Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe

The best Beef and Broccoli recipe ever! Juicy beef, crisp broccoli & a delicious homemade sauce—all in under 20 minutes. Perfect for weeknights!

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Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipe – Must Try!

Beef and Broccoli is a classic dish that combines tender slices of beef with crisp broccoli florets, all enveloped in a savory garlic-soy sauce. This homemade version not only rivals your favorite takeout but also offers the flexibility to cater to various dietary preferences and ingredient availabilities. Whether you’re in the US, UK, or Malaysia, this recipe provides ingredient substitutions to suit your needs, including halal options.

Ingredients and Measurements

Below is a comprehensive table detailing the ingredients required for the Beef and Broccoli recipe, along with their measurements in both metric and imperial units:

Ingredient	Metric Amount	Imperial Amount	Notes
Flank Steak	450 grams	1 pound	Thinly sliced against the grain
Broccoli Florets	300 grams	10.5 ounces	Approximately one medium head of broccoli
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce	120 ml	1/2 cup	Use tamari for a gluten-free option
Light Brown Sugar	50 grams	1/4 cup	Adjust to taste
Garlic (minced)	4 cloves	4 cloves	Fresh or pre-minced
Fresh Ginger (grated)	1 tablespoon	1 tablespoon	Substitute with 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger if fresh is unavailable
Cornstarch	2 tablespoons	2 tablespoons	Divided; for marinade and sauce thickening
Vegetable Oil	2 tablespoons	2 tablespoons	High smoke point oils like canola or peanut oil are suitable
Water	240 ml	1 cup	For creating the sauce

Ingredient Substitutions

Depending on regional availability and dietary preferences, here are some suggested substitutions:

Protein Alternatives

Halal Options: For those seeking halal alternatives, consider using chicken breast or thigh meat, ensuring it’s sourced from halal-certified suppliers.
Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Substitute beef with firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan. These plant-based proteins absorb the flavors well and provide a satisfying texture. citeturn0search1

Soy Sauce Alternatives

Gluten-Free: Tamari sauce is a gluten-free alternative to traditional soy sauce and offers a similar depth of flavor.
Low-Sodium: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the overall salt content of the dish.

Vegetable Variations

Broccoli Substitutes: If broccoli isn’t available, consider using broccolini, cauliflower, or snap peas. These vegetables provide a similar crunch and complement the savory sauce.

Cooking Instructions

Marinate the Protein: In a bowl, combine half of the soy sauce (60 ml or 1/4 cup) with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Add the sliced protein and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, light brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water. This mixture will serve as the flavorful base of the dish.
Cook the Broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 2 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
Sear the Protein: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated protein in a single layer, cooking until browned and cooked through. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Combine Ingredients: In the same skillet, pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a simmer. Mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, then add it to the sauce to thicken. Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked protein and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly.
Serve Immediately: Once everything is well-coated and heated through, remove from heat and serve.

Serving Suggestions

Beef and Broccoli pairs wonderfully with various side dishes to create a complete meal:

Steamed Rice: White jasmine rice or brown rice are excellent bases that absorb the flavorful sauce.
Noodles: Stir-fried noodles or plain lo mein complement the dish well.
Quinoa: For a healthier alternative, serve over cooked quinoa, which adds a nutty flavor and extra protein.
Asian Slaw: A side of tangy slaw with a sesame dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory main dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can marinate the protein and prepare the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, proceed with cooking the broccoli and assembling the dish.

Q: How can I ensure the beef stays tender?

A: Slicing the beef thinly against the grain and marinating it with cornstarch helps break down muscle fibers, resulting in a tender texture. Additionally, avoid overcooking the beef; searing it quickly over high heat is key.

Q: Is it possible to make this dish spicy?

A: Absolutely! Add crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or sliced fresh chilies to the sauce to introduce heat to the dish.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?

A: Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Thaw it before cooking and pat it dry to remove excess moisture, which helps in achieving a better texture during stir-frying.

Q: What other vegetables can I add?

A: Bell peppers, snow peas, carrots, or mushrooms make great additions, enhancing both the nutritional value and flavor profile of the dish.

Tips for the Best Beef and Broccoli

To ensure your homemade Beef and Broccoli turns out just as delicious as your favorite takeout, follow these expert tips:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger provide the best aroma and flavor compared to powdered versions.
Preheat Your Pan: A hot pan ensures a quick sear on the beef, locking in juices and preventing it from becoming tough.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beef in batches if needed to allow it to brown properly instead of steaming.
Blanch the Broccoli: Briefly boiling and shocking the broccoli in cold water keeps it vibrant and crisp.
Balance the Sauce: Adjust soy sauce and sugar according to your taste preference—some like it saltier, while others prefer it sweeter.

Alternative Cooking Methods

If you’d like to experiment with different cooking techniques, here are some alternative methods:

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Use stew beef instead of flank steak, as slow cooking will tenderize tougher cuts.
Combine sauce ingredients with the beef in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Add broccoli in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.
Thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry before serving.

Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli

Marinate the beef and cook in the air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 5-7 minutes.
Steam the broccoli separately and toss with the sauce before serving.
This method reduces oil usage while keeping the beef crispy on the outside.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

Storing Leftovers:

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat using a pan for best results, or microwave with a splash of water.

Freezing Instructions:

To freeze, store cooked beef and broccoli separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet for best texture.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade Beef and Broccoli is not only easy but also allows you to customize ingredients to fit your dietary needs. Whether you’re in the US, UK, or Malaysia, this recipe provides adaptable options so everyone can enjoy a delicious, comforting meal.

So, ditch the takeout and try this better-than-restaurant Beef and Broccoli at home today! 🍜✨

Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience and let us know your favorite ingredient swaps! 😍👨‍🍳