Beef with broccoli is a classic Chinese dish that is loved by many. The combination of tender beef and crispy broccoli, all coated in a flavorful sauce, makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. While it may seem like a complicated dish to make, it is actually quite simple and can be prepared in just a few easy steps. In this article, we will walk you through the process of cooking beef with broccoli, so you can recreate this tasty dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Before we begin, it is important to note that the key to a successful beef with broccoli dish is in the preparation. It is crucial to have all of your ingredients chopped and ready to go before you start cooking. This includes thinly-sliced beef, fresh broccoli florets, garlic, and ginger. Additionally, you will need a sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water. This sauce will give your dish a rich and savory flavor.

To start cooking, heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Once it is hot, add some cooking oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom. Then, add the thinly-sliced beef to the pan and cook it until it is browned and cooked through. This should only take a few minutes. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, and then add the garlic and ginger. Cook them for a minute or two until they become fragrant. Then, add the broccoli florets and stir-fry them for a few minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. You can also add a splash of water to help steam the broccoli and speed up the cooking process.

Next, it’s time to add the sauce. Pour it over the broccoli and stir-fry everything together for a minute or two, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and broccoli. Once the sauce has thickened, return the beef to the pan and give everything a final toss to combine.

And there you have it – a delicious and homemade beef with broccoli dish that is sure to impress. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an added touch. This savory and flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

Preparing Ingredients for Beef with Broccoli

Before you start cooking beef with broccoli, it is important to prepare all the necessary ingredients. Here are the ingredients you will need:

1. Beef:

This recipe calls for 1 pound of beef. It is best to use a tender cut of beef, such as sirloin or ribeye, sliced into thin strips. Make sure to remove any excess fat or gristle from the meat before slicing.

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2. Broccoli:

You will need 1 head of broccoli for this dish. Cut the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. It is also a good idea to peel the tough outer skin of the broccoli stem and slice it into thin rounds.

3. Garlic:

Garlic adds delicious flavor to this dish. You will need 3 cloves of garlic, minced or finely chopped. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to use more cloves.

4. Sauce:

The sauce for beef with broccoli is a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. You will need 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix these ingredients together in a small bowl before adding them to the dish.

Once you have gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you will be ready to start cooking your delicious beef with broccoli dish.

Gathering the Necessary Ingredients

Before you can start cooking beef with broccoli, you need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of items you will need:

  • 1 pound of beef (such as flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
  • 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup of soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup of beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure you have all these ingredients before you start cooking to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.

Cutting the Beef and Broccoli

Before you can start cooking beef with broccoli, you need to prepare the ingredients. One of the most important steps is cutting the beef and broccoli into bite-sized pieces.

Cutting the Beef

Begin by selecting a good cut of beef for stir-frying. Sirloin, flank, or tenderloin are great options. Make sure to trim any excess fat and sinew from the meat before you start cutting.

  1. Place the beef on a cutting board and slice it against the grain. Cutting against the grain helps to ensure that the beef remains tender.
  2. Use a sharp knife to cut the beef into thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick. It’s easier to slice evenly if the meat is partially frozen.
  3. Once you have sliced the beef, cut the slices into bite-sized pieces. Aim for pieces that are around 1-2 inches in size.

Cutting the Broccoli

When it comes to cutting the broccoli, you want to separate it into individual florets. Here’s how you can do it:

  • Start by rinsing the broccoli under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat it dry with a kitchen towel.
  • Hold the broccoli head firmly and cut off the stalk at the base. You can save the stalk for other dishes or discard it.
  • Break the broccoli head into small florets. If the florets are too large, you can further cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
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Once you have finished cutting the beef and broccoli, you can proceed to the next steps in the recipe. Remember to keep the pre-cut ingredients separate until you are ready to cook them.

Cooking Beef with Broccoli

Beef with broccoli is a popular and delicious Chinese dish that can be easily prepared at home. The combination of tender beef slices and crisp broccoli florets creates a flavorful and nutritious meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound beef steak, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Set aside.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

3. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

4. Add beef slices to the skillet and stir-fry until browned on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

5. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

6. In the same skillet, add broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly tender.

7. Return the beef to the skillet and pour the sauce mixture over the ingredients.

8. Stir well to coat the beef and broccoli evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

10. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious beef with broccoli!

Marinating the Beef

Marinating the beef is an essential step to infuse flavor into the meat and tenderize it. Here’s how you can marinate the beef for your delicious beef with broccoli recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of beef, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon of grated ginger

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
  2. Add the thinly sliced beef into the bowl and mix well, making sure every piece is coated with the marinade.
  3. Cover the bowl with cling film and let the beef marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For better results, you can marinate it overnight.

Tip: Marinating the beef longer will result in a more flavorful and tender meat.

Stir-Frying the Beef and Broccoli

Once your beef and broccoli are prepared, it’s time to stir-fry them together to create a delicious and flavorful dish. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect stir-fried beef and broccoli:

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Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of beef, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups of broccoli florets
  • 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
  3. Add the sliced beef to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until it is browned and cooked to your liking. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
  4. Heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil in the skillet.
  5. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for about 2 minutes, or until they are bright green and slightly tender.
  6. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
  7. Return the beef to the skillet and pour the sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli. Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until everything is evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the stir-fried beef and broccoli immediately.

Note: You can serve this dish as is or over steamed rice or noodles for a more filling meal. Enjoy your homemade beef and broccoli stir-fry!

Q&A

How do I prepare the beef for cooking?

To prepare the beef for cooking, you need to slice it thinly. It is easier to slice the beef if it is partially frozen. You can place the beef in the freezer for about 30 minutes before slicing. Once sliced, you can marinate the beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper for about 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?

Yes, you can use other vegetables instead of broccoli. Some popular alternatives include snow peas, bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms. You can choose any vegetables that you prefer or have on hand. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as different vegetables may require different cooking times.

Is beef with broccoli a healthy dish?

Beef with broccoli can be a healthy dish if prepared and cooked properly. By using lean cuts of beef and minimal oil, you can reduce the fat content. Additionally, broccoli is a nutritious vegetable that is high in vitamins and fiber. However, it is important to control portion sizes and use moderation when consuming this dish, especially if you are watching your calorie intake or following a specific diet plan.