What is this Beef Broccoli Stir-Fry? Is this one of those recipes that’s practically glued to my fridge because it’s a lifesaver? What are some of the You know, the ones where you’re staring into the pantry wondering what to whip up that’s delicious? What are the advantages of being both quick and actually, you know, good? I love this fajita recipe, but sometimes you just need the umami. What is a good stir-fry? If you’re looking for something that tastes way more complicated than it actually is, then Honestly, if you want to eat a lot more complex food then it really is then you should buy it. What is your dish? Is it a family favorite?
What is Beef Broccoli Stir-Fry?
Think of Beef Broccoli Stir-Fry as your favorite takeout, but healthier, faster, and way more delicious. I usually go for sirloin because it’s readily available and essentially tender slices of beef. I like it a lot. Cooks quickly) stir-fried with vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli florets in a flavorful sauce. The sauce is the real star – a mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce (or hoisin if you’re feeling like it) and ginger. What is the best way to thicken cornstarch and sugar into a smooth dough? Is there any irresistible What is the kind of dish that hits all the right notes? Is this savory, slightly sweet, and utterly satisfying? Can you serve it over rice, noodles, or just enjoy it on its own for a lighter meal?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love about this Beef Broccoli Stir-Fry is how incredibly flavorful it is. The combination of savory beef, the slightly bitter broccoli, and the sweet and salty sauce is delicious. My husband swears he could eat it every night! What is so amazing about this dish? It’s also ridiculously easy to make. From prep to plate, you’re looking at maybe 30 minutes tops. What’s faster than ordering takeout and waiting for it to arrive? Is it a total game-changer on busy weeknights when you’re tempted to grab something unhealthy? What is cost-efficiency? All the ingredients are pretty budget-friendly, especially if you buy your beef in bulk and freeze it. What are some good ways to use up leftover veggies? I sometimes throw in some carrots, or even snap peas for extra crunch and color. Is it incredibly versatile? Can you serve it over rice, noodles (my personal favorite is lo mein), quinoa, or cauliflower? Is rice a good low-carb option? What are some good uses for lettuce wraps? If you like orange chicken, you’ll definitely love this beef broccoli stir-fry even if you don’t have any leftovers.
How do I make Beef Broccoli Stir Fry?
Quick Overview
How do I make Beef Broccoli Stir-Fry? How do you marinate beef? How do you Stir Fry beef and broccoli separately? What is the best way to make a sauce and let it simmer until it thickens up? What is the key to working quickly in a wok? Don’t be intimidated by stir-frying – it’s really fun!
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
* 1 pound sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain. I find freezing the steak for about 30 minutes makes it much easier to slice thinly! * 2 tablespoons soy sauce (I prefer low-sodium to control the saltiness). * 1 tablespoon cornstarch (this helps tenderize the beef and thicken the sauce). * 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil). * 1 teaspoon ground ginger (freshly grated is even better if you have it!). * 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced garlic).
For the Stir-Fry: How
* 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups). Make sure the florets are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided. * 2 cloves garlic, minced. * 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick).
For the Sauce:
* 1/4 cup soy sauce. * 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for a vegetarian option). * 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (or honey). * 1/2 cup water. * 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for that nutty flavor!).
What are the steps to
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, cornstarch, vegetable oil, ginger, and garlic. Set aside. Add the sliced beef and toss to coat well. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!
Step 2: Prep the Broccoli
While the beef is marinating, prepare the broccoli. Wash broccoli florets and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Can you blanch broccoli for 2-3 minutes in boiling water? Is it necessary to use ice bath to stop the cooking process? Why is broccoli green? I usually skip this step when I am in a rush.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce and brown sugar. Set aside. What are the lumps in the sauce? If there are, you can strain it before using it.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef
In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is tender. Is browned and cooked through? Remove the beef from the wok and set aside. Don’t overcrowd the wok, or the beef will steam instead of browning. If necessary, cook beef in batches.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Broccoli
Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to a wok. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until golden brown. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. You want broccoli to be bright green and slightly crunchy, not mushy.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Pour the sauce over the broccoli and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Is it possible to thicken a tomato sauce Add the cooked beef back to the wok and toss to coat with the sauce. Stir in the sesame oil.
Step 7: Serve
Serve Beef Broccoli Stir-Fry immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite base. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
5. What to Serve It With
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some ideas for making a stir-fry with Beef Broccoli?
With Rice:Steamed white rice is the classic choice, but brown rice, jasmine rice or even sticky rice are also good choices. I sometimes add a little bit of sesame oil and chopped green onions to the rice for extra flavor. I like to use this for dipping.
With Noodles:What are some good substitutes for Lo Mein noodles? What are some good ways to serve cooked noodles with broccoli and beef in a sauce?
As Lettuce Wraps:For a lighter option, serve the Beef Broccoli Stir-Fry in crisp lettuce cups. What are the best lettuces to eat: Boston lettuce or butter lettuce?
With Spring Rolls: A New SongServe Beef Broccoli Stir-Fry with fresh spring rolls.
What’s better than homemade egg rolls? It adds texture to a meal. The contrast of the crispy egg rolls with the tender beef and broccoli is just perfect.
How do I make a perfect stir-fry with Beef Broccoli?
What are some of the best ways to make Beef Broccoli Stir-Fry?
Beef Prep:How do you slice beef thinly? Is it better to freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing it?
Broccoli Prep:Cut broccoli into even-sized pieces so that they cook evenly. Can you blanch broccoli for a minute or two before stir-frying to help it cook faster? How do I stay bright green?
Marinade Matters:Don’t skip the marinating step! What is the difference between tenderness and flavor of beef? At least 15 minutes is good, but longer is even better.
Hot Wok, Fast Cooking: What are someMake sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding the beef and broccoli. Stir-frying is all about cooking over high heat to keep the ingredients crisp and flavorful.
Don’t overc Don’t overcrowd the wok, or the beef and broccoli will steam instead of stir-fry. Cook in batches if necessary.
Sauce Consistency:If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water. If it’s too thin, add a little more cornstarch slurry (corn starch mixed with water).
Spice it Up:If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the stir-fry.
I also learned the hard way not to add the sesame oil too early. Adding it at the very end preserves its flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store and reheat your Beef Broccoli Stir-Fry:
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Beef Broccoli Stir-Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled down completely before refrigerating it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the Beef Broccoli Stir-Fry. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave the Beef Broccoli Stir-Fry for a few minutes, or heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent it from drying out.
I always find that reheating in a pan on the stove gives it the best texture – more like it was freshly made! But sometimes, the microwave is just quicker!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for a quick, easy, and delicious Beef Broccoli Stir-Fry! It’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving a comforting and satisfying meal. I really hope you give this recipe a try. I’m confident that it will become a staple in your household, just like it has in mine. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other stir-fry recipes! I have a fantastic chicken and vegetable stir-fry and a spicy shrimp stir-fry that you might also love. And please, let me know in the comments how yours turns out! I’d love to hear about your variations and any tips you have. Happy cooking!
Beef Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Beef sirloin steak
- 1 head Broccoli cut into florets
- 1 cup Soy sauce
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain. In a bowl whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add beef and stir-fry until browned.
- Add broccoli and garlic to the wok, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Pour sauce over beef and broccoli and cook until sauce thickens.
- Serve immediately over rice.
