5 Delicious Beef and Broccoli Recipes to Try Tonight

Beef and broccoli is a classic dish that's beloved for its rich flavors and the perfect balance between tender beef and crisp vegetables. Whether you're looking to impress at a dinner party or simply craving a nutritious meal, beef and broccoli can be transformed into an exciting dish with a variety of sauces and preparation methods. Here are five mouthwatering recipes that will make your dinner a hit!

The Traditional Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

If you’re a fan of the classic, you can’t go wrong with this traditional beef and broccoli stir fry. Here’s how to prepare it:

• 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup beef or vegetable stock
• Sesame oil for cooking
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Marinate the beef slices with soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch for at least 20 minutes.
2. Heat a wok or skillet over high heat, add sesame oil, then quickly sauté the garlic until aromatic.
3. Add the marinated beef, and stir-fry until it’s just cooked through. Remove beef from the wok.
4. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and stir-fry the broccoli until bright green and slightly tender.
5. Combine the beef and broccoli, pour in the stock, and bring to a simmer. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional soy sauce if necessary.

📌 Note: Overcooking the beef can make it tough. Keep it quick and keep it rare for the best texture.

Beef and Broccoli with Spicy Orange Sauce

Take your beef and broccoli to the next level with this spicy orange sauce. The citrusy zest adds a refreshing twist:

• 1 lb beef sirloin, cut into strips
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• Juice and zest of 1 orange
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Whisk together orange juice, zest, soy sauce, hoisin, and Sriracha for the sauce. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a pan, sear the beef until browned, then remove from the pan.
3. Add broccoli to the same pan and stir-fry until tender.
4. Return the beef to the pan, pour the sauce over, and thicken with cornstarch slurry. Cook until the sauce is glossy and thickened.

📌 Note: For a more intense orange flavor, use the zest of two oranges.

Beef and Broccoli Casserole

For a comforting and hearty dish, try this beef and broccoli casserole:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt, pepper, and thyme for seasoning

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain fat.
3. Stir in the soup, milk, half of the cheese, and the broccoli, then season to taste.
4. Transfer to a casserole dish, top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
5. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

In a casserole, the beef and broccoli dish not only becomes family-friendly but also allows for easy customization with additional veggies or cheeses.

Beef and Broccoli Salad

A lighter alternative, this beef and broccoli salad uses fresh ingredients to bring out a different side of beef:

• 1 lb flank steak, grilled or broiled to medium-rare, then sliced
• 3 cups broccoli florets, steamed or boiled until crisp-tender
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons minced ginger

Preparation:

1. In a bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, and ginger for the dressing.
2. Combine broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot in a large salad bowl. Add the beef slices.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss to coat. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Beef and Broccoli in Black Pepper Sauce

The flavors of black pepper, beef, and broccoli come together for a deep, savory experience with this black pepper sauce:

• 1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon black pepper, coarsely ground
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup beef broth

Preparation:

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and half of the black pepper. Add beef slices to marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a wok or skillet. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add the beef, cooking until browned.
3. Add broccoli to the pan, cook until bright green, then pour in the beef broth.
4. Simmer until the sauce thickens, sprinkle the remaining pepper over, and serve hot.

These recipes provide a spectrum of culinary techniques and flavor profiles to explore, making beef and broccoli not just a quick dinner option but also a canvas for creativity in the kitchen.

In this exploration of beef and broccoli, we've seen how a simple combination of ingredients can be transformed into an array of dishes that cater to different tastes and occasions. From the familiar comfort of a stir fry to the unique zest of orange sauce or the hearty casserole, there's a version for every palate. Adding these recipes to your repertoire not only ensures variety in your diet but also introduces new skills and flavors into your cooking. Whether you prefer your meal light and fresh or rich and savory, beef and broccoli stands as a testament to the versatility and depth of Chinese-inspired cuisine.

What’s the best cut of beef for stir fry?

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For stir fry, flank steak or sirloin are the best options because they are tender enough to cook quickly yet hold up well to high heat. These cuts also benefit from the marinade, which makes them even more flavorful and tender.

Can I make these recipes vegetarian?

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Absolutely! You can replace beef with tofu, tempeh, or seitan for protein. The sauces and preparations remain largely the same, ensuring the dishes are just as flavorful. Mushrooms can also add a meaty texture.

How do I store leftover beef and broccoli?

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Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be eaten within 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or stock to keep the dish moist.