The moment the ginger and garlic hit the hot oil in my pan, an unmistakable warmth fills the kitchen, transporting me to bustling Asian markets. Imagine savoring tender beef, perfectly seared, amidst vibrant green broccoli, all enveloped in a rich, savory marinade. This Beef with Broccoli dish is not just another stir-fry; it’s a delightful melange of flavors that comes together in just 33 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something homemade rather than a fast-food fix.
After a long day, the aroma wafting from the stove promises a meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for the family or aiming to impress a guest, this dish strikes the perfect balance between quick convenience and bold flavors. It’s flexible too—swap out the beef for chicken or tofu if you want to switch things up, making it a versatile favorite in your cooking repertoire. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this Asian delight in no time!
Why is Beef with Broccoli a Must-Try?
Quick and Easy: This stir-fry takes just 33 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The rich marinade of oyster sauce, ginger, and garlic creates a delightful depth of flavor.
Nutrient-Packed: Broccoli adds a healthy crunch, ensuring your meal is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Versatile Protein: Easily swap beef for chicken or tofu, catering to different dietary preferences.
Crowd-Pleaser: Serve it over rice or noodles, and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Satisfying Home-Cooked Meal: Experience the warmth of homemade cooking that beats any takeout.
Beef with Broccoli Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade
- Beef – Lean cuts like sirloin or tenderloin make for tender, juicy bites.
- Oyster Sauce – This is the star of the show, adding a rich umami flavor that makes Beef with Broccoli irresistible.
- Knorr Liquid Seasoning – A little splash enhances the overall flavor, ensuring every bite is packed with taste.
- Cornstarch – Helps to thicken the sauce and create a delightful texture for the beef.
- Cooking Wine (optional) – Tenderizes the beef and amps up the depth of flavor.
- Granulated White Sugar – A touch of sweetness balances the saltiness of the sauce.
For the Vegetables
- Broccoli – Packed with nutrients and crunch, it should be cut into florets for even cooking.
- Ginger – Fresh ginger gives warmth and a zesty kick, elevating the dish’s flavor profile.
- Garlic – Minced garlic enhances the aroma and taste; fresh is best for maximum impact.
For Sautéing
- Cooking Oil – Use vegetable or canola oil for sautéing; it ensures even cooking without overpowering flavors.
- Salt and Ground Black Pepper – Season to taste, adding just the right balance of flavors to your dish.
Optional Flavor Enhancers
- Sesame Oil – Just a drop adds a nutty essence; use sparingly as it is quite potent.
- Cooking Wine – This optional ingredient can enrich the dish and help tenderize the beef.
How to Make Beef with Broccoli
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Marinate Beef: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef, oyster sauce, Knorr Liquid Seasoning, sesame oil (if you’re using it), cooking wine (if desired), and sugar. Let it marinate for 15 minutes, then stir in the cornstarch until evenly coated.
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Prepare Broccoli: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot or wok over medium-high heat. Sauté the minced ginger and garlic until fragrant, but be careful not to let them brown. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Remove from the pot and set aside.
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Cook Beef: In the same pot, add the remaining oil and increase the heat. Toss in the marinated beef, stirring quickly until browned. If the beef appears too dry, splash in a little water to help it cook and tenderize.
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Combine and Serve: Return the sautéed broccoli to the pot with the beef and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir-fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Serve hot on a plate over your choice of rice or noodles.
Optional: Garnish with sesame seeds for an added crunch and flavor boost.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Beef with Broccoli?
Elevate your dining experience with thoughtful sides that perfectly accompany this savory stir-fry.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fragrant rice soaks up the rich marinade, providing a fluffy canvas that enhances the flavors.
- Garlic and Ginger Noodles: These quick-cooking noodles complement the dish with an added aromatic layer, creating a harmonious Asian-inspired meal.
- Crispy Spring Rolls: Crunchy on the outside and filled with fresh veggies, they offer a delightful contrast in textures. Pair with sweet chili sauce for an extra kick.
- Sesame Bok Choy: Lightly sautéed bok choy adds an extra dose of greens, with a nutty touch that ties beautifully into the Asian flavor profile.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup serves as a soothing starter, full of umami that pairs seamlessly with the stir-fry.
- Chilled Cucumber Salad: This refreshing side provides a cool crunch, balancing the rich flavors of beef with broccoli beautifully. Toss with rice vinegar for zing!
- Sparkling Green Tea: A light, refreshing drink that cleanses the palate while enhancing the meal’s Asian essence.
- Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this sweet treat offers a tropical finish, with creamy coconut notes that provide a beautiful conclusion to your meal.
