Side Dish for Beef and Broccoli

Beef and Broccoli that is literally better than whatever Chinese takeout and easier than yous might retrieve!

Beef and Broccoli is the image of Chinese food in my book.  It merely doesn't become meliorate than tender slices of beef that are SO juicy, SO flavorful as they soak upwardly the marinade and so slathered in savory soy, ginger, garlic sauce.  The rich season is complimented by crisp-tender broccoli florets and hot steaming rice.  This Beefiness Broccoli recipe uses easy to find grocery store ingredients and a large skillet instead of a wok so anyone can make this any fourth dimension!   And you lot are going to make this Beefiness and Broccoli recipe ALL THE Time!  (photo update from original post 2/28/2014)

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BEEF AND BROCCOLI VIDEO

Beef and Broccoli Recipe

I was at an crawly eating place a few days after I had fabricated this Beef and Broccoli recipe and I was nevertheless craving it.  Yous know that type of craving where information technology merely won't become away, the type when naught else sounds good but what you lot are craving?!   The blazon of peckish I warned you General Tso'southward Chicken (aka My Favorite Chicken Ever!) would create AND my Sweet and Sour Baked Chicken and my Mongolian Beef and Beef Bulgogi?  Yeah, well this volition practice it to you too.  Consider yourself warned.

And then even though I had but eaten beefiness broccoli, I giddily ordered it off the menu.  I was a trivial disappointed my restaurant dish wasn't as skilful as my "Better than Takeout Beef and Broccoli," recipe but to be completely honest, besides kind of proud.

The tender, thin slices of beefiness are so juicy, so flavorful as they soak upwardly every savory essence of the marinade, and then the sauce; oh the sauce!  Its rich, slightly sugariness, generally savory, and just and then right! I guarantee you will not detect a ameliorate beef broccoli sauce!

Aside from the scrumptious factor, this Beef and Broccoli recipe also gets major points for its unproblematic prep.  Most of your time is spent slicing the meat beforehand, and then when its "go" time, yous simply whisk together the sauce ingredients and stir fry the beef and broccoli – bam!  You can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes…or directly in your rima oris, both ways as delicious!

What Kind of Meat is used for Beefiness and Broccoli?

I beloved Broccoli Beef for all the aforementioned reasons and because information technology is adequately economic when it comes to beefiness.  I like to utilise flank steak simply y'all could also use flat fe steak.  Flank steak is is an inexpensive cut of steak that transforms into melt-in-your-oral cavity-tender by slicing it thin, marinating it and not overcooking information technology.  You will exist astonished just how buttery succulent flank steak can get!

How practise you Tenderize Beefiness?

The marinade tenderizes the beef while infusing it with flavor – it makes  ALL the difference between buttery tender beefiness and okay beef.  Y'all tin either marinate you lot beef at room temperature for 30 minutes or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.  This is how the marinade ingredients tenderize the beefiness:

• soy sauce: the table salt in the soy sauce helps break down the proteins for a more tender texture and infuses the steak with flavor.
• cornstarch: acts as a binder and helps our soy sauce bind to the meat for more than flavorful beef.   Cornstarch also provides a lite coating that helps protect it from the intense heat when cooking.

Beef and Broccoli Recipe Ingredients

The best Beef and Broccoli recipe needs the best sauce!  This sauce is savory, salty, rich, gingery, garlicy and every bit spicy as spicy as you desire it with plenty of umami. Information technology'due south made with craven broth, oyster sauce, Japanese rice wine, brown sugar, Asian chili sauce, sesame oil, pepper and cornstarch.  Once you take everything stocked (if you don't already), you'll be gear up to make this recipe at a moment's notice – AND all of my other Asian recipes!

