5 Easy Beef and Broccoli Recipes for Weeknight Dinners

Beef and broccoli is a classic Chinese-American dish that's beloved for its simplicity, flavor, and comforting appeal. It's a perfect go-to for a quick, yet satisfying weeknight meal. While the traditional recipe involves a specific balance of ingredients and techniques, modern kitchen creativity has given rise to various adaptations, each promising a delightful twist on the timeless favorite. Whether you're in a rush or looking to experiment, here are five easy beef and broccoli recipes to add to your dinner rotation:

Classic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by marinating the beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, half the minced garlic, and cornstarch for 15 minutes.
2. In a wok or large skillet, heat the oil over high heat, then sauté the remaining garlic briefly.
3. Add the marinated beef, stir-fry until browned, about 2-3 minutes, and remove from the pan.
4. In the same pan, add the broccoli with a splash of water, cover, and steam until tender-crisp.
5. Prepare the sauce by mixing beef broth, remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Pour into the pan with broccoli.
6. Return the beef to the pan, stir everything together until the sauce thickens.
7. Season with salt and pepper, serve over steamed rice or noodles.

💡 Note: For a healthier option, reduce the amount of oil used and consider stir-frying the broccoli first, which can enhance its flavor.

Beef and Broccoli with Spicy Hoisin Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 lb sirloin steak, sliced
• 4 cups broccoli
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 4 tablespoons Hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate the steak in 2 tablespoons of Hoisin sauce, Sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat the oil in a pan, add beef, cook until browned, remove.
3. Stir-fry broccoli until bright green, then return the beef to the pan.
4. Add the remaining Hoisin sauce, cook for a few more minutes, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Low-Carb Beef and Broccoli Noodle Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless beef, thinly sliced
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup coconut aminos or tamari (for soy-free)
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1-2 zucchinis, spiralized or sliced into noodles
• Fresh herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro

Instructions:

1. Cook the beef in a pan until just done, seasoning with salt and pepper.
2. Steam the broccoli, keeping it slightly undercooked.
3. Mix coconut aminos, fish sauce, and lime juice to create the sauce, pour over the beef and broccoli.
4. In a separate pan, sauté zucchini noodles with a bit of oil until just tender.
5. Serve by arranging the zucchini noodles in bowls, top with the beef and broccoli mix, and garnish with fresh herbs.

Beef and Broccoli in Oyster Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak, sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 cup chicken stock

Instructions:

1. Marinate beef in half the oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch mix.
2. In a skillet, heat oil, sauté garlic, then add beef, cook until almost done.
3. Add broccoli, remaining oyster sauce, and chicken stock, cook until the broccoli is tender.
4. Thicken the sauce with the cornstarch mixture if necessary, serve with rice.

One-Pot Beef and Broccoli Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cups broccoli, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. In a pot, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic, season with salt and pepper.
2. Add broccoli, soy sauce, and broth, cover and cook until broccoli is tender.
3. Top with cheese and breadcrumbs, bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

🍲 Note: This casserole version is perfect for meal prepping as it can easily be reheated.

Each of these recipes offers a unique spin on beef and broccoli, adapting the dish to various culinary preferences and dietary needs. From the traditional stir-fry to the modern low-carb noodle bowl or the cozy casserole, these recipes provide ample variety for any weeknight dinner scenario. The versatility of beef and broccoli as a dish is not only in its simple preparation but in the myriad ways it can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary restrictions.

Can I use chicken instead of beef in these recipes?

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Yes, chicken can be used as a substitute for beef. Keep in mind to adjust the cooking time since chicken cooks faster than beef, especially if using boneless, skinless pieces.

What can I use instead of oyster sauce if I don’t have any?

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You can substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, or a mix of fish sauce and sugar, although the flavor profile will differ slightly.

How can I make these dishes spicier?

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Add chili flakes, Sriracha, or minced chili peppers to the sauce for heat. You can also stir-fry dried chili peppers with the meat or vegetables.