Traditional Beef and Broccoli

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Traditional Beef and Broccoli recipe brings a taste of your favorite takeout right into your kitchen. It's a quick, satisfying dish that combines tender beef with vibrant broccoli, all enveloped in a savory sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you're craving something comforting yet straightforward.

Ingredients for Traditional Beef and Broccoli

Flank steak is used for its tenderness and ability to soak up marinades well. Soy sauce and oyster sauce form the base of our savory marinade, adding depth and umami. Cornstarch helps to tenderize the meat and thicken the sauce. Vegetable oil is ideal for high-heat cooking, while water and beef broth make up the liquid for the sauce. Broccoli florets add color and a fresh crunch to the dish. Garlic and ginger infuse the dish with aromatic flavors. Sesame oil offers a nutty finish, balancing the sweetness from the brown sugar and a bit of heat from black pepper.

Tips & Tricks

  • Slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
  • Don't overcook the broccoli; it should still have a bit of a bite.
  • Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor. Pre-minced versions just don’t pack the same punch.

Serving Suggestions

This beef and broccoli dish is perfect over a bed of steamed white rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, try it over noodles for a change. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top adds a nice touch of freshness and crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! Skirt steak or sirloin can work well if flank steak isn't available.
How can I make it spicier?
Feel free to add a dash of chili flakes or a sliced chili pepper when stir-frying the garlic and ginger.
Can I substitute the oyster sauce?
If you need a substitute, hoisin sauce can be used, though it will change the flavor slightly.

Traditional Beef and Broccoli Recipe Walkthrough

First, let's get the beef ready. Combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl. Add the thinly sliced flank steak, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Let it marinate for about 20 minutes. This time allows the flavors to penetrate the meat while you prepare the rest.

Heat up 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the marinated beef and stir-fry until it's nicely browned. This should take just a few minutes. Scoop the beef out and set it aside, but leave those tasty bits in the pan.

In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil. Toss in the garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until they're fragrant. You’re just looking to wake up those flavors.

Add the broccoli florets, stirring for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and tender-crisp. You want them cooked but still a little crunchy.

In a small bowl, mix together water, beef broth, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture into the skillet, then return the beef to the pan, mixing everything thoroughly. Stir in the black pepper.

Allow the dish to simmer for another 3-4 minutes. This lets the sauce thicken and coat the beef and broccoli beautifully. Once done, it’s ready to serve!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
  • A delightful balance of flavors, with a savory sauce that coats every bite.
  • Customizable to suit your taste by adjusting spice levels or adding extra veggies.

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
1 lb broccoli florets
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp ginger, minced
1/4 cup beef broth
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Marinate the beef by combining the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl. Add the sliced flank steak and mix well. Let it rest for 20 minutes.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil. Add the garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the water, beef broth, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Pour the mixture into the skillet.
6. Return the beef to the skillet and mix everything together. Stir in the black pepper.
7. Let the mixture simmer for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and fully coat the beef and broccoli.
8. Serve hot over steamed white rice or noodles.

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