Classic Beef and Broccoli

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Classic Beef and Broccoli recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying. It's a simple stir-fry that brings together tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce, making it a go-to dish for any family dinner.

Ingredients for Classic Beef and Broccoli

Flank steak is a great choice for stir-fry because it cooks quickly and stays tender when sliced thinly. Broccoli florets add a fresh crunch and vibrant color, making the dish not only tasty but visually appealing. You'll need soy sauce and oyster sauce for a savory, umami-packed sauce that brings everything together. Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce, ensuring it clings to the beef and broccoli. A hint of sesame oil adds a nutty aroma, while black pepper adds a gentle kick. Finally, garlic infuses the whole dish with its unmistakable aroma and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • For perfectly tender beef, slice it against the grain to break up the muscle fibers.
  • If you like your broccoli softer, steam it for a couple of minutes before adding it to the skillet.
  • To save time, have your rice cooking while you prepare the stir-fry.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine or basmati rice, which soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully. You can also serve it with a side of steamed dumplings or a light cucumber salad to balance the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! Sirloin or skirt steak work well here, just ensure they're sliced thinly.
Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?
If you're out of oyster sauce, a combination of hoisin sauce and a splash of fish sauce can work as a substitute.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, swap out the beef for firm tofu or mushrooms, and use vegetarian oyster sauce.

Classic Beef and Broccoli Recipe Walkthrough

First, let's get the sauce ready. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil. This mixture will be your flavor powerhouse, so make sure it's smooth and well-combined. Set it aside for later.

Grab your largest skillet and heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, add the beef slices. Give them a sprinkle of black pepper for a bit of heat. Stir-fry the beef until it's nicely browned but not overcooked. It should take about 3-4 minutes. Once done, transfer the beef to a plate and keep it handy.

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds — just enough to release its aroma but not burn it. Add the broccoli florets next, and stir-fry them for 2-3 minutes. You'll know they're ready when they turn a vibrant green and are tender-crisp.

Now bring the beef back into the skillet, sliding it in with the broccoli. Pour over the sauce you prepared earlier. Stir everything together continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli evenly. It should take just a couple of minutes, and you'll see the dish come together beautifully.

Serve this hot over a bed of cooked white rice, making sure to scoop up plenty of sauce with each serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Packed with flavor from a rich, savory sauce.
  • Uses everyday ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Perfect balance of protein and vegetables.

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water
1 tsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp black pepper
Cooked white rice for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil. Set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the beef slices, season with black pepper, and stir-fry until browned. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and stir-fry the garlic for 30 seconds.
5. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vibrant green and tender-crisp.
6. Return the beef to the skillet.
7. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly.
8. Serve hot over cooked white rice.

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