Savory and Delicious Beef Broccoli: A Classic Asian Dish

Ingredients

1 pound of beef, sliced into thin strips
2 cups of broccoli florets
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 tablespoon of garlic, minced
1/4 cup of oyster sauce
1/4 cup of soy sauce
1/4 cup of water
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper

Steps and instructions

In a bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, water, cornstarch, sugar, and black pepper. Set this aside for later.
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté until it becomes aromatic.
Add the beef strips to the pan and cook until they are browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add the broccoli florets to the pan and stir to combine them with the beef.
Pour the sauce mixture that was set aside earlier over the beef and broccoli. Stir to evenly coat the ingredients with the sauce.
Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is cooked to your preferred level of tenderness.
Once the broccoli is cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Your beef broccoli is ready to be served!

Tools for making

Cutting board - A surface for safely slicing and preparing the ingredients.
Knife - Used for slicing the beef and preparing the broccoli.
Bowl - Used for mixing the sauce ingredients together.
Pan - A cooking vessel for sautéing the garlic, beef, and broccoli.
Spatula - A utensil for stirring and flipping the ingredients in the pan.
Cover or Lid - Used to cover the pan during simmering.

Recipe variations

Substitute chicken or shrimp for the beef to create Chicken Broccoli or Shrimp Broccoli.
Add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas to enhance the dish.
For a vegetarian option, replace the beef with tofu or tempeh.
Spice it up by adding red pepper flakes or Sriracha for a touch of heat.
Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor and texture.
For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
Experiment with different sauces like hoisin sauce or teriyaki sauce for a unique twist.
Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
For a healthier option, steam the broccoli separately and serve it alongside the beef instead of cooking them together.

Recipe overview

This Beef Broccoli recipe is a classic dish that's loved by many for its savory and distinct flavors. It's a quick and easy stir-fry recipe that perfectly blends the tender, juicy strips of beef with the crisp, fresh broccoli florets, all coated in a rich sauce that's packed with oriental flavors. The recipe involves simple steps, starting from preparing the sauce, sautéing the meat, to combining everything together. It shouldn't take you more than 30 minutes to prepare this mouthwatering dish. The result is a beautiful, hearty, and delicious meal that's perfect for a family dinner. Serve it with some steamed rice for a complete dining experience. Enjoy cooking!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef? Yes, you can use other meats such as chicken or pork in place of beef for this recipe.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if fresh broccoli is not available. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the recipe.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is there a substitute for oyster sauce? If you don't have oyster sauce on hand, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or soy sauce mixed with a little bit of sugar for a similar flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it's best to enjoy beef broccoli immediately after cooking, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Pan - You'll need a frying pan or skillet to cook the beef and broccoli.
Bowl - A mixing bowl is necessary for combining the sauce ingredients.
Spatula - Use a spatula to stir and flip the beef and broccoli while cooking.
Cover/Lid - A pan cover or lid will be needed to simmer the dish.
Knife - You'll need a sharp knife for slicing the beef into thin strips.
Cutting board - A cutting board is necessary for preparing the broccoli and slicing the beef.
Measuring cups - You'll need measuring cups to accurately measure the ingredients for the sauce.

Origin stories

Beef Broccoli, widely recognized as a Chinese dish, actually has its roots in America. It's part of a broader category of dishes known as "American Chinese" cuisine, developed by Chinese immigrants adapting their cooking to the ingredients available in America while trying to cater to American tastes. The use of broccoli is a prime example of this adaptation. In traditional Chinese cuisine, a similar dish would be made using gai lan or Chinese broccoli, a leafy vegetable with a slightly bitter taste. However, this vegetable was not widely available in America, leading cooks to substitute it with the similarly textured, but more sweet and mild, broccoli that we know today. So, next time you enjoy this dish, remember you're getting a taste of a wonderful fusion created by the blending of cultures.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.