Beef and Broccoli Recipe

If you’re searching for a weeknight hero that brings both comfort and bold flavor right to your dinner table, Beef and Broccoli is the dish you need in your life! Tender strips of marinated beef mingle with crisp, jewel-green broccoli, all glazed in a luscious, savory sauce that’s just the right balance of umami, sweet, and aromatic. This classic takeout favorite is incredibly easy to whip up at home and delivers that irresistible combination of textures and tastes everyone craves. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, Beef and Broccoli turns any ordinary night into a mini celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! Beef and Broccoli shines because of its straightforward list of pantry-friendly items, each playing a crucial role. From the velveting marinade to that conquer-all stir-fry sauce, every element is chosen to amplify taste, tenderness, or brilliant color. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this beloved dish to life:

• Flank steak (1 lb, thinly sliced against the grain): Flank steak is the classic choice for melt-in-your-mouth beef with great flavor, especially when sliced thin and marinated.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): A little baking soda magically tenderizes the beef, keeping it juicy and soft after a quick stir-fry.
• Shaoxing wine (2 tablespoons, divided): This traditional cooking wine adds a subtle complexity and authenticity to both the marinade and the sauce.
• Light soy sauce (3 tablespoons, divided): Use this for both marinade and sauce, lending salt and rich color without overpowering the other flavors.
• Oyster sauce (2 1/2 tablespoons, divided): The secret weapon for savory depth; it melds beef and broccoli beautifully.
• White pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and a faint floral note, distinct from black pepper.
• Water (2 tablespoons, divided): Keeps the marinade lightweight and the sauce just the right consistency.
• Cornstarch (1 1/2 tablespoons, divided): Creates that glossy, restaurant-quality sauce that clings perfectly to every bite.
• Dark soy sauce (2 tablespoons): For a richer color and a hint of caramel sweetness in the sauce.
• Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): A touch of sweetness balances the savory and ensures the sauce isn’t too salty.
• Low sodium chicken broth (1/2 cup): Lightens the sauce and infuses it with subtle savoriness—use low sodium to keep the dish from going overboard on salt.
• Broccoli (1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces): Fresh, crisp broccoli provides texture and a beautiful boost of color.
• Garlic cloves (5, minced): Brings a fragrant punch that infuses the oil right at the start of the stir-fry.
• Ginger (1/2 tablespoon, minced): Lively ginger adds warmth and depth, anchoring the sauce with bright aromatics.
• Toasted sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Just a drizzle at the end, this adds irresistible nutty aroma and authentic flavor.

How to Make Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by gathering your thinly sliced flank steak and combine it with baking soda, Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, white pepper, water, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. Mix well so each piece of beef is thoroughly coated—this is key for that signature tenderness. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients. You’ll immediately notice the beef take on that satiny, marinated sheen that promises melt-in-your-mouth results.

Step 2: Mix the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, light and dark soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, sugar, chicken broth, and a little cornstarch. This magic mixture is where all the bold, umami flavors come to life, perfectly balancing sweetness and savoriness. Give it a nice stir right before using so the cornstarch doesn’t settle on the bottom.

Step 3: Boil the Broccoli

Bring a pot of well-salted water to a boil and quickly blanch the broccoli for just one to two minutes. This keeps it wonderfully green and still crisp—no limp veggies allowed! Drain them and set aside. This step makes all the difference in getting picture-perfect, vibrant broccoli while retaining all of its bite and nutrients.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high. When the pan is nice and hot, spread the marinated beef in a single layer. Sear for about 30 seconds per side, just enough to brown and caramelize without overcooking. Remove the beef promptly and keep it handy for the final stir-fry—doing this in batches if necessary keeps the pieces from steaming.

Step 5: Stir Fry Everything Together

Add another tablespoon of oil to your wok. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, sautéeing just until fragrant—this step will have your whole kitchen smelling downright mouthwatering. Return the broccoli to the pan, stir-frying for about a minute, then add the seared beef and pour in your perfectly-mixed stir-fry sauce. Toss everything for another minute or two, making sure each piece shimmers with that glossy sauce. Finish with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil off the heat, giving the whole dish an extra layer of flavor and shine.

Step 6: Serve

Pile the gorgeous Beef and Broccoli over fluffy white rice and sprinkle with freshly diced green onions for a pop of freshness. Serve immediately while everything is piping hot and the flavors are at their best!

How to Serve Beef and Broccoli

Garnishes

For a vibrant finishing touch, scatter thinly sliced green onions across the top, or sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds if you want extra crunch and toasty aroma. If you like bold flavors, a little drizzle of chili oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes will dial up the excitement without overpowering the classic essence of Beef and Broccoli.

Side Dishes

Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice are the winning partners for soaking up every drop of sauce. For extra veggies, try serving with simple stir-fried bok choy, snap peas, or baby corn. If you’re feeling creative, a side of egg rolls or a crisp Chinese cucumber salad bring freshness and crunch, making your Beef and Broccoli dinner feel like a full takeout feast at home.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve your Beef and Broccoli family-style on a big platter, nestled next to a mound of steaming rice. Or, spoon it into individual bowls with a sprinkle of black and white sesame seeds for a restaurant-inspired look. For packed lunches, layer the beef and broccoli over rice in meal prep containers—this dish reheats like a dream and looks just as tempting the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Beef and Broccoli will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store rice and the stir fry separately to prevent sogginess, and the flavors will continue to meld, making your next day’s lunch even more delicious.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze extra portions, let the Beef and Broccoli cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers—ideally with as little air as possible to prevent ice crystals. It will stay fresh for about two months. For best texture, freeze the beef and sauce mixture separately from the rice.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Beef and Broccoli gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce looks too thick. The microwave also works fine for busy days; just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring once or twice. Avoid overcooking to keep the broccoli crisp and the beef tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Beef and Broccoli?

Absolutely! While flank steak is a popular and traditional choice, other tender cuts like sirloin, skirt steak, or even ribeye work beautifully. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for the tenderest results.

How do I keep the broccoli crisp and green?

Blanching the broccoli briefly in salted boiling water before stir-frying helps lock in its color and crunch. Don’t skip this step, and avoid overcooking in the wok—one to two minutes in boiling water is perfect.

What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?

No worries! You can substitute with dry sherry or even a splash of Japanese sake. If you prefer to omit alcohol completely, an equal amount of chicken broth with a dash of sugar will still give your Beef and Broccoli great depth.

Can I make Beef and Broccoli gluten free?

Yes, it’s easy! Use certified gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce, and double-check that your cornstarch is gluten free. With these swaps, you’ll enjoy all the flavor minus the gluten.

Is this recipe spicy?

Traditional Beef and Broccoli isn’t spicy, but the recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a gentle kick, add chili oil, crushed red pepper flakes, or a few slices of fresh chili when stir-frying the aromatics.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve experienced just how simple and satisfying it is to make Beef and Broccoli at home, it’s sure to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Don’t be surprised if friends and family ask for seconds—or the recipe! Try it tonight and let the irresistible flavors and colors win you over.

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