Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry in Instant cooks

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender beef and crisp broccoli, all coated in a savory, umami-packed sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something healthy, delicious, and satisfying. With simple ingredients and easy steps, Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is sure to become a go-to meal for your family.

What is Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry?

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, consisting of thinly sliced beef sautéed with fresh broccoli florets in a savory sauce made of soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce. The key to a great stir fry is cooking the beef quickly at high heat to lock in its flavor, while the broccoli retains its crisp texture. The sauce binds everything together, creating a balanced, flavorful dish that can be served with rice or noodles.

This dish is versatile and easy to make, which is why it’s a favorite for quick weeknight meals. You can adjust the recipe to fit your preferences, substituting different vegetables or proteins if desired. The simplicity and deliciousness of Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry make it an irresistible meal for any occasion.

Ingredients in Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

To make a perfect Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:

• Beef: Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak are all excellent cuts for stir-frying. These cuts are tender, flavorful, and easy to slice thinly. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground beef or even chicken breast can be used.

• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are essential for this dish, providing a great contrast to the beef with their crisp-tender texture and mild flavor. If you want to mix it up, feel free to add other vegetables such as bok choy, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

• Ginger and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients bring warmth and flavor to the dish, forming the base of the stir fry sauce.

• Sauce: The sauce is what makes Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry so flavorful. It’s typically made with a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and beef broth or water. This mixture creates a deep, savory umami flavor that coats the beef and broccoli.

• Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce, giving it a smooth, glossy texture that clings to the beef and vegetables.

• Optional Add-ins: For added flavor and texture, you can include chili flakes for some heat or top the dish with sesame seeds or cashews for crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

1. Quick and Easy: This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is perfect for busy nights. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have a healthy and flavorful meal on the table in no time.

2. Packed with Flavor: The savory sauce, combined with the natural sweetness of the broccoli and the richness of the beef, creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s sure to please.

3. Healthy and Nutritious: This dish is rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a balanced and wholesome meal for any time of day.

4. Customizable: Whether you prefer beef, chicken, shrimp, or tofu, this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry can be easily adapted to fit your tastes and dietary needs.

How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Making a delicious Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is simple and quick, requiring just a few basic steps. Here’s how you can create this flavorful dish in under 30 minutes:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak (or sirloin, skirt steak, or lean ground beef)

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

• 2 teaspoons minced ginger

• 1/4 cup oyster sauce

• 1/4 cup beef broth (or water)

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Broccoli:
   Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside.

2. Cook the Beef:
   In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil and turn the heat to high. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan in a single layer. If necessary, cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the beef is browned and cooked through.

3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
   Once the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, ensuring the garlic and ginger don’t burn but release their aromatic flavors.

4. Make the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, beef broth, sugar, sesame oil, and soy sauce. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry.

5. Combine Beef and Broccoli:
   Add the cooked broccoli back to the pan with the beef. Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and stir everything together. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.

6. Thicken the Sauce:
   Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and stir well. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating the beef and broccoli evenly.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and serve immediately. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Tips for Perfect Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

To make sure your Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Slice the Beef Thinly: Thin slices of beef cook quickly and evenly, making for a tender stir fry. If slicing the beef is challenging, chill the steak in the freezer for about 30 minutes before slicing. This will firm up the meat, making it easier to cut thin slices.

• Use High Heat: Stir fry requires high heat to cook the beef and broccoli quickly while keeping the vegetables crisp. Make sure your pan or wok is hot before adding ingredients.

• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Broccoli should remain slightly crisp for the best texture. Overcooking can result in a mushy, unappealing texture.

• Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sauce to your taste. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, extra sugar for sweetness, or a bit of chili sauce for heat.

Variations of Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

While the classic Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is delicious on its own, you can easily customize it with other proteins or vegetables. Here are some ideas to suit different tastes:

1. Protein Variations:

• Chicken: Swap the beef for sliced chicken breast or thighs. Chicken cooks quickly and is a great lean alternative.

• Shrimp: For a lighter option, use shrimp. Stir-fry the shrimp for just 2-3 minutes, until pink and cooked through.

• Tofu: For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute beef with firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess water and cube it before cooking.

2. Vegetable Additions:

• Bell Peppers: Add colorful bell peppers for extra crunch and sweetness. Slice them thin and add them with the broccoli.

• Carrots: Thinly sliced carrots bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. Add them with the broccoli for a balanced vegetable mix.

• Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the stir fry for a more earthy flavor. Mushrooms complement the beef’s richness and absorb the savory sauce beautifully.

3. Spicy Kick:

• If you prefer a bit of spice, add a spoonful of sriracha or chili paste to the sauce. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish for a mild heat.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

How to Store Leftovers:
If you have any leftover Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking the beef or drying out the sauce.

Freezing:
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze the beef and broccoli mixture (without rice or noodles) for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

Serving Options:
This stir fry is delicious served over:

• Steamed Rice: White or brown rice is a classic pairing for stir fry.

• Noodles: Try rice noodles or even egg noodles for a different texture.

• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb version, cauliflower rice makes an excellent substitute for regular rice.

Nutritional Information for Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is not only delicious but also nutritious, offering a healthy balance of protein, vegetables, and flavorful sauce. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

This stir fry offers a hearty dose of protein from the beef and a good amount of fiber and vitamins from the broccoli. It’s also relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a great choice for those on low-carb or keto diets.

Why Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a Great Choice

• High in Protein: With a substantial amount of protein from the beef, this dish is perfect for muscle repair and keeping you full longer.

• Rich in Fiber: The broccoli adds fiber, which is essential for digestive health.

• Packed with Vitamins: Broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins like Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which help boost the immune system and promote healthy skin.

• Balanced Meal: This stir fry provides a good balance of macronutrients, making it a filling and healthy meal for any time of day.

Tips for Perfecting Your Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

1. Marinate the Beef: If you have extra time, marinating the beef for 30 minutes before cooking can enhance its tenderness and flavor. Use a simple marinade of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for an extra boost of flavor.

2. Use a Wok or Cast Iron Skillet: For the best stir-fry, a wok or cast iron skillet is ideal because they heat evenly and maintain high temperatures, allowing the beef and vegetables to cook quickly and retain their texture.

3. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and lose its vibrant green color. Aim for a firm, slightly crunchy texture that will hold up well in the stir fry.

4. Make Extra Sauce: If you love a saucy stir fry, double the sauce ingredients and add a little extra cornstarch for a thicker glaze that coats every bite of beef and broccoli.

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe Card

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak (or sirloin, skirt steak, or lean ground beef)

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

• 2 teaspoons minced ginger

• 1/4 cup oyster sauce

• 1/4 cup beef broth (or water)

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 4 minutes until tender yet crisp. Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the Beef: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil and increase the heat to high. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then add to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

3. Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, beef broth, sugar, sesame oil, and soy sauce. In another small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry.

5. Combine Beef and Broccoli: Return the beef and broccoli to the pan. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir to coat everything evenly. Add the cornstarch slurry and bring the sauce to a boil. Cook for another 1-2 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Notes:

• Beef Options: Flank steak is ideal for stir-fry, but other cuts like sirloin or skirt steak also work well.

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots to customize the dish.

• Heat Level: For some spice, add sriracha or chili paste to the sauce.

• Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Method: Stir-fry
Cuisine: Asian
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 266 kcal per serving
Yield: 4 servings