You'll love digging into a plate of beef with broccoli – it's a classic Chinese-American dish that's quick, easy, and packed with savory, crave-worthy flavors! This dish originated in the 1940s and quickly became a staple at Chinese restaurants across the country. The secret is combining tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce made with soy, garlic, and ginger. It's a complete meal when served over fluffy steamed rice. Not only is it delicious, but it's also nutritious, with protein from the beef and vitamins from the broccoli. Keep reading to learn the full recipe and cooking steps!
Key Takeaways
- Beef with broccoli is a classic Chinese-American dish that combines tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce, making it a popular weeknight dinner option.
- The dish originated in the 1940s and has become a staple on Chinese restaurant menus across the United States due to its adaptability to local tastes.
- Key ingredients include beef sirloin, broccoli, soy sauce, cornstarch, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and sesame oil for a balanced flavor profile.
- Beef with broccoli is nutritious, providing a complete protein source from the beef and essential vitamins and fiber from the broccoli, while being low in calories.
- The recipe is easy to prepare, with a quick cooking time and minimal cleanup, making it a family-friendly dish that can be customized to individual preferences.
History
Beef with broccoli is a beloved Chinese-American dish that originated in the 1940s. This tasty creation grew out of the increasing popularity of Chinese cuisine in the United States.
As more Chinese immigrants settled in America, they began adapting traditional dishes to suit local tastes. Beef with broccoli combined the savory flavors of beef with the crunchy texture of fresh broccoli, all cooked in a flavorful sauce.
The dish quickly became a staple at Chinese restaurants across the country. Customers loved the balance of tender meat and crisp vegetables, as well as the bold, umami-rich sauce.
Over time, beef with broccoli evolved, with chefs experimenting with different cuts of beef and seasonings to create their own signature versions.
Today, it remains one of the most popular Chinese-American dishes, enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're craving a hearty, comforting meal or a taste of Chinese culture, beef with broccoli is sure to satisfy.
Recipe
Beef with Broccoli is a classic Chinese-American dish that combines tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce. It's a quick and easy meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.
The key to making delicious Beef with Broccoli is to start with high-quality ingredients and use the right cooking techniques. Slicing the beef thinly and marinating it in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and seasonings helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 lb broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Add the beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's no longer pink, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the broccoli and beef broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
Return the beef to the pan, and add the oyster sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the beef is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the Beef with Broccoli over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Cooking Steps
Alright, let's get cooking!
First, you'll need to slice that beef into nice thin strips.
Next, quickly blanch the broccoli florets to keep 'em nice and crisp.
Then, it's time to sauté the beef with some tasty aromatics.
Step 1. Slice Beef Into Thin Strips
Slicing the beef into thin, even strips is a crucial step in preparing this dish.
You'll want to use a sharp knife to carefully cut the beef against the grain into long, thin slices. This will help ensure the meat is tender and easy to chew.
Don't worry if the strips aren't perfectly uniform – a little variation is totally fine! Just try to make them about 1/4-inch thick.
Once you've sliced up all the beef, you can set the strips aside and move on to the next steps.
Remember, taking the time to properly prepare the ingredients will really make your beef and broccoli shine.
With the beef all sliced and ready to go, you're one step closer to enjoying a delicious, homemade meal. Now it’s time to move on to preparing the seasoning. Whether you’re following a family tradition or experimenting with a new *cumin lamb recipe*, the right blend of spices can make all the difference. A dash of cumin, garlic, and some chili flakes will elevate the flavor, giving your dish a rich, aromatic kick.
Keep up the good work!
Step 2. Blanch Broccoli Florets Briefly
Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Once the water's bubbling and ready, it's time to blanch those broccoli florets!
Grab the broccoli you chopped earlier and drop it into the boiling water.
Don't let it sit in there too long – just a quick 30-second dip is all you need.
This will help the broccoli get nice and tender without overcooking it.
After the time's up, scoop out the broccoli using a slotted spoon and give it a quick rinse under cold water.
This stops the cooking process and keeps the broccoli bright green and crisp.
Drain the blanched broccoli well, then set it aside while you finish up the other steps.
Blanching is a simple but important technique that'll make your broccoli perfect in the final dish.
Now let's move on to cooking the beef!
