why make this recipe
Easy Beef & Broccoli is a fantastic dish that you can make right in your own kitchen! It’s a quick and tasty alternative to takeout. This recipe is great for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of time to spend cooking. Plus, it’s a healthier option since you can control the ingredients and avoid extra preservatives often found in restaurant meals. Making this dish at home also allows you to customize it just the way you like it!
how to make Easy Beef & Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Flank Steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
- 1/4 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce (use Tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp Packed Light Brown Sugar
- 2 tbsp Corn Starch
- 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger (grated finely)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (just a pinch)
- 1/2 cup Hot Water
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil (added at the end)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil (just enough to coat the pan)
- 4 cups Fresh Broccoli Florets (bright green, firm stalks)
- Sesame Seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Warm 2 tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add 1 pound of thinly sliced flank steak. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and just cooked through.
- Take the cooked steak out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, toss in 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons corn starch, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 cup hot water.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the broccoli in the skillet. Stir to coat the veggies, and bring to a simmer.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure the beef is well coated with the savory sauce.
- Finish by drizzling 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over the stir fry.
- Optional: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a little crunch and visual flair before serving!
how to serve Easy Beef & Broccoli
Serve Easy Beef & Broccoli hot right from the skillet. It’s perfect over a bed of cooked rice or noodles. You can also enjoy it on its own for a lighter meal. To make it more colorful, you can add some sliced carrots or bell peppers to the stir-fry.
how to store Easy Beef & Broccoli
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. When you are ready to eat it again, just reheat in a skillet over medium heat until it’s warmed through.
tips to make Easy Beef & Broccoli
- Make sure to slice the flank steak thinly against the grain for the most tender bites.
- Don’t over-cook the broccoli; it should remain bright green and crisp for the best texture.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and ginger based on your taste preference.
- For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. For a different flavor, try using chicken or tofu instead of beef.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can work in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the skillet.
2. What can I use instead of soy sauce?
You can use coconut aminos for a soy sauce alternative, especially if you prefer a gluten-free or soy-free option.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes or fresh sliced chilies to the stir-fry while cooking to give it an extra kick!
