Beef And Broccoli Recipe Easy
Introduction
Beef and broccoli, a staple of Chinese-American cuisine, enjoys widespread popularity for its harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. This dish, featuring tender beef and crisp-tender broccoli florets coated in a rich sauce, evolved from traditional Chinese stir-fries. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it a perfect weeknight meal. A good “beef and broccoli recipe easy” is a culinary cornerstone for both seasoned cooks and beginners alike, offering a satisfying and customizable experience. Its ease of preparation contributes significantly to its frequent appearance on dinner tables globally.
Ingredients
Beef: Flank steak is ideal, sliced thinly against the grain. Sirloin or skirt steak are acceptable substitutes. Approximately 1 pound. Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets, about 4 cups. Frozen broccoli can be used, but fresh is preferred for texture. Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to control salt levels. cup. Oyster Sauce: Adds a rich, savory umami flavor. 2 tablespoons. Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness to balance the savory elements. 2 tablespoons. Cornstarch: Used for thickening the sauce and coating the beef. 1 tablespoon for the beef and 1 tablespoon for the sauce. Garlic: Minced garlic, about 2 cloves, for aromatic flavor. Ginger: Freshly grated ginger, about 1 teaspoon, for warmth and depth. Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty flavor. 1 teaspoon. Vegetable Oil: For stir-frying. 2 tablespoons. Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat, sesame seeds for garnish.
Preparation Steps
Begin by preparing the beef. Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. This ensures tenderness. In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for enhanced flavor. While the beef marinates, wash and cut the broccoli into uniform florets. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. This pre-planning streamlines the cooking process. Having all ingredients prepped and measured makes for a much easier and faster stir-fry.
Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce (3 tablespoons), oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch (1 tablespoon), and sesame oil. Set aside. 2. Blanch the Broccoli (Optional): For brighter green broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well. This step is optional but improves the broccoli’s color and crispness. 3. Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside. 4. Saut Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. 5. Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp. If using frozen broccoli, add it directly to the wok and cook until heated through. 6. Combine and Simmer: Pour the prepared sauce over the broccoli. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. 7. Add Beef: Return the cooked beef to the wok. Toss to coat the beef and broccoli evenly with the sauce. Cook for another minute until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Beef and broccoli is traditionally served over steamed white rice or brown rice. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or with zucchini noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes (if desired) for added flavor and visual appeal. A side of egg rolls or potstickers complements the meal nicely. Consider adding a fresh, bright salad for contrast.
Tips and Common Mistakes
Don’t Overcrowd the Wok: Stir-frying works best in small batches. Overcrowding lowers the temperature and steams the ingredients instead of searing them. Slice Beef Thinly: Thinly sliced beef cooks quickly and remains tender. Marinate the Beef: Marinating tenderizes the beef and enhances its flavor. Adjust Sweetness and Saltiness: Taste the sauce and adjust the brown sugar and soy sauce to your preference. Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to create a flavorful sear. Avoid Overcooking Broccoli: Overcooked broccoli becomes mushy and loses its vibrant color. Thoroughly Drain Broccoli: If blanching broccoli, ensure it is thoroughly drained before adding it to the wok to prevent a watery sauce.
Explore More Cooking Guides
Mastering this “beef and broccoli recipe easy” empowers any cook to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Its simple preparation and delicious taste make it a valuable addition to any repertoire. The balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors, combined with the tender beef and crisp broccoli, provides a delightful culinary experience. This versatile dish can be adapted to various dietary needs and preferences, making it a timeless classic. Embrace the joy of cooking, and explore more exciting cooking guides at foodrecipestory.com!
