Healthy and Delicious Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe – Ready in Under 30 Minutes

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a good Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry. The tender beef, marinated to perfection, paired with crisp, vibrant broccoli, all tossed in a savory, umami-packed sauce – it’s the kind of dish that hits all the right notes. The best part? You can whip it up at home in under 30 minutes, and it tastes just as good (if not better) than your favorite takeout spot.

Photo byNick Davies

The allure of this dish lies in its balance: the slight sweetness of the soy-based sauce, the subtle bite of garlic and ginger, and the tender-crisp texture of fresh broccoli. It’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures that can easily be customized to your taste.

A Brief History of Stir-Fry

Stir-frying is a fundamental cooking technique in Chinese cuisine, originating from the Southern regions. The technique involves cooking ingredients quickly in a small amount of oil over high heat, ensuring that vegetables stay crisp and meats remain tender. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a relatively modern dish, influenced by the availability of ingredients like broccoli in Chinese-American cuisine.

Recipe: How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1/4 cup beef broth or water
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
• Cooked rice for serving
• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef: Slice your beef thinly against the grain, which ensures tenderness. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch with beef broth. Add the beef slices and let them marinate while you prep other ingredients.
2. Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Stir-fry the Beef: In the same pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the marinated beef slices and cook for 2-3 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
4. Combine and Sauce: Return the broccoli to the pan. Stir the beef broth mixture one more time to combine and pour it over the beef and broccoli. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything. For an extra punch of flavor, drizzle with a little sesame oil.
5. Serve: Serve your Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry over a bed of rice, and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Enjoy!

Variations and Tips:

• Vegetarian Option: Swap out the beef for tofu or tempeh. Marinate the tofu the same way you would the beef for a rich, umami flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
• Spicy Twist: Add a dash of chili oil or some red pepper flakes while stir-frying the garlic and ginger for a kick of heat.
• Pro Tip: To make slicing the beef easier, freeze it for about 15 minutes before cutting. This will help you achieve those thin, even slices that cook quickly.

Perfect Pairings

This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or a hearty bowl of fried rice. For a well-rounded meal, you can also serve it with a side of vegetable spring rolls or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the richness of the stir-fry.

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Sources:

Family Recipe