Description
Beef and Broccoli Delight
Get ready for a taste of takeout magic right from your own kitchen! This beef and broccoli recipe is not only easy but also a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors. Made with fresh ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
1 lb flank steak
2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
3-4 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
3 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Directions:
1. Prep all ingredients. Whisk together sauce ingredients.
2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in skillet over high heat. Cook broccoli until tender-crisp. Remove.
3. Heat remaining oil, cook steak strips briefly, add back broccoli and sauce until thickened.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Kcal: 340 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Steak: Slice 1 lb of flank steak thinly against the grain. This ensures tenderness. Toss the slices with 1 tbsp of the cornstarch to coat lightly.
2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil, the remaining 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp grated ginger, 4 cloves minced garlic, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Set aside.
3. Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add 3-4 cups of broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove to a plate.
4. Cook the Beef: Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the hot skillet. Add the beef strips in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Sear for about 1 minute per side until browned but not fully cooked through.
5. Combine and Thicken: Return all beef and broccoli to the skillet. Give the sauce a quick re-whisk and pour it over the mixture. 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 and sliced green onions for added flavor and a pop of color. A simple side of egg rolls or a cucumber salad makes a perfect complete meal.
How-to Summary
Thinly slice flank steak against the grain and coat with cornstarch. Whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and red pepper for the sauce. Quickly stir-fry broccoli until crisp-tender, then sear the beef. Combine everything back in the pan, add the sauce, and cook until thickened. Serve hot over rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, skirt steak or sirloin are excellent alternatives. For maximum tenderness, always slice against the grain.
How can I make this dish gluten-free? Simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can mix the sauce and slice the beef in advance, but for best texture, cook just before serving.
My sauce isn’t thickening. What happened? Ensure your cornstarch was fully dissolved in the liquid mixture before adding it to the hot pan. Also, bring the sauce to a simmer to activate the cornstarch’s thickening power.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has become too thick.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking the beef in batches prevents steaming and ensures a proper sear for better flavor.
- Overcooking the Beef: Flank steak cooks very quickly. Sear it just until it loses its pink color to keep it tender.
- Skipping the Cornstarch on the Beef: This light coating helps create a velvety texture and helps the sauce cling.
- Using Old Spices: Ground ginger or pre-minced garlic in jars lack the potent flavor of fresh, which is key to an authentic taste.
Conclusion
This Beef and Broccoli Delight proves that a restaurant-quality, flavorful meal can be on your table in just 30 minutes. With its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy notes, it’s a reliable weeknight winner that beats takeout every time. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll master this classic dish. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!