This Beef and Broccoli recipe combines tender strips of flank steak with crisp broccoli in a flavorful sauce that strikes the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami. It’s quick and easy to make, making it a great weeknight dinner that delivers restaurant-quality taste. Served over white rice, this dish will satisfy any craving for classic takeout-style beef and broccoli.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Broccoli:
- 1 lb flank steak, very thinly sliced into bite-sized strips
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil), divided
- 1 lb broccoli, cut into florets (6 cups)
- 2 tsp sesame seeds, optional garnish
For the Stir Fry Sauce:
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (loosely packed)
- 2 tsp garlic, grated (from 3 cloves)
- ½ cup hot water
- 6 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce (or GF Tamari)
- 3 Tbsp packed light brown sugar
- 1 ½ Tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients:
- Begin by cooking your white rice so it’s ready when the stir fry is done.
- To make slicing the steak easier, place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This will firm up the meat, allowing you to slice it thinly and evenly into bite-sized strips.
2. Make the Stir Fry Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: grated ginger, garlic, hot water, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, black pepper, and sesame oil. Stir well until the sugar and cornstarch dissolve completely, then set aside.
3. Cook the Broccoli:
- Heat 1 Tbsp of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 4-5 minutes, partially covered with a lid. Stir occasionally until the broccoli turns bright green and is crisp-tender.
- Tip: If you prefer softer broccoli, add 2 Tbsp of water before covering with the lid to allow the broccoli to steam. Once cooked to your liking, remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside.
4. Cook the Beef:
- Increase the heat to high and add the remaining 1 Tbsp of oil to the skillet. Spread the thinly sliced beef in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until browned and just cooked through. Test a piece to check for doneness.
5. Combine Everything:
- Pour the stir fry sauce into the pan with the beef, reducing the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in the cooked broccoli, tossing everything together until well combined.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add 1-2 Tbsp of water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
6. Serve:
- Serve the beef and broccoli over freshly cooked white rice, and garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your homemade takeout-style meal!
Tips for Success
- Thinly slicing the beef: Freezing the steak for about 30 minutes before slicing makes it easier to get very thin, uniform strips that cook quickly and evenly.
- Crisp-tender broccoli: Don’t overcook the broccoli—aim for a bright green color and a slightly crisp texture. If you prefer softer broccoli, add water and steam it briefly as it sautés.
- Perfect stir fry sauce: Be sure to stir the sauce well before adding it to the pan, so the cornstarch and sugar are fully dissolved, ensuring the sauce thickens properly.
This dish is versatile, so feel free to swap out the beef for chicken or tofu, or add other veggies like bell peppers or snow peas to customize it further!
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