Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry

Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry are delicious and so easy to make. Quick dinner during busy weeknights. Discover how to make tender and velvety beef with steamed rice. The whole family is sure will enjoy this dish!

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how to slice the beef

Nobody wants to chew a piece of meat with a rubbery texture. A couple of things to keep in mind are the type of cut and your marinade.

There are steps to remember when stir-frying beef slices. Use a tender-cut beef like sirloin, rib-eye, or top round, or maybe ask your butcher for the best-suited cut for your stir-fry beef. Look for the direction of the muscle fibers that run through the meat. Cut your beef against those grains. This technique shortens the fiber and becomes easier to chew.

Marinating the meat makes it flavorful and helps tenderize them. I used baking soda to neutralize the protein that makes it tender. I also add cornstarch to get a glossy texture finish to the beef. Stir-frying means using high heat, and it’s also fast cooking. Slice your beef thinly so that it’ll cook faster. The longer you cook those thin slices of beef the tougher it gets. 

These are some pointers to remember in achieving an enjoyable Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry dinner. You might want to check my Beef and Pepper stir-fry recipe for more ideas on how to get a nice stir-fry beef. 

ingredients and substitutions for beef and broccoli stir-fry

FOR THE MARINADE:

• Soy sauce. I always use less sodium soy sauce. This way, I can control the amount of salt, and I can add more if it needs to. 
• Baking soda –  is not a very familiar ingredient when marinating but it helps tenderize the meat.
• Rice vinegar –   is not only great for flavoring but it reacts with the baking soda that helps tenderize the meat.
• Cornstarch –  gives a nice glossy finish to the beef. 

FOR THE SAUCE:

• Soy sauce –  is a nice base for the sauce. It gives umami flavor and also a nice color to your dish.
• Oyster sauce – enhances the flavor that also gives lots of umami flavor. 
• Rice vinegar –  helps balance the flavor of your dish, especially if you’re using sweeteners
• Brown sugar –  sweetened the sauce but also gives a nice dark color to your dish
• Honey –  has a very earthy flavor that also lifts the flavor of the sauce.
• Red chili pepper flakes –  are added to the dish to give it some heat. 

FOR STIR-FRYING:

• Neutral cooking oil –  is an essential ingredient for frying any type of meat. Use a high smoke point oil to prevent the meat from burning.
• Minced garlic and ginger –  are the best aromatics to flavor any Asian cuisine
• Yellow onion –  is great for sauteing. It’s sweet and very aromatic.
• Broccoli –  is the best vegetable for stir-fry beef. It’s nutritious, has nice bright green color, and gives a little bit of crunchiness to the dish. 
• Option – drizzle some sesame oil and sprinkle sesame seeds at the end of cooking (for a nutty flavor). 

SUBSTITUTIONS:

• If you’re not a big fan of oysters, there’s an oyster sauce made from mushrooms. Look for the label that says – Vegetarian Oyster Sauce.
• You can use any type of veggies you like. Pick bell pepper, zucchini, bok choy, green cabbage, or cauliflower. 
• You can also use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of beef.
• If you don’t want to use brown sugar, then just use honey and double the measurement. 
• For extra heat, add peppercorns or more red chili pepper flakes. 

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how to make Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry

1. Cut the beef. Slice the meat into 1/4 inch thick and slice it against the grain. 
2. Marinate the meat. In a bowl, combine thin slices of beef, soy sauce, baking soda, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Toss to coat well. Make sure every piece of the meat is coated well with the marinade. Set aside for 10 minutes. 
3. Make the sauce. In a measuring cup or clean bowl, add all the sauce ingredients. Stir until the sugar dissolve and set it aside. 
4. Cook the meat. Heat a wok or nonstick skillet with oil (about 300ºF). Add the marinated beef, and cook for a minute on each side or until browned (don’t overcook the meat or it’ll become tough). Avoid crowding the pan, and add half of the marinated beef first. Repeat the process, and set them aside. 
5. Stir-frying. Use the same pan, and if it starts drying, add more oil. Add the onion, and saute until tender or translucent. Then add the garlic and ginger, and continue sauteing until aromatic. 
6. Add the veg. Next, drop the broccoli, and cook until tender or until the color turns bright green. 
7. Finish cooking. Add the cooked beef back into the pan, and stir to combine. Pour the sauce, and constantly stir until it thickens. 
8. Option, drizzle a teaspoon of sesame oil and sprinkle some sesame seeds to finish the dish. Serve with steamed rice. 

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frequently ask questions

WHAT TO SERVE THE BEEF AND BROCCOLI STIR-FRY

• You can serve it with white or brown steamed rice, or mixed green salad. It’s also great to mix it in noodles and make Beef Teriyaki Noodles. 

HOW TO STORE IT

• Let the Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry cool completely. Store the leftover in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for 2-3 days, or freeze them for 2-3 weeks.

HOW TO MAKE A VEGETARIAN BEEF AND BROCCOLI STIR-FRY

• Use the same marinade and stir-fry any veggies you like. To make it filling, add noodles or fried tofu with all your favorite veggies. 

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