Better Than Takeout Beef and Broccoli
Better Than Takeout Beef And Broccoli
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |
Alright, let's dive into a dish that's way better than takeout : my beef and broccoli recipe ! ever get that craving for homemade chinese food , but dread the delivery fees? i get it.
This recipe is the answer. we're talking tender beef, crisp broccoli, and that classic savory sweet sauce that just hits the spot.
Beef and Broccoli: Your New Weeknight Hero
Do you know the great wall of china? I like to believe I can build one with Beef Broccoli as good as it is with how quickly I can make it.
This beef with broccoli recipe isn't just tasty; it's a quick trip down memory lane. it reminds me of family dinners and weekend takeout feasts.
I'm sure you have some memories attached to this dish. originating from chinese american cuisine, beef and broccoli has become a staple.
It's easy, clocking in at about 35 minutes from start to finish. this easy beef and broccoli serves about 4 hungry folks.
Why You'll Fall in Love with This Recipe
Listen, aside from being ridiculously delicious, this recipe is packed with protein and vitamins. boom! healthy ish, right? it’s the perfect dish for a busy weeknight when you need something satisfying.
Honestly, it makes this homemade with love . what makes this so special, you ask? it’s the balance of flavors and the fact that you control the ingredients.
Takeout? nah, we're doing it better. the secret is the high heat and quick cooking time. the beef stays tender, and the broccoli keeps its crunch.
Don't even get me started on the sauce.
Now, let's grab the ingredients. And hey, if you are feeling adventurous, try my recipe of Mapo Tofu next time!
Okay, let's dive into what you need to make some seriously better than takeout beef and broccoli . honestly, this beef with broccoli recipe is so simple, you'll ditch the delivery apps forever.
I swear!
Ingredients & Equipment
First things first. This Homemade Chinese Food needs the right stuff. And no, you don't need a wok burner the size of a small car!
Main Ingredients
Here's what you'll grab, both in good ol' US and those fancy metric measurements. Remember, fresh is best!
- Beef: 1 lb ( 450g ) flank steak. Look for a nice, red color with good marbling. That's where the flavor is. Slice it thinly against the grain. Super important!
- Broccoli: 1 head (about 4 cups or 350g ). Pick firm broccoli with tight, dark green florets. Avoid any that are yellowing.
- Soy Sauce: For beef marinating, 1 tbsp ( 15ml ). For the sauce, 1/4 cup ( 60ml ). Lower sodium is preferred, trust me on this.
- Cornstarch: For beef marinating, 1 tbsp ( 15ml ). For the sauce, 2 tbsp ( 30ml ).
- Sesame Oil: For beef marinating and the sauce, 1 tsp ( 5ml ) each.
- Ground Ginger: For beef marinating and the sauce, 1/2 tsp ( 2.5ml ) each.
- Black Pepper: For beef marinating, 1/4 tsp ( 1.25ml ).
- Beef Broth or Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ).
- Brown Sugar: 2 tbsp ( 30ml ), packed.
- Oyster Sauce: 2 tbsp ( 30ml ). This is the secret sauce, gives it that authentic taste. I'll give ya'll some choices if you can't find or don't want to use oyster sauce later on!
- Garlic: 1 clove for the sauce, 2 cloves for the stir fry.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional). If you like a kick .
- Vegetable Oil or Peanut Oil: 1 tbsp ( 15ml ). Peanut oil has a higher smoke point, so it’s great for stir frying.
Seasoning Notes
Spices are where the magic happens, y'all.
This Easy Beef And Broccoli relies on a few key combos: Soy sauce and ginger are BFFs. Oyster sauce adds umami depth. Brown sugar balances it all out.
Essential spices? Soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil. Don't go overboard with the sesame oil. A little goes a long way.
No oyster sauce? no problem! hoisin sauce works great. or, add a little extra soy sauce and a pinch of sugar.
You're aiming for that savory sweet thing. you know? ketchup or fish sauce also provide a source of umami.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple.
- Large wok or skillet. A well seasoned wok is amazing, but a big skillet will do.
- Mixing bowls. For marinating the beef and mixing the sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Obvi.
- Cutting board and sharp knife. Gotta slice that beef!
You can use a regular ol' frying pan if you don't have a wok. honestly, don't sweat it! this beef broccoli is all about getting dinner on the table.
Sometimes i make mapo tofu with it, it is so delicious.
Alright, let's dive into making some seriously good beef and broccoli . forget that takeout menu, 'cause this better than takeout version is gonna blow your mind.
Trust me, this is homemade chinese food at its finest, and so easy a caveman could do it. and guess what? forget the msg-laden stuff from the local joint.
This beef and broccoli recipe is made homemade with love .
Prep Like a Pro
Getting organized is key. think of it as your cooking superpower. first, the essential mise en place . that just fancy talk for having everything chopped and ready to go.
Slice 1 lb (450g) of flank steak super thin. i mean paper thin! then, chop your broccoli into nice little florets.
About 4 cups . got it? now for the sauce. mix that all up in a bowl. easy peasy. time saving tip: marinate your beef while you prep everything else.
It'll be extra flavorful. and remember, kids, kitchen safety first. keep those fingers away from the knife!
Stir Fry Showdown: Step-by-Step
Okay, the fun part!
