The Best Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
I clipped this recipe from Taste of Home magazine several years ago and have found it to be the best-tasting easy beef and broccoli stir-fry. It is credited to Ruth Stahl. I often use charcoal chuck steak, which is very tender and lean. I also like that it doesnt call for any unusual ingredients.
I clipped this recipe from Taste of Home magazine several years ago and have found it to be the best-tasting easy beef and broccoli stir-fry. It is credited to Ruth Stahl. I often use charcoal chuck steak, which is very tender and lean. I also like that it doesnt call for any unusual ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- hot cooked rice
- 1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch divided
- 1/2 cup water plus
- 2 tablespoons water divided
- 1 lb boneless round steak or 1 lb charcoal chuck st
- 1 small onion cut into wedges
- Carbohydrate 75.5529208402915 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 6.29110583552509 g
- Fiber 6.94910814963942 g
- Protein 11.0080866666771 g
- Saturated Fat 0.561704635578158 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (583g)
- Sodium 702.944250002769 mg
- Sugar 68.6038126906521 g
- Trans Fat 0.754937760443332 g
- Calories 389 calories
Step-by-step
- In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water and garlic powder until smooth.
- Add beef and toss.
- In a large skillet or wok over medium high heat, stir-fry beef in 1 tablespoon oil until beef reaches desired doneness; remove and keep warm.
- Stir-fry broccoli and onion in remaining oil for 4-5 minutes.
- Return beef to pan.
- Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and remaining cornstarch and water until smooth; add to the pan.
- Cook and stir for 2 minutes.
- Serve over rice.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
As a busy mom of two, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, homework battles, and the never-ending laundry pile, the last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. That's why I'm so grateful for recipes like this Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry. I found it years ago in a Taste of Home magazine and it’s become a staple in our family's dinner rotation.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. There are no fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. It's all about fresh, wholesome ingredients, quick cooking times, and a flavor profile that's both satisfying and appealing to even the pickiest eaters. Seriously, my kids devour this dish! And the best part? It's incredibly versatile. I often swap out the beef for chicken or shrimp, depending on what we have on hand, and it always turns out delicious. The sauce is the real star here, a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors that coats the beef and broccoli beautifully.
This stir-fry isn't just a weeknight winner; it's also perfect for those occasions when you want a quick and easy meal without sacrificing taste or nutrition. I've served it to friends and family countless times, and it's always a huge hit. The recipe is easily scalable, too, making it perfect for everything from a small family dinner to a larger gathering. The vibrant colors of the broccoli and the rich brown of the beef make it a beautiful dish that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Beyond the Recipe: A Few Thoughts on Busy Weeknights
Cooking shouldn't be a source of stress. It should be a joyful and rewarding experience, a way to nourish your family and connect with your loved ones. But I understand that life gets in the way sometimes, and finding the time to cook a healthy meal can be a challenge. My advice? Keep it simple. Don't be afraid to use pre-cut vegetables or shortcut ingredients whenever possible. Focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, and let simple flavors shine through.
This Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry is a testament to that principle. It’s a perfect example of a dish that doesn't require a lot of effort or fancy techniques, yet delivers exceptional flavor. It's a recipe that allows me to spend quality time with my family, rather than being stuck in the kitchen for hours on end. And isn’t that what truly matters?
Tips and Variations:
- Meat Choices: As mentioned earlier, feel free to substitute the beef with chicken breast, thinly sliced pork loin, or even shrimp. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
- Make it Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Leftovers: This stir-fry is even better the next day! The flavors meld together beautifully.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!