• chicken broth:  use low sodium chicken goop so you lot can command the salt level.  You can also employ vegetable broth but chicken broth is more flavorful. Please DO Non use h2o as I've tried this and will get out you lot with distressing, wanting results.
• oyster sauce:If y'all have done a lot of Asian cooking, yous probably have cooked with it earlier, and if you haven't, you lot are going to love it!  Oyster sauce is a staple in Asian cooking and a necessity in stir fry recipes.  It is a thick, brown sauce with a balance between sweet and salty with an earthy undertone, due to the oyster extracts.  You lot can discover oyster sauce in the Asian aisle of whatever supermarket for only a few dollars.  My personal favorite isLee Kum Kee, which is only a fewmoredollars. Non all oyster sauce is created equal. The quality of oyster sauce volition affect the flavor, so if you want the extra "oomph" to your dish, become with a good quality sauce.v
• soy sauce:  is used in the marinade.  Apply depression sodium soy sauce or your chicken stir fry will exist too salty.
• brownish sugar:  adds just a little adds sweetness to residue the oyster sauce.  Yous may need more than or less depending on personal gustation.
• rice wine: should become a pantry staple if you exercise much Asian cooking.  I use it in almost all of my Asian Recipes from my Beefiness Bulgogi to my Mongolian Craven and Sesame Noodles.  Rice wine is NOT rice vinegar- Exercise NOT switch them out.  Rice wine adds a sweetness and depth of flavour; rice vinegar, on the other paw, will add an acidic flavor.
• Asian chili sauce: is used in the marinade. Utilize your favorite chili sauce like Sambal Oelek or sriracha. Use as much or as little equally you similar.  We personally dear oestrus so we add more to taste at the end.
• sesame oil:  a "secret ingredient" that adds an irresistible, subtle nutty flavor.
• cornstarch:  helps thicken the sauce to a sleeky, luscious consistency without a raw flour gustatory modality.
• broccoli: cutting the broccolini into bite-size pieces but not besides small or they can easily overcook. The most import matter is to endeavour and chop them uniformilally so they melt evenly.

WHERE Practice I Buy RICE Wine?

I use "Kikkoman Aji-Mirin: Sweet Cooking Rice Seasoning" which is commonly constitute in the Asian section of nearly grocery stores or you can Amazon it.  I highly suggest you look at the epitome before you head off to the grocery shop so yous know exactly what y'all are looking for.  The best substitute for rice wine is pale dry sherry.

WHAT AROMATICS FOR beefiness AND BROCCOLI RECIPE?

This Beef and Broccoli recipe relies heavily on the aromatics (garlic, and ginger) for flavor.  And so, while the broccoli might be flexible, the aromatics are not.  They are the quintessential ingredients to flavor the entire stir fry.  That beingness said, you tin use powders if yous're in a demark.

• Garlic pro tip. Purchase the pre-bagged, already peeled garlic to save time.  They are actually less expensive than whole garlic cloves (at to the lowest degree when I did the math).
• Garlic Use more than or less garlic depending on your garlic love.  You may substitute the fresh garlic with 1 teaspoon garlic pulverization whisked directly into the sauce.
• Ginger pro tip:  I like to freeze ginger and then information technology's e'er at my fingertips.  To freeze ginger: grate it, spread it by the teaspoon or tablespoon on parchment newspaper and flash freeze until solid, about one hour.  Transfer to an airtight container or plastic bag for upwards to 6 months.   You can add frozen ginger directly to your stir fry.   You tin likewise grate frozen garlic if you take a quality microplaner.
• Ginger.  Adds a warm spicy, almost pepper gustation.  Y'all may substitute the fresh garlic with 1 teaspoon ginger powder whisked directly into the sauce.

IS CHINESE beef AND BROCCOLI GLUTEN Complimentary?

As written, this recipe is not gluten free – but nigh!  To make gluten free, utilize gluten costless soy sauce or tamari.  Y'all will likewise want to double check that your oyster sauce and chili sauce are gluten free.  The residue of the ingredients are gluten free.

How do you Make Chinese Beef and Broccoli?

Our Beef Broccoli recipe is very simple only has some hands-off fourth dimension due to the marinating.  I actually like that we prepare the marinade first because then when it comes to actually stir-frying our beef and broccoli, it comes together in a snap!

• Footstep ane: Slice your beefiness thinly . The key to this Beef and Broccoli recipe is to THINLY slice your steak across the grain.  Information technology doesn't have to be razor thin similar Beefiness Bulgogi, only between 1/8-¼ inch thick.   Thin slices ensure steak that is seeping with flavor and buttery tender.  Information technology is much easier to thinly slice your steak if you freeze information technology for thirty minutes or then.  Y'all are welcome to freeze it longer, whatever makes it solid enough for you to handle because information technology will defrost in the marinade.

• Cook'southward Pro Tip: Piece your beef across the grain.  You too want to have care to slice the beef  ACROSS the grain.  You tin can see the "grain" running through the meat in one direction. The grain is essentially the muscle fibers running through the meat.  You want to cut perpendicular to the musculus fibers so they get as short equally possible.  If you cut it parallel to the grain y'all volition finish up with long muscle fibers AKA chewy, rubbery tough meat so cutting AGAINST the grain!

• Step two: Marinate your beef.  This is a stride that many Beef and Broccoli recipes don't have but it makes such a departure!  We whisk all our marinade ingredients together in a freezer size bag – or whatever y'all are going to marinate your steak in and add your steak.  The marinade consists of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, cornstarch, garlic powder and ginger powder.

• Cooks Note About Hoisin Sauce:  If yous aren't familiar with hoisin sauce it it can be found in the Asian department of your grocery store and is like Asian BBQ Sauce.  I use it all the time in my recipes so if you are interested in making my Mongolian Beefiness,  Kung Pao Shrimp, Sesame Chicken, etc., then I promise it volition not go to waste!

• Step three: Whisk together the stir-fry Sauce.  When you're ready to stir fry your Beefiness and Broccoli, whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small-scale bowl consisting ofJapanese rice wine (or dry out sherry), chicken goop, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, table salt and pepper.  In a separate bowl, nosotros combine garlic, ginger, scarlet pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon peanut oil.

• Step 4: Stir fry.Heat 1 ½ teaspoons peanut oil (yous tin can substitute vegetable oil) in a large nonstick skillet over high estrus until very hot and sizzling.  It is important that the skillet be smoking hot and then that the beef will sear and not steam.  Add beef to the skillet and pause upward any clumps; cook without stirring for 1 minute, then stir and cook until beefiness is browned and nigh cooked through, nigh 1-2 minutes (information technology volition cook more than in the sauce). Don't overcook or it won't be as tender!  Transfer beefiness to a large plate and cover.  You will probably need to cook your beef in two batches so information technology sears and doesn't just steam.

• Step 5: Stir fry AND steam broccoli. Nosotros heat additional oil in the at present empty skillet and then add together our broccoli and saute for 30 seconds.  Next, we add ¼ loving cupwater, cover the pan, and lower heat to medium and steam the broccoli just until desired crisp- tenderness, about about two minutes.  Push the broccoli to the sides of the skillet and add together the garlic/ginger/cherry pepper/oil to the center of the pan, mashing the mixture with a spoon, until fragrant, about xv to xx seconds, then stir the mixture into the broccoli.  So now not only is our beef infused with flavor merely our broccoli is also!

• Step half-dozen: Combine! Finally, return the beef to the skillet and toss to combine. Whisk the sauce to recombine so add together to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is thickened and beef is cooked through, about 1-2 minutes.  And then swoop into the best Beef and Broccoli recipe you accept ever had!

Tips and Tricks for Beef Broccoli Recipe

• sharpen your knife before slicing the beef
• freeze your beef for 60 minutes to make information technology easier to piece thinly
• slice your beef in thirds, then freeze what y'all're not working with so the rest stays frozen
• piece your beef across the grain
• piece your beef into sparse 1/4″ slices
• use a neutral oil; you tin can substitute vegetable oil with another neutral oil but not flavorful or depression smoking point oil like olive oil.
• make sure your skillet is smoking hot before adding your beefiness then it volition sear on the outside and remain tender on the inside
• add together beef in a unmarried layer to sear otherwise it will steam
• cook your beefiness in multiple batches
• don't overcook your beefiness initially because you volition add information technology back to the skillet with your sauce
• utilise QUALITY hoisin and oyster sauce similar Lee Kum Kee or Kikkoman (it DOES make a deviation!)
• apply rice vino and Non rice wine vinegar
• you lot tin can substitute rice wine with pale dry sherry
• cut your broccoli into uniform pieces
• feel free to substitute the broccoli for other veggies
• customize the oestrus with additional sriracha or chili sauce
• And to a higher place all, baby-sit your Beef and Broccoli leftovers, if there are any, because I can guarantee this Improve Than Takeout Beef  Broccoli recipe will leave you craving more!

HOW DO I THICKEN THE Stir Fry SAUCE?

The cornstarch in the Beef and Broccoli Sauce will thicken every bit it simmers with the broccoli.  If you all the same would like a thicker sauce, then just keep simmering until it reaches desired consistency.

HOW Do I Sparse THE SAUCE?

Your sauce volition go thicker the longer it is simmers. If information technology simmers to the point of likewise thick, don't worry! It is easy to thin past whisking in additional chicken broth or water..

HOW DO I Shop SAUCE?

The stir fry sauce can be fabricated ahead of time and stored in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for upward to 2 weeks.  Milkshake it up or whisk it to recombine before using.

The fantastic affair about stir fry sauce (aside from enlivening your entire stir fry) is that it can be whisked or shaken together in minutes, stored for weeks, and then just thrown into the skillet when you're ready to cook!

Beefiness AND BROCCOLI RECIPE VARIATIONS

While this Beef and Broccoli recipe is just right foru.s., you tin can conform it to make information technology just right for Y'all and your family'southward personal tastes.

• Sweeten it up: with additional brown sugar or swap the saccharide for love.
• Add sugariness rut: with Asian sweet chili sauce.
• Spice information technology up:add additional Asian chili sauce to gustatory modality.
• Add herbs such as Thai basil, coriander or cilantro.
• Amp up the garlic and/or ginger:for a stronger punch of flavor.
• Swap veggies:with your favorites or you can combine the broccoli with other veggies.
• Add crisis: with peanuts or cashews; take care to purchase raw, unsalted nuts and so your recipe isn't too salty.  To elevate your cashews or peanuts, dry roast them in a skillet until toasted- YUM!
• Water chestnuts: are delightfully crunchy and easy to discover at any grocery store.
• Sesame seeds:  add together a nutty sesame flavor.  Take care to use toasted sesame seeds or toast them yourself.
• Fruit:pineapple, Mandarin oranges, chopped pineapple or mangos add a juicy, fresh, sweet dimension. They are the sweet ying to the umami yang– just like I used inn my teriyaki beef stir fry.  If you're intimidated by choosing or cutting mangos, cheque out this postal service here.  For the oranges, fresh oranges hold together better but canned or super convenient.
• Ramen:stir in some cooked ramen direct into the stir fry instead of serving over rice.

WHAT VEGETABLES CAN I ADD?

This Chinese Beef and Broccoli recipe is delectable in its simplicity or you can mix and friction match the veggies based on what'southward in your refrigerator, your favorites, what'due south in season or what's on sale. You lot will want to equally swap the broccoli for the other veggies to maintain the veggie/sauce ratio.   Hither are some great vegetables for stir fries:

• Carrots
• Mushrooms
• Bell Peppers
• Snow Peas
• Snap Peas
• Zucchini
• Celery
• Asparagus
• Baby corn
• Edamame
• Edible bean sprouts
• Cabbage (greenish or blood-red)
• Spinach
• Bok choy

HOW TO Store and reheat BEEF and BROCCOLI

This like shooting fish in a barrel Beef and Broccoli reheats wonderfully for lunches or dinners, just take care to not overcook the broccoli initially.

• How to store:  Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
• How to reheat in microwave:transfer modest portions to a microwave safe dish, heat for ane minute, stir and so continue to oestrus at 30 second intervals.
• How to reheat on the stove: For larger portions, rewarm gently in a large skillet, stirring often.

HOW TO PREP BEEF AND BROCCOLI Ahead OF TIME

Beef and Broccoli has a few steps, but you can prep EVERYTHING ahead of time and then all that's left to do at dinnertime is cook! Here's how:

• Slice Beef:you can practice this at whatsoever time before marinating or merely before marinating then shop in an closed container in the refrigerator.
• Marinate beef:  marinate your beef  up to viii hours before cooking.
• Make stir fry sauce:  whisk the ingredients together up tot 24 hours in advance and shop, covered in the refrigerator.
• Chop broccoli:  you tin chop your garlic, grate your ginger and chop your broccoli 24 hours in advance and store in separate air tight containers in the refrigerator.
• Melt!  At present all that's left to practise is stir fry and dinner is served in less than ten minutes!

WHAT SHOULD I SERVE WITH BROCCOLI Beefiness?

Broccoli Beef is explosively flavorful and then it pairs well with evidently white or brown to soak up all the sauce and for a neutral textural component because sauce is And so flavorful. Here are some options:

• Rice. I similar jasmine rice or brown rice but any rice will work.  Just popular the rice in your rice cooker for a hands-off, easy side. You tin can also use microwave rice pouches if you're making a serving for one or meal prep.
• Low carb.Cauliflower rice, quinoa or a blend of brown rice and any of the aforementioned options.   You lot can too use low carb noodles such as zoodles or spaghetti squash.
• Noodles.  Ramen, soba noodles, rice noodles or even linguine are a fun manner to mix things up!

WHAT SIDES DO YOU SERVE WITH  BROCCOLI BEEF?

In addition to rice, you can serve your Broccoli Beef with appetizers, soup, salad and/or fruit:

• Appetizers:You can plough Beef and Broccoli into a feast by pairing it with Chinese appetizers such as Crab Rangoons, Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Pineapple Cream Cheese Wontons,  Sesame Chicken Egg Rolls, Sweet and Sour Chicken Egg Rolls or Chinese Craven Wings.  It is also delicious with potstickers, fifty-fifty though they are technically Japanese and non Chinese.
• Soup: Let the Chinese banquet continue with soup!  I love to warm up to Egg Drop Soup  which is SUPER piece of cake and always a sultry, satisfying favorite.
• Salad:  This Beefiness and Broccoli recipe pairs wonderfully with a fresh, crunchy salad such as Crunchy Asian Salad, Chinese Salad, or Asian Pineapple Salad.
• Fruit:fresh fruit such equally chopped pineapple is always an piece of cake, welcome sweet stir fry side.Grilled Pineapple, Summertime Fruit Salad, Perfect Fruit Salad, Creamy Grape Salad, and Pina Colada Fruit Salad are likewise fantastic.

CAN Yous FREEZE Beef BROCCOLI?

Yes, Beef and Broccoli freezes well, except for the broccoli.  The broccoli freezes okay, just you may want to pick it out and add freshly stir fried broccoli when reheating. Too, have care not to overcook the beef or information technology won't be every bit tender when reheated.

To freeze:

1. Permit Broccoli Beefiness absurd completely in the refrigerator.
2. Transfer to an airtight container.  If using a freezer bag, squeeze out any backlog air to forbid freezer burn.
3. Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
4. When ready to eat, let Beefiness and Broccoli defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
5. Reheat in the microwave for threescore seconds then at 30 2d intervals or gently on the stove.

LOOKING FOR More than CHINESE FAKEOUT TAKEOUT RECIPES?

• Mongolian Chicken
• Asian Caramel Pulled Pork
• Cashew Chicken
• Pineapple Ginger Chicken
• Coconut Cashew Chicken
• Honey Lemon Chicken

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Extra

• six medium garlic cloves, minced
• ane tablespoon minced ginger
• pinch-1/iv teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• peanut oil or vegetable oil
• 3 ½ – 4 cups broccoli florets cut into chip size pieces
• 1/4 cup water
• three green onions, sliced (optional)

• Cascade marinade ingredients directly into freezer bag and mix well. Add beef and massage in marinade. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate for 2-viii hours.

• When gear up to brand Beef and Broccoli, whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.

• In another pocket-size bowl, combine garlic, ginger, ruby-red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon peanut oil. Ready aside.

• Drain backlog marinade off of beef (if in that location is any).

• *Work in 2 batches if your beef cannot fit in 1 layer.* Heat 1 ½ teaspoons peanut oil/vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat until very hot and sizzling. Add together beef to the skillet and break up whatever clumps; melt without stirring for 1 infinitesimal, so stir and cook until beef is browned and virtually cooked through, about i-2 minutes (it will cook more in the sauce). Don't overcook or it won't be as tender! Transfer beef to a big plate and cover.

• Add together 1 tablespoon peanut oil/vegetable oil to the now-empty skillet; oestrus until very hot and sizzling. Add the broccoli and saute for xxx seconds. Add water, encompass pan, and lower estrus to medium. Steam broccoli until well-baked-tender, almost 2 minutes.

• Push the broccoli to the sides of the skillet and add the garlic/ginger/red pepper/oil to the center of the pan, mashing the mixture with a spoon, until fragrant, about 15 to 20 seconds, so stir the mixture into the broccoli.

• Return the beef to the skillet and toss to combine. Whisk the sauce to recombine then add together to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is thickened and beef is cooked through, about 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with the green onions and serve.

Don't miss the "how to brand" recipe video at the summit of the post!

• Hoisin Sauce is a Chinese Charcoal-broil sauce and can be found in all supermarkets in the Asian alley (alongside the oyster sauce). This recipe only calls for it in the marinade, and so it is not essential, only definitely good to accept in the pantry! (I utilise it in manny recipes).
• Rice wine is Non rice vinegar- Exercise Non switch them out.  Rice wine adds a sweet and depth of season.  Rice vinegar, on the other hand will add an acidic flavour.  I employ "Kikkoman Aji-Mirin: Sugariness Cooking Rice Seasoning" which is normally plant in the Asian section of most grocery stores or y'all tin Amazon information technology.  I highly suggest you lot google epitome before you lot head off to the grocery shop then you know exactly what y'all are looking for.  The best substitute for rice vino is pale dry sherry.
• Oyster sauce: If you accept done a lot of Asian cooking, yous probably accept cooked with information technology earlier, and if you haven't, you are going to love it!  Oyster sauce is a staple in Asian cooking.  It is a thick, brown sauce with a balance between sweet and salty with an earthy undertone, due to the oyster extracts.  You can discover oyster sauce in the Asian aisle of any supermarket for only a few dollars.  My personal favorite is Lee Kum Kee, which is only a fewmoredollars. Non all oyster sauce is created equal. The quality of oyster sauce will impact the flavor, so if you want the extra "oomph" to your dish, go with a skillful quality sauce.

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Recipe Adapted from America'southward Exam Kitchen

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Source: https://carlsbadcravings.com/secret-ingredient-better-than-takeout-beef-and-broccoli/

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