Beef and Broccoli: A Restaurant-Quality Recipe You Can Make at Home
This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality Beef and Broccoli dish, all from the comfort of your own kitchen! Forget takeout – this is faster, healthier, and tastes amazing. We'll focus on achieving that perfect balance of tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Get ready to impress!
Ingredients You'll Need:
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For the Beef:
- 1 lb beef sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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For the Broccoli:
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Beef:
- Thinly slice the beef: This is crucial for achieving tender beef. If your slices are too thick, they'll be tough.
- Marinate the beef: In a bowl, combine the sliced beef, 1/4 cup cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (longer is better!). This helps tenderize the beef and gives it flavor.
Cooking the Beef:
- Stir-fry the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned, about 2-3 minutes. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. Remove the cooked beef and set aside.
Cooking the Broccoli:
- Blanch the broccoli (optional): For extra-crisp broccoli, you can blanch it first. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the broccoli florets, and cook for 1-2 minutes until bright green but still slightly firm. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- Stir-fry the broccoli: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the wok or skillet. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
Making the Sauce and Combining Everything:
- Whisk the sauce ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
- Combine and simmer: Add the cooked beef and broccoli to the wok or skillet. Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli. Stir well and cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the ingredients evenly.
Serving:
Serve your Beef and Broccoli hot over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds (optional) for an extra touch.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcook the beef or broccoli: Overcooked beef will be tough, and overcooked broccoli will be mushy. Aim for tender-crisp vegetables and nicely browned beef.
- Use high heat: High heat is essential for getting a good sear on the beef and keeping the broccoli crisp.
- Adjust the sauce to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar, soy sauce, or rice vinegar to your liking. Some people prefer a sweeter sauce, while others prefer a more savory one.
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