This Quick and Easy Beef and Broccoli is full of flavor and packed with veggies! Tender beef strips and crunchy broccoli are tossed in a tasty sauce that comes together in no time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak or Sirloin: Flank steak is great for its flavor and tenderness when sliced against the grain. Sirloin works well too! If you’re looking for a budget option, try using skirt steak or even chicken or tofu for a lighter meal.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are ideal for color and crunch, but you can also use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember to thaw it first!
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce delivers that classic salty umami taste. For a gluten-free option, use tamari. If you want less sodium, try low-sodium soy sauce. It’s great to have choices!
Oyster Sauce: This adds a rich flavor to the dish. If you prefer a vegetarian option, use mushroom sauce for a similar taste. It’s a fantastic substitute!
Cornstarch: It’s used to thicken the marinade and sauce. For a gluten-free alternative, you can replace it with arrowroot powder or potato starch.
How Do I Get My Beef to Be Tender and Flavorful?
The key to tender and flavorful beef lies in the marinating process. Marinate the sliced beef in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch mixture for 15-20 minutes. This helps to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain. This breaks up the muscle fibers, resulting in a softer bite.
- Don’t rush the marinating; even a short 15 minutes goes a long way.
Once the beef is browned, ensure you don’t overcook it. Stir-fry just until it’s cooked through to keep it tender!
Quick and Easy Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need around 15-20 minutes for marinating the beef and about 10-15 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch to create a flavorful marinade. Add the thinly sliced beef to the bowl, making sure it’s well-coated. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes to soak in the delicious flavors. This step is essential for tender beef!
2. Prepare the Broccoli:
While the beef is marinating, bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 2 minutes, just until they turn bright green. Drain the broccoli and set it aside. This helps to keep the broccoli crispy and vibrant!
3. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef, discarding any leftover marinade. Stir-fry the beef for 3-4 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic and Ginger:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger (if using), sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This will fill your kitchen with a wonderful smell!
5. Combine Broccoli and Beef Broth:
Add the blanched broccoli and the beef broth (or water) to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp and soaks up some of the flavors from the broth.
6. Final Touches:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet, stirring everything together. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your quick and easy beef and broccoli over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and crunch. Enjoy this delicious meal with your loved ones!
### FAQ Section for Quick and Easy Beef and Broccoli
Can I Substitute the Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, or tofu can all work well in this recipe. Simply adjust the cooking time: chicken and shrimp should be cooked until fully done, while tofu should be crispy on the outside for the best texture. Just make sure to marinate the substitute protein if it requires it for the best flavor!
How Can I Thicken the Sauce More?
If you want a thicker sauce, simply mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the skillet during the last minute of cooking. This will give your sauce a nice, glossy finish!
What Can I Use Instead of Oyster Sauce?
For a vegetarian option, you can substitute oyster sauce with mushroom sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little bit of sugar for sweetness. Adjust the amounts to your taste, but start with equal parts of soy sauce and sugar, and add more to taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, heat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up!
