Better-Than-Takeout Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

The Magic Behind Everyday Beef and Broccoli

Ever craved a dish that perfectly merges the western love for beef with the oriental crunch of broccoli? Well, you're in luck! Today, we're whipping up an Everyday Beef and Broccoli recipe that's guaranteed to tickle your taste buds and leave you yearning for more. It's a tantalizing fusion of East meets West, and it's about to rock your culinary world.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Meat

• 200g beef, cut into strips

For the Marinade

• 1 tbsp Shaoxing cooking wine
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp baking soda

For the Stir-Fry

• 1 tsp of oil
• 300 grams broccoli, cut into pieces
• 1 tbsp minced garlic

For the Sauce

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp ground black pepper, to taste

The Cooking Process

1. Begin by marinating the beef strips in the cooking wine, soy sauce, cornstarch, black pepper, and baking soda. This process tenderizes the beef and allows it to absorb the flavors, making it juicier and more delicious.
2. While the beef marinates, Make the sauce. Combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, water, sugar, and black pepper to create a savory and slightly sweet concoction that'll elevate your stir-fry to the next level.
3. After marinating, stir-fry the beef until just cooked and then set it aside. Remember, we'll be adding it back later, so don't worry if it's a tad undercooked.
4. Now, onto the greens. Stir fry the garlic and the broccoli. When the broccoli is almost tender, add the sauce to thicken a bit. Cook until the sauce is thickened a bit or the brocooli is tender.
5. Once everything's cooked to perfection, add back the beef and give them a final toss in the pan, then serve.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of 150g contains approximately the following:

• Calories: 250
• Carbohydrate Content: 20g
• Cholesterol Content: 50mg
• Fat Content: 10g
• Protein Content: 20g
• Saturated Fat Content: 3g
• Serving Size: 150g
• Sodium Content: 500mg
• Sugar Content: 5g
• Trans Fat Content: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat Content: 7g

Perfect Pairings: What Goes with Beef and Broccoli?

The versatility of this dish means it can be paired with an array of sides. Consider serving it with a bowl of fluffy jasmine rice or noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce. Looking for a low-carb alternative? Cauliflower rice does the trick!

Top Tips and Secrets to Make the Best Everyday Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Freezing the beef before cutting it can make the process easier and help you get thin, even slices.
• Don't overcrowd the pan when stir-frying. It could lower the pan's temperature and cause your food to steam instead.
• If you like your broccoli a bit crunchy, blanch it before stir-frying.
• Be sure to marinate the beef in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to ensure you will get a more tender result
• If you can, use tender cuts of beef like sirloin. If using less tender parts of beef, marinade for slightly longer.
• Cut the beef and broccoli in roughly similar-sized pieces so they cook in roughly the same time.
• When stir-frying the beef, do not overcook to avoid drying up the meat.
• Preheat the wok or pan before adding the beef to help prevent the beef from sticking to the pan.
• Try to sear the beef by stir-frying in small batches. Overcrowding the pan will cause the beef to steam and will end up soggy and will have less flavour.
• Stir-fry the broccoli separately to ensure not to overcook them. Check that it should be just tender, with a bright green color.
• Serve the stir-fry over a bed of white or brown rice to soak up all of the delicious sauce.

Can't Find an Ingredient? Here's What You Can Do

We've all been there - you're ready to cook, and suddenly, you can't find that one ingredient! Don't worry; here are some alternatives:

• No Shaoxing wine? Dry sherry or mirin can work as an excellent substitute.
• If you can't find oyster sauce, try Hoisin sauce or a blend of soy sauce and fish sauce.
• Note that dark soy sauce is not the same as light soy sauce in that dark soy sauce is not as salty than light soy sauce. Therefore, if you don't have dark soy sauce, we suggest to omit it instead of replacing it with light soy sauce unless you want to add more saltiness to your dish.

FAQs

How long can I store leftover Beef and Broccoli?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Can I freeze Beef and Broccoli for later?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Store it in freezer-safe containers and it should last for up to 2 months.

Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add in other veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby corn for extra crunch and flavor.

What kind of beef works best for this dish?

We recommend using flank steak or sirloin for the best results. They're tender, flavorful, and perfect for stir-frying.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute the beef with firm tofu or a meat substitute. Adjust the cooking time as needed.