Easy Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry
Highlighted under: Simple Favorites
I absolutely love making this Easy Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry for a quick weeknight dinner. The simplicity of this dish is what makes it so appealing. In just a few steps, you can create a vibrant meal filled with tender beef and crisp broccoli, all coated in a savory sauce. Every time I make it, I appreciate how the colors pop on the plate and how quickly it comes together. It's a real time-saver without sacrificing flavor!
Each time I prepare this Easy Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry, I’m reminded of how my love for Asian flavors developed over the years. I vividly recall the first time I tasted a stir fry and marveled at how quickly the dish came together, a welcome reminder of the efficiency of wok cooking. I realized that the high heat helps maintain the vibrant colors and nutrients of the broccoli while keeping the beef tender.
Over the years, I've experimented with different sauces and vegetables, but returning to the classic soy sauce, garlic, and ginger always brings me back home. A tip I’ve learned is to slice the beef against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights
- Combination of tender beef and crunchy broccoli
- Savory sauce that enhances the natural flavors
Ingredient Insights
The choice of beef sirloin for this stir-fry is key, as it has the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. When sliced thinly against the grain, the meat remains juicy and easy to chew, ensuring each bite is satisfying. If you prefer a different cut, flank steak or tenderloin can also work, but make sure to watch cooking times to prevent toughness.
Broccoli not only adds a lovely crunch but also provides essential nutrients. Always choose firm, bright green florets, as they indicate freshness. If you want to switch it up, you can substitute asparagus or snap peas, which will impart a different flavor and texture to the dish without compromising the cooking process significantly.
Technique Tips
When heating your skillet or wok, aim for high heat. This allows you to achieve that coveted sear on the beef quickly while retaining moisture. The oil should shimmer, which indicates it's hot enough for stir-frying. If the oil begins to smoke, turn down the heat slightly to avoid burning your ingredients.
Timing is crucial, especially when you're stir-frying. Keep an eye on the broccoli; you want it to be bright green and still crisp, typically a quick 2-3 minutes in the hot skillet. Under-cooking ensures that it retains its vibrant color and nutrients, making for a visually appealing and healthful dish.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious stir fry:
For the Stir Fry
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Make sure everything is ready before you begin cooking for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to whip up your stir fry:
Prepare the Ingredients
Slice the beef against the grain and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Wash and cut the broccoli into florets. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over high heat until shimmering.
Cook the Beef
Add the beef to the hot skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove the beef and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Broccoli
Add the broccoli to the skillet and stir-fry for approximately 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp.
Combine and Serve
Return the beef to the skillet along with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes. Drizzle with sesame oil before serving.
Serve your stir fry over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the beef in soy sauce for 30 minutes before stir-frying. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa, which can absorb the delicious savory sauce. Another great option is to serve it over noodles, like udon or rice noodles, for a heartier meal.
For a colorful platter, consider adding sliced bell peppers or carrots to the stir-fry. They cook quickly and will bring added sweetness along with a vibrant hue, making the dish even more enticing.
Make-ahead and Storage
You can prep the beef and broccoli in advance; just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to cook, make sure to bring them to room temperature before stir-frying for the best results.
If you want to make a larger batch, this dish freezes well. Just cook it fully and allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! This recipe works well with chicken breast or thighs, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
→ What if I don't have oyster sauce?
You can substitute with extra soy sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a little bit of honey.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It's best served fresh, but you can pre-chop the ingredients and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure that the oyster sauce is also gluten-free.
Easy Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry
I absolutely love making this Easy Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry for a quick weeknight dinner. The simplicity of this dish is what makes it so appealing. In just a few steps, you can create a vibrant meal filled with tender beef and crisp broccoli, all coated in a savory sauce. Every time I make it, I appreciate how the colors pop on the plate and how quickly it comes together. It's a real time-saver without sacrificing flavor!
Created by: India Rutherford
Recipe Type: Simple Favorites
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Stir Fry
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How-To Steps
Slice the beef against the grain and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Wash and cut the broccoli into florets. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over high heat until shimmering.
Add the beef to the hot skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove the beef and set aside.
Add the broccoli to the skillet and stir-fry for approximately 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp.
Return the beef to the skillet along with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes. Drizzle with sesame oil before serving.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the beef in soy sauce for 30 minutes before stir-frying. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g