- Marinate that sliced beef. At least 15 minutes is good. 30 minutes in the fridge is better.
- Whisk up your sauce. Beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar... you know the drill.
- Blanch the broccoli for 2 minutes . Trust me, it stays nice and green.
- Heat some oil in a wok 'til it's smoking. Add the beef. Stir fry for 3- 4 minutes .
- Add garlic and ginger. Then the broccoli. Stir fry for 2- 3 minutes .
- Pour in that sauce. Simmer 'til it thickens. About 1- 2 minutes .
- Beef back in! Toss it all together. Heat through.
- Serve over rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Boom!
Beef With Broccoli Recipe: Pro Tips
Want to level up your stir fry game? here's the tea. first, slice that beef against the grain . it's a game changer.
High heat is your friend. get that wok screaming hot! common mistake? overcrowding the wok. do it in batches if you have to.
Want to make it ahead? cook everything separately. then combine it all when you're ready to serve. that way your broccoli is still crispy, and no one likes soggy broccoli! speaking of other amazing dishes: if you like the sound of all of this, you might want to try your hand at mapo tofu as well for more homemade chinese food .
Honestly, this easy beef and broccoli recipe is way better than takeout . give it a whirl, and you'll never look back.
You'll be saying "goodbye forever" to those sad, gloppy takeout boxes. so, give this beef broccoli a go. you know you want to! this broccoli recipe will become a family favorite, i promise.
Alright, let's dive into the nitty gritty of this killer beef and broccoli recipe . it's all about making it your own and knowing a few tricks to really nail it.
Honestly, once you've got this down, you'll be ditching the takeout menus. i’m just saying, homemade chinese food rocks!
Recipe Notes That Matter
Think of these as the cheat codes to your Beef Broccoli game! It's the little things that can make Beef With Broccoli Recipe go from "meh" to "OMG!".
Serving it Up Right
Okay, so presentation matters. trust me. plating this easy beef and broccoli is simple. a mound of fluffy rice with the beef and broccoli draped over it looks amazing.
Sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color. as for sides, egg rolls are classic.
Or, you know, go rogue and have some kimchi. hey, no judgment here! a light beer or even a chilled glass of green tea are solid choices to drink.
Presentation really elevates this broccoli recipe , and a pretty plate makes it taste even better, right?
Storing Like a Pro
Leftovers? if you don't devour the better than takeout beef and broccoli , pop it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It'll keep for about 3-4 days. freezing is an option, but the broccoli might get a little mushy. just being real.
To reheat, either microwave it (easy peasy) or toss it in a pan with a little oil until heated through.
Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165° f ( 74° c) . food safety, folks!
Remixing the Recipe
Want to spice things up? for a low-carb version, swap the rice for cauliflower rice. it works, i swear! if you're avoiding soy, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
As for seasonal swaps, in the fall, try adding some roasted butternut squash or sliced bell peppers. it brings a whole new vibe to the dish.
The Good Stuff Inside
So, the numbers. each serving of this beef and broccoli packs around 350 calories. you get a whopping 30g of protein and about 4g of fiber.
That beef and broccoli is good for you. broccoli is a superstar when it comes to vitamins and antioxidants, which is always a win.
Better than take out, made Homemade With Love !
Listen, this beef and broccoli is way more than just a recipe. it's about creating something delicious and satisfying in your own kitchen.
And honestly, that's the best feeling. so grab your wok, crank up the heat, and get ready to make some magic.
And if you're feeling adventurous, mapo tofu is next on your list. have fun with it, and don't be afraid to mess up.
That's how you learn. now go make some amazing beef and broccoli !
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my beef is tender in this beef and broccoli recipe?
The key to tender beef is all in the prep! First, slice the beef thinly against the grain. This breaks up the muscle fibers. Marinating it with cornstarch also helps to tenderize the beef and create a nice coating for the sauce to cling to.
Think of it like giving your beef a little spa treatment before its big stir fry debut!
Can I use frozen broccoli for this beef and broccoli recipe?
Absolutely, frozen broccoli is a perfectly acceptable shortcut, especially if you're short on time! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the wok. This will help prevent it from becoming soggy. Nobody wants soggy broccoli, unless you're my Nan making soup, and even then...
What's the best way to store leftover beef and broccoli?
To store leftover beef and broccoli, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can microwave it, but for best results, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
Think of it as giving your leftovers a little 'zhuzh' to bring them back to life!
Is there a way to make this beef and broccoli healthier?
You bet! To make this beef and broccoli dish healthier, use lean beef like sirloin or flank steak and trim off any visible fat. Reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content.
A good rule of thumb is always to look for simple substitutions!
What can I substitute for oyster sauce in this recipe?
If you don't have oyster sauce, don't fret! A good substitute is hoisin sauce, which has a similar sweet and savory flavor profile. You can use an equal amount of hoisin sauce in place of the oyster sauce.
If you don't have hoisin sauce either, you can simply omit the oyster sauce the dish will still be delicious, just slightly less complex in flavor. It's all about making do, isn't it, like rationing during the war!
Can I add other vegetables to my beef and broccoli?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add other veggies to your beef and broccoli. Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, and mushrooms all work wonderfully in this dish. Just add them to the wok along with the broccoli and stir fry until they are tender crisp. A little extra veg never hurt anyone, right?
Plus it gets you closer to your five-a-day!
