Need a family meal? Try fast, flavorful Beef and Broccoli!
In some cases, what we here in the States think of as “Chinese food” or “Chinese takeout” is not actually food you’d be able to order in China—for instance, popular faves like General Tso’s chicken, chop suey, or crab rangoon are all westernized dishes. Beef and broccoli stir-fry is another one. Does it mean these favorites are any less delicious? No! Just products of American kitchens more than Chinese ones. In the case of beef and broccoli stir-fry, it was most likely based on sautéed beef with gai lan (also known as Chinese broccoli).
There was a point in my children’s lives where I had to really work to get fresh veggies into their meals. Yes, I tried the trick of “spinach brownies” or calling sweet potato fries “Halloween fries” during the fall months. But one dish that they’ve consistently eaten is beef and broccoli. The pieces of flank steak are tasty, the broccoli is flavorful (and most importantly, NOT mushy), and the sauce is just right—not overbearing or heavy.
You will love beef and broccoli because it’s easy and quick enough for a weeknight but can also be the centerpiece for a big gathering. Paired with steamed rice or cooked noodles, you’ve got a filling, yummy dinner in under 30 minutes. Beef and broccoli is a perfect illustration of how less is more—you don’t need a lot of ingredients to make good, tasty food. Even if you’re not much of a cook, this recipe is doable and will likely become a favorite.
Why Fresh Ginger Matters…
If you’re a novice at making Asian dishes, you may not have cooked with fresh ginger before. It’s not the same thing as the ground ginger in your spice cabinet! Plus the difference in flavor between the two is immense. Fresh ginger is a root that looks gnarled and knobby when you dig it out of the ground or see it in a produce bin. You need to peel it and then grate it using a box grater. The flavor is bright, a little spicy, and warm. If you can’t find the actual roots in your produce section, look for fresh ginger in a bottle or squeeze tube near the refrigerated fresh herbs in your produce section.
How to Make Ahead and Store
You can either prep the meat and broccoli ahead of time so everything is ready to go, or you can make the whole dish ahead of time and just warm it up in a hot skillet before serving. However, the former option of prepping ahead is the best make-ahead option. Beef and broccoli is best served fresh, right after it’s made, though you can store leftovers for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container in your refrigerator. If you also have rice left over, store it separately.
Serving Suggestions
If you have a rice steamer, get it cooking rice while you make beef and broccoli. Alternatively, you can serve beef and broccoli with lo mein noodles or whatever kinds of noodles your family likes. As for sides, you’ve got lots of options. During the chilly months, a bowl of Egg Drop Soup is lovely, or Asian Chicken Soup with Vegetable Dumplings. Try Delicious Bok Choy for another serving of veggies. If you’re short on time, consider using your air fryer to heat up some frozen egg rolls or your microwave for frozen dumplings. For something sweet after your meal, something light and fresh like Citrus Mint Fruit Salad is delicious.
Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small head of broccoli cut into florets
- 1/2 pound flank steak thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds
Stir-fry sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients for the stir-fry sauce in a small bowl, and stir well until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over high heat and add the olive oil. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 2 minutes until tender, then remove from the pan.
- In the same skillet brown the sliced meat on high heat for 2 minutes until almost cooked.
- Add the cooked broccoli to the meat and pour in the stir-fry sauce. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes. Stir to combine.
- Serve the beef and broccoli stir-fry over white rice and sprinkle with white sesame seeds. Enjoy!
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