- Peanut Butter Cookies: End on a sweet note with these chewy treats, combining comforting flavors that echo the dish’s rich profile.
Make Ahead Options
These Beef with Broccoli stir-fry components are perfect for busy meal prep, allowing you to savor homemade goodness even on the busiest of nights! You can marinate the beef in the sauce up to 24 hours in advance to infuse it with flavor. Additionally, the broccoli can be washed and cut into florets and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, simply sauté the marinated beef for a quick 5-7 minutes, then add the prepped broccoli and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. This way, you’ll have a delicious, satisfying dish with minimal effort, making dinner feel like a delightful breeze!
How to Store and Freeze Beef with Broccoli
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps your Beef with Broccoli fresh and ready to enjoy again!
Freezer: If you want to preserve the dish longer, freeze it in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, adding a splash of water to keep the dish moist.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prep the beef marinade and chop vegetables in advance, storing them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. This way, your Beef with Broccoli can come together in a flash on busy nights!
Beef with Broccoli Variations
Feel free to explore these exciting twists to make this dish truly your own!
- Chicken Swap: Substitute beef with chicken breast for a lighter version, following the same marinating steps.
- Tofu Option: Use firm or extra-firm tofu instead of beef for a delightful plant-based twist. Ensure to press the tofu to remove excess water before marinating.
- Extra Veggies: Add color and crunch by tossing in sliced bell peppers or snap peas during the stir-fry for a fun crunch.
- Spicy Kick: For heat lovers, mix in sliced fresh chili or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy explosion of flavor.
- Soy Sauce Alternative: Use soy sauce instead of oyster sauce for a vegetarian version—feel free to adjust the sugar level for flavor balance.
- Noodle Inclusion: For a heartier meal, toss in some pre-cooked noodles during the final stir-fry stage, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- Nutty Addition: Top off your dish with crushed peanuts or cashews after serving for that extra crunch and nutty taste.
- Mango Flair: Add fresh mango cubes to the stir-fry for a surprisingly refreshing twist—sweet and savory at its best!
With these variations, the possibilities are endless, allowing you to enjoy a new dish every time!
Expert Tips for Beef with Broccoli
- Choose Quality Beef: Select tender cuts such as sirloin or tenderloin to ensure a quick cook and avoid toughness in your Beef with Broccoli.
- Marinate Wisely: Allow the beef to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. Don’t skip the cornstarch; it makes a big difference in texture!
- Avoid Overcooking: Stir-fry the broccoli until just tender-crisp to maintain its vibrant color and nutritional value. It should not be mushy.
- Use High Heat: Cooking on high heat ensures the beef gets that beautiful sear while keeping it juicy. Keep everything moving in the pan!
- Balance the Sauce: If the marinade is too salty, a teaspoon of sugar can help balance the flavors. Adjust seasonings to your taste as needed.
Beef with Broccoli Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best beef for this stir-fry?
Absolutely! Opt for lean cuts like sirloin or tenderloin for the best results. These cuts are not only tender but also quick to cook. Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain to enhance tenderness and ease of cooking.
Can I store leftovers, and how long will they last?
Very! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing. This way, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy again shortly!
How can I freeze Beef with Broccoli properly?
Great question! To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out any excess air from the bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, adding a splash of water to keep it juicy.
What should I do if my beef turns out tough?
No worries! If the beef turns out tough, it might be due to overcooking or using a less tender cut. For next time, ensure you’re using tender cuts and marinating the beef properly. If using a tougher cut, consider pounding the meat slightly before marinating. And remember, cooking on high heat and keeping it moving in the pan helps achieve that perfect sear and tenderness!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Of course! If you have specific dietary needs, feel free to swap the beef with chicken or tofu for a different protein source. If allergies are a concern, double-check the ingredients in the Knorr Liquid Seasoning and oyster sauce. This recipe can easily be adapted to be gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of oyster sauce. Always tailor the recipe to suit your dietary preferences or restrictions.
Can I prepare any of the ingredients in advance?
Definitely! You can prep the beef marinade and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days to keep everything fresh. This makes it super quick to whip up your Beef with Broccoli on a busy weeknight!
Beef with Broccoli: Quick Stir-Fry for Busy Weeknights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef, oyster sauce, Knorr Liquid Seasoning, sesame oil (if using), cooking wine (if desired), and sugar. Let it marinate for 15 minutes, then stir in the cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot or wok over medium-high heat. Sauté the minced ginger and garlic until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the remaining oil and increase the heat. Toss in the marinated beef, stirring quickly until browned. If the beef appears too dry, splash in a little water.
- Return the sautéed broccoli to the pot with the beef and season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Serve hot over rice or noodles.