Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
This recipe is a classic for a reason – it’s quick, easy, and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Cooking Guide:
- Marinate the beef: In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for more tender beef.
- Cook the broccoli: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Drain and set aside.
- Stir-fry the beef: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add a thin layer of oil and swirl to coat. Once hot, add the marinated beef and spread into a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch.
- Assemble the stir-fry: Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Pour in the sauce and bring to a simmer. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1 minute.
- Combine and serve: Add the cooked beef and broccoli back to the pan. Toss to coat with the sauce. Stir in the sesame oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately over cooked white rice.
Tips:
- Thinly slice the beef: This ensures the beef cooks quickly and stays tender in the stir-fry.
- Marinating the beef: Marinating helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor. If you don’t have time to marinate, you can skip this step, but the beef may not be as tender.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: When stir-frying, it’s important to cook the ingredients in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the beef from steaming instead of searing.
- Adjust the sauce: The amount of sauce you need will depend on how thick you like it. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.
- Veggie variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to this stir-fry, such as snow peas, carrots, or bell peppers.
- Serve immediately: Stir-fries are best served hot and fresh. The leftover cooked beef and broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but the sauce may thicken further.