Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and savory dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender beef strips are coated and stir-fried to perfection, then combined with crisp broccoli florets and a flavorful sauce. This recipe is versatile and can be served over white or brown rice, making it a complete and satisfying meal. The addition of garlic, ginger, and optional red pepper flakes adds depth and a slight kick to the dish.

Ingredients

• Beef Coating:
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
• 2 tablespoons water, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 lb boneless round steak, cut into thin 3-inch strips (flank steak or sirloin steak can also be used)
• Stir Fry:
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• 1/2 cup water
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 small onion, cut into wedges or diced
• 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free soy sauce)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or fresh ginger)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Hot cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef:

• In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 2 tablespoons of water, and garlic powder until smooth. Add the beef strips and toss well to coat. Set aside.

1. Cook the Beef:

• In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir-fry the beef until it reaches your desired doneness. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

1. Cook the Vegetables:

• In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and the sesame oil if using. Add the broccoli florets and onion. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes or until the broccoli reaches your desired tenderness.

1. Prepare the Sauce:

• In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1/2 cup of water. Stir until smooth.

1. Combine and Finish:

• Return the beef to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.

1. Serve:

• Serve the beef and broccoli stir-fry over hot cooked rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Add additional soy sauce on top if you prefer a stronger flavor.

Tips

• Beef: For extra tender beef, slice it against the grain. Marinating the beef in the cornstarch mixture for up to 30 minutes can enhance tenderness.
• Broccoli: Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before stir-frying if you prefer it softer.
• Sauce: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more cornstarch for a thicker consistency or more water for a thinner sauce.
• Ginger: Use fresh ginger for a more intense flavor. Simply grate it directly into the sauce mixture.
• Rice: Serve with jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant complement to the stir-fry. Brown rice is a healthy alternative.

This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a versatile and delicious meal that can be easily customized to suit your taste. Enjoy this savory dish for a quick and satisfying dinner!