Description
Crazy Good Beef And Broccoli
A classic Asian-inspired dish, Crazy Good Beef and Broccoli features tender beef strips paired with fresh broccoli florets, all brought together by a rich, sweet-and-savory sauce. A quick weeknight favorite that’s perfect served over white rice or even noodles for a complete meal.
1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly
3 cups small broccoli florets
1/2 cup beef broth
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp corn starch
1 tbsp cooking oil Sauce:
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tsp corn starch
Directions:
1. Coat beef strips with corn starch, set aside.
2. Heat oil in pan, cook beef until browned, remove.
3. Cook broccoli with garlic in the same pan; add broth, simmer.
4. Mix sauce ingredients, pour over broccoli and beef, cook until thickened.
5. Serve over rice.
Prep Time: 35 mins
Kcal: 630 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep the Beef: Slice 1 lb of flank steak thinly against the grain. Place in a bowl, add 2 tbsp corn starch, and toss until evenly coated. Set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 2 tsp corn starch until smooth.
3. Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tbsp cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the coated beef in a single layer and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Remove beef and set aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the 3 cups of broccoli florets and 5 minced garlic cloves. Stir-fry for 2 minutes. Pour in 1/2 cup beef broth, cover the pan, and let the broccoli steam for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
5. Combine and Thicken: Return the beef to the pan. Give the sauce mixture a quick re-stir and pour it over the beef and broccoli. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and coats everything evenly.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best served immediately over a bed of steamed white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, try it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor and color. It also pairs wonderfully with a simple side of egg rolls or a light cucumber salad.
How-to Summary
Slice beef, coat with cornstarch, and sear. Remove. Stir-fry broccoli and garlic, steam with broth. Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch for the sauce. Return beef to pan, add sauce, and cook until thickened. Serve hot over rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, sirloin or skirt steak are excellent alternatives to flank steak. Just ensure you slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.
How can I make this dish gluten-free? Substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time? Absolutely. Mix the sauce ingredients and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Whisk again before using.
My sauce isn’t thickening. What went wrong? The cornstarch may have settled. Create a “slurry” by mixing an additional 1 tsp of cornstarch with 1 tbsp of cold water and stir it into the simmering dish.
Can I add other vegetables? Definitely. Sliced bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms make great additions. Add harder veggies with the broccoli.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Sear the beef in batches if necessary. Overcrowding steams the meat instead of creating a flavorful sear.
- Overcooking the Beef: Cook the beef just until browned. It will finish cooking when added back to the sauce, preventing it from becoming tough.
- Using Old Cornstarch: Old cornstarch loses its thickening power. Ensure yours is fresh for a glossy, thick sauce.
- Not Slicing Against the Grain: Always slice flank steak against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, guaranteeing tender bites.
Conclusion
This Crazy Good Beef and Broccoli recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple, accessible ingredients and a straightforward process. By following the detailed steps and tips, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a consistently delicious, satisfying meal. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for busy weeknights that will surely become a regular in your dinner rotation.