Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a classic dish that’s beloved for its simple yet vibrant flavors, marrying tender beef with crisp, green broccoli in a savory sauce. It’s a staple of both home cooking and takeout menus, offering a satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. This version of the recipe aims to bring restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients:For the Beef Marinade:

1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain2 teaspoons soy sauce1 teaspoon cornstarch1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Stir-Fry:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided4 cups broccoli florets1 tablespoon minced garlic1 tablespoon minced ginger

For the Sauce:

1/3 cup soy sauce1/4 cup beef broth or water2 tablespoons brown sugar1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but recommended for depth of flavor)1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water

Marinate the Beef:

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with 2 teaspoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Mix well to ensure the beef slices are evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup soy sauce, beef broth (or water), brown sugar, and oyster sauce until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Set aside.

3. Blanch the Broccoli:

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for about 2 minutes, just until they are vibrant green and slightly tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Beef:

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the beef slices in a single layer, allowing them to sear and brown without stirring for about 1 minute. Stir-fry the beef until it is just cooked through, about 2 more minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

5. Cook the Broccoli:

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic and ginger.

6. Combine and Finish:

Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the broccoli. Stir the sauce once more, then pour it over the beef and broccoli. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened and coats the ingredients, about 2 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

7. Serve:

Serve the beef and broccoli stir-fry hot, ideally over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips:

Slicing the Beef: For easier slicing, partially freeze the flank steak for about 20 minutes before cutting. This firmness makes it easier to slice the meat thinly.Adjusting the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients according to your taste preferences. If you like your stir-fry on the sweeter side, add a bit more brown sugar. For a spicier kick, a dash of chili flakes or hot sauce works great.

This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is not only delicious but also a quick and easy way to bring a bit of gourmet flair to your everyday dining. Enjoy the savory, garlicky sauce and the satisfying combination of tender beef and crisp broccoli with each bite.