How to Make the Perfect Beef and Broccoli

Discover the secret to creating a flavorful and satisfying beef and broccoli stir-fry that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory Chinese-inspired sauce, this dish is as delicious as it is easy to prepare. In this guide, we’ll walk through the ingredients, preparation techniques, and pro tips to master this recipe at home. Let’s dive into the details!

Why This Recipe Works

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
• Affordable Ingredients: Uses flank or skirt steak for a cost-effective yet flavorful option.
• Balanced Flavors: A mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine creates a sauce that’s both savory and aromatic.

Ingredients and Their Roles

1. Beef:
   • Choose skirt or flank steak for its affordability and flavor.
   • Slice thinly against the grain for tenderness. Freezing the steak for 20 minutes before slicing can help achieve even thinner cuts.
   • If you prefer premium cuts, sirloin or ribeye work well too, allowing for slightly thicker slices.
2. Broccoli:
   • Tenderstem broccoli (or broccolini) is ideal because its thin stalks retain a pleasant crunch even after cooking.
   • Regular broccoli florets can be used if sliced into smaller pieces for even cooking.
3. Sauce:
   • Light Soy Sauce: Adds salty umami.
   • Dark Soy Sauce: Contributes depth of color and a hint of sweetness.
   • Chinese Rice Wine: Essential for authentic flavor; sherry can be substituted if unavailable.
   • Sesame Oil: Provides a nutty aroma and rich flavor.
   • Brown Sugar: Balances the salty and savory notes.
   • White and Black Pepper: Add subtle layers of spice and warmth.
   • Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the sauce to coat the beef and broccoli beautifully.
4. Aromatics:
   • Garlic and ginger are lightly fried to infuse the oil with flavor, forming the base of the dish.
5. Oil: Use a neutral, high-smoke-point oil like vegetable oil for stir-frying.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Ultimate Beef and Broccoli

1. Prepare the Sauce

Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl: beef stock, light and dark soy sauces, rice wine, sesame oil, brown sugar, white pepper, and black pepper. Stir well and set aside.

2. Prep the Beef and Broccoli

• Thinly slice the beef against the grain. Use the freezing trick to ensure easy slicing.
• If using tenderstem broccoli, trim the ends and slice thicker stalks lengthwise.

3. Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Quickly sear the beef in batches for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.

4. Cook the Broccoli

Add broccoli to the same wok and stir-fry for 2 minutes. If you prefer softer broccoli, fry a bit longer and add a splash of water for steaming.

5. Sauté Aromatics

Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining oil. Toss in minced ginger and garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

6. Build the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce into the wok, increase the heat, and bring it to a boil. Gradually add the cornstarch slurry while stirring until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.

7. Combine and Finish

Return the beef and broccoli to the wok. Toss everything together to coat with the sauce. Cook for an additional minute and turn off the heat.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your stir-fry with any of these side dishes:

• Steamed white rice
• Egg-fried rice
• Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)
• Special fried rice

Pro Tips for Success

• Slice Beef Thinly: Thinner slices cook quickly and stay tender. A sharp knife is key.
• Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Aim for bright green florets with a slight crunch for the best texture.
• Use Fresh Aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger add the most vibrant flavor to your dish.
• Work Quickly: Stir-frying is a fast process, so have all ingredients prepped before starting.

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe:

Effortless and fast, this tender beef and crisp broccoli stir-fried in a rich, homemade Chinese-style sauce comes together perfectly in just 20 minutes.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Course: Dinner
• Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil (or any high-smoke-point oil)
• 500 g (1.1 lbs) skirt or flank steak, sliced thinly
• 450 g (1 lb) tenderstem broccoli, sliced lengthwise if thick
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce Ingredients:

• 250 ml (1 cup + 2 tsp) hot beef stock
• 3 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Chinese rice wine (or sherry)
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 3 tbsp light brown sugar
• ⅛ tsp white pepper
• ⅛ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 5 tbsp cold water

For Garnish:

• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: Mix all sauce ingredients, except cornstarch slurry, in a bowl. Set aside.
2. Cook the Beef: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok over high heat. Sear beef for 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Broccoli: Stir-fry broccoli for 2 minutes. Transfer to the beef bowl.
4. Sauté Aromatics: Add remaining oil, ginger, and garlic. Stir for 30 seconds.
5. Make the Sauce: Pour in the sauce, bring to a boil, and stir in cornstarch slurry until thickened.
6. Combine: Return beef and broccoli to the wok, toss to coat, and heat through.
7. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve with rice.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 398
• Protein: 33g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 19g