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
- 1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch divided
- 1/2 cup water plus
- 2 tablespoons water divided
- 1 small onion cut into wedges
- 1 lb boneless round steak or 1 lb charcoal chuc
- hot cooked rice for serving
- toasted sesame seeds for serving (optional)
- Carbohydrate 35.6698708402915 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 5.99815583552509 g
- Fiber 6.53060813300973 g
- Protein 7.68798666667709 g
- Saturated Fat 0.482189635578158 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (443g)
- Sodium 702.944250002769 mg
- Sugar 29.1392627072818 g
- Trans Fat 0.710297760443332 g
- Calories 208 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 onion in remaining oil for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add the broccoli and cook for 3 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
- Return beef to pan.
- Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger and remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1/2 cup water until smooth; add to the pan.
- Cook and stir for 2 minutes.
- Serve over rