Warm & Inviting Beef and Broccoli Recipe: A Cozy Weeknight Dinner
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm plate of Beef and Broccoli—it’s a dish that dances between sweet and savory, with tender pieces of beef mingling amongst vibrant green broccoli. Each bite transports me back to evenings spent gathered around the dinner table, laughter filling the air as we enjoyed homemade meals together. This dish has a beautiful way of bringing family and friends closer, making it the perfect easy weeknight dinner.
Every time I whip up Beef and Broccoli, I’m reminded of chilly evenings when the scent of garlic and ginger wafted through the kitchen, and we would eagerly await the arrival of dinner. The combination of flavors in this dish is simply irresistible, and its vibrant colors are enough to brighten anyone’s day. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ideal for busy weeknights.
- A delightful blend of tender protein and crunchy greens for a satisfying meal.
- Uses pantry staples, making it convenient and budget-friendly.
- Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing flavors that everyone will adore.
- Perfectly served over rice for a wholesome, comforting dinner.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s Make It Together:
- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Add the sliced beef and let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and stir-fry the marinated beef until it’s nicely browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant and aromatic.
- Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot over the fluffy cooked rice.
Delicious Variations to Try
There are so many fun ways to customize this classic dish! Here are a few creative ideas that might inspire you:
- Spicy Beef & Broccoli: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a zesty kick that will awaken your taste buds.
- Nutty Flavor Boost: Toss in a handful of toasted sesame seeds before serving for a rich, nutty twist that enhances both flavor and texture.
- Veggie-Loaded Delight: Feel free to throw in diced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
- Citrusy Zing: A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the finished dish can brighten the flavors and add a refreshing element.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-ahead magic: You can marinate the beef the night before, allowing the flavors to deepen for an even more flavorful dish when you cook it.
- Ingredient swaps: Got some leftover chicken or tofu? You can easily substitute the beef with these proteins for a delightful twist.
- Perfectly sliced: When slicing beef, make sure to go against the grain for a more tender bite. This small step makes a big difference in texture!
- Storage suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in a skillet to preserve the flavors.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving size: 1 cup Beef and Broccoli
- Calories: 350
- Carbs: 25g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Marinate the beef ahead of time and store everything in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes, feel free to swap out the beef for chicken, shrimp, or even tofu to cater to your taste preferences.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Beef and Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet.
How long does it last?
The dish can last in the fridge for about 3 days. For optimal freshness, enjoy it sooner rather than later.
Wrapping It Up
This Beef and Broccoli recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a staple for cozy weeknight dinners. The combination of tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and savory sauces creates a symphony of tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds. Save this delicious recipe to your “easy weeknight dinner” board so it’s ready when you need a quick and comforting meal! Happy cooking!
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Warm & Inviting Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A cozy weeknight dinner featuring tender beef and vibrant broccoli in a savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Add the sliced beef and let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and stir-fry the marinated beef until it’s nicely browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot over the cooked rice.
Notes
Feel free to swap out the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu to cater to taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: beef and broccoli, easy weeknight dinner, stir-fry