Step 3. Sauté Beef With Aromatics
With the broccoli blanched and ready to go, it's time to focus on cooking the beef. In a large skillet or wok, heat a couple tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef and sauté it until it's nicely browned on all sides, about 3-5 minutes.
Next, you'll want to add some aromatic veggies to the mix. Toss in some thinly sliced garlic, ginger, and maybe even some sliced scallions or shallots. Sauté everything together for about a minute, until the aromas start to fill the air.
At this point, you can pour in a flavorful sauce – maybe a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey or brown sugar. Let the sauce simmer for a couple minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4. Add Sauce and Simmer
At this point, you'll want to pour in a flavorful sauce to complement the sautéed beef. The key is to find a balance of sweet, savory, and a touch of heat. You'll need soy sauce, brown sugar, and a bit of crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk these together in a small bowl until the sugar has dissolved.
Now, pour the sauce right into the skillet with the beef. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens up nicely. You'll know it's ready when it coats the back of a spoon. Mmm, can you smell that? The flavors are really starting to meld together.
Once the sauce has thickened, toss in the broccoli florets. Give everything a good stir to coat the broccoli evenly. Let it all continue simmering for 2-3 more minutes, just until the broccoli is tender but still has a nice bite to it.
And there you have it – your beefy, saucy, broccoli-licious dish is ready to serve!
Step 5. Serve Over Steamed Rice
Serve the savory beef and broccoli mixture over a bed of steamed white rice. The rice will soak up all the delicious flavors from the dish, making every bite a tasty delight.
Be sure to use long-grain white rice for the best texture – it'll turn out fluffy and light. Fluff the rice with a fork before spooning the beef and broccoli on top. This way, the rice won't get mushy.
Don't be afraid to be generous with the portions – you'll want plenty of rice to balance out the rich, saucy beef. For a pop of color, you can sprinkle some chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds over the top.
The steamed rice provides the perfect canvas for the starring beef and broccoli. Get ready to dig in and enjoy this satisfying meal! The combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and fluffy rice is simply irresistible. If you’re looking for a little extra something to round out the meal, consider trying a tangyuan recipe for dessert. These sweet, glutinous rice balls filled with sesame paste or red bean paste are a popular treat in Chinese cuisine. The soft and chewy texture pairs perfectly with the savory beef and broccoli dish, making it a delightful way to end the meal.
Final Thoughts
The beef with broccoli recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors that can elevate your weeknight meals. You'll find this dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty and satisfying.
Just as Fried Catfish is a staple in Southern cuisine, this dish brings a comforting essence to your dinner table. The tender beef and crisp broccoli come together in a savory sauce that's both comforting and complex.
Don't be afraid to get creative and customize the recipe to your liking – you could try adding mushrooms, water chestnuts, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Serve it over a bed of steamed rice and you've got a complete, nutritious meal the whole family will enjoy.
With its crowd-pleasing flavors and simple preparation, beef with broccoli is sure to become a new weeknight favorite in your household.
Dig in and savor every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beef With Broccoli a Traditional Chinese Dish?
While beef and broccoli is a popular Chinese-American dish, it's not considered a traditional Chinese dish. The combination of ingredients and preparation method is more reflective of Western influences on Chinese cuisine.
Can Vegetarians Substitute the Beef With Tofu?
Yes, vegetarians can easily substitute the beef with tofu in this dish. The tofu will absorb the flavors of the sauce and provide a protein-rich alternative to the traditional meat.
How Can I Make Beef With Broccoli Healthier?
To make your dish healthier, you can reduce the amount of beef and increase the proportion of broccoli. Additionally, opt for lean beef cuts, use low-sodium soy sauce, and incorporate more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
How Long Does Beef With Broccoli Keep in the Fridge?
Beef with broccoli can typically last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container. The key is to ensure the dish is cooled completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.
What Sides Pair Well With Beef With Broccoli?
When pairing sides with a stir-fry dish, you'll want to choose complementary options that won't overwhelm the flavors. Consider serving it with steamed rice, chow mein noodles, or a refreshing Asian-inspired salad for a well-balanced meal.
Li Wei is an authentic Chinese cooking expert specializing in regional and classic Chinese dishes. From hand-pulled noodles to delicate dim sum and traditional stir-fries, his culinary expertise showcases the variety of Chinese cuisine. Li Wei’s recipes emphasize simplicity, tradition, and rich, flavorful sauces.
