Ah, beef with broccoli sauce – a dish that brings together the succulent texture of beef with the crisp, fresh taste of broccoli, all wrapped up in a savory, flavorful sauce. If you're looking for a dish that's both easy to prepare and impressively delicious, this beef with broccoli recipe is your go-to. Let's dive into creating this beloved Chinese-American classic at home!
Ingredients You'll Need
- 400 grams of flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 cups of broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (for velveting the beef)
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda (optional, for tenderizing the beef)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
- 1/2 cup of beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce (for the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Steps
Let's prepare the beef:
- Mix the beef slices with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, baking soda (if using), and cornstarch in a bowl. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- Blanch the broccoli for 2 minutes in boiling salted water, then immediately shock in ice water to retain color and crunch. Drain and set aside.
Cooking Method
Velveting the Beef
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add the marinated beef slices and quickly sear them until they turn slightly brown but are not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Making the Sauce
Now, let’s create the perfect sauce:
- In the same wok, lower the heat to medium, add a bit more oil if necessary, and sauté the ginger and garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth, add soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and a bit of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then slowly add the cornstarch slurry while continuously stirring until the sauce thickens.
Combining and Finishing the Dish
- Return the beef to the wok and toss it in the sauce to coat thoroughly.
- Add the blanched broccoli and mix until everything is heated through and well-coated with the sauce. Cook for just a couple of minutes more to maintain the crunch of the broccoli.
Once everything is well combined, your beef with broccoli sauce is ready to serve!
🧑🍳 Note: If you're new to velveting, this step is crucial for tender, juicy beef. Ensure you slice the beef against the grain for the best texture.
At the end of your culinary journey, you'll have a dish that not only looks fantastic but also tastes like a restaurant special. The combination of tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and the harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and umami flavors from the sauce will delight your taste buds. It's a perfect meal for a family dinner, a date night, or even when you're cooking for one.
This simple yet elegant dish is proof that good food doesn't have to be complicated. With fresh ingredients and straightforward steps, you can master this beef with broccoli recipe in no time, impressing anyone lucky enough to share the meal with you.
To enhance your cooking experience or just to explore more about Chinese cuisine, let's dive into some commonly asked questions about this dish.
Can I substitute other vegetables for broccoli?
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Yes, you can use asparagus, bell peppers, or snap peas as alternatives. Adjust cooking time as some vegetables might take less time to cook.
What’s the secret to tender beef in this recipe?
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The secret is in the process called velveting, where you marinate the beef in cornstarch, soy sauce, and sometimes baking soda before quickly searing it. This helps to tenderize the meat and lock in moisture.
How can I make this dish healthier?
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Use less oil for cooking, reduce the amount of sugar and soy sauce in the sauce, or substitute them with low-sodium or natural sweeteners. Also, add more vegetables to increase fiber content.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
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Yes, by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and checking the ingredients of your oyster and hoisin sauces for gluten. Ensure cornstarch is also gluten-free.
