Description
Whip up an Ultimate Beef and Broccoli Delight at home. This recipe brings restaurant taste home with simple steps and tender beef. A weeknight winner!
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or vegetable) for searing
- Flavorful Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tbsp cold water (slurry)
- Beef Marinade:
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Finishing Touches:
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- Sliced green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Beef:: First things first, get that flank steak sliced thin, against the grain. This is crucial for tender beef; trust me, I learned that the hard way with some very chewy results initially. Then, toss it with a bit of soy sauce and cornstarch – a little marinade magic! I love how the beef starts to absorb that savory goodness even before cooking, promising a flavorful Ultimate Beef and Broccoli Delight. Let it sit for about 15 minutes while you get everything else ready. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in texture.
- Whip Up the Sauce:: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. This is where the magic really starts to happen, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, aromatic concoction. Make sure that brown sugar dissolves completely; sometimes I forget and get little clumps, which isn’t the end of the world, but a smooth sauce is what we’re aiming for. This flavorful blend is key to a delicious Beef and Broccoli Delight.
- Blanch the Broccoli:: Bring a pot of water to a boil, then quickly blanch your broccoli florets for just 1-2 minutes until they’re bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking. This step ensures vibrant color and that perfect bite. I always smell the fresh broccoli as it steams, a little green burst of freshness! Don’t overcook them, or they’ll be mushy, and nobody wants sad, soggy broccoli in their Beef and Broccoli Delight.
- Sear the Beef:: Heat a little oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Add the beef in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear it quickly for 1-2 minutes per side until it’s beautifully browned. You want that lovely crust! I always get a little thrill seeing the beef sizzle and caramelize. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside; it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later, ensuring it stays tender for our Ultimate Beef and Broccoli Delight.
- Build the Sauce:: In the same pan, if needed, add a touch more oil. Pour in your prepared sauce mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. This is where you really start to smell all those amazing aromas coming together – the ginger, the garlic, the savory soy. Let it bubble for a minute, then make sure it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thin, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a bit of water) until it reaches your desired consistency. Don’t be afraid to adjust, I do it all the time!
- Combine and Serve:: Return the seared beef and blanched broccoli to the pan with the thickened sauce. Toss everything gently to coat, letting the beef warm through and the broccoli soak up all that incredible flavor. It should look glossy and inviting. This is the moment I always taste-test one last time, making sure it’s just right. Serve your warm, glistening Beef and Broccoli Delight immediately over fluffy rice. The smell is absolutely intoxicating, a true feast for the senses!