and broccoli with simple, steamed brown rice to create a satisfying and balanced meal. The nuttiness of the brown rice complements the savoury flavours of the beef and broccoli, making it a perfect combination. Additionally, we enjoy adding a side of stir-fried vegetables to enhance the overall nutritional value of the meal. The stir-fried vegetables’ vibrant colours and crisp textures provide a refreshing contrast to the tender beef and broccoli. Lastly, a light and tangy cucumber salad is a delightful accompaniment, offering a refreshing palate cleanser between each savoury bite.

• Steamed brown rice: Nutty and satisfying, it complements the savoury flavours of beef and broccoli.
• Stir-fried vegetables: Add nutritional value and vibrant colours to the meal, refreshingly contrasting the main dish.
• Cucumber salad: A light and tangy accompaniment that offers a refreshing palate cleanser between each savoury bite.

When pairing beef and broccoli with sides, consider inc

Summing it up

Making Beef and Broccoli stir-fry delivers a satisfying combination of tender meat and crisp vegetables in a savory sauce. This classic dish brings restaurant-quality Asian cuisine right to your home kitchen, requiring just a few basic ingredients and simple techniques.

The key to success lies in proper preparation and timing. By following the steps – from marinating the beef to creating the perfect sauce consistency – you’ll master this versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Remember to serve your stir-fry immediately while it’s piping hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles. The entire cooking process takes less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Your homemade Beef and Broccoli stir-fry will rival any takeout version.

Frequently Asked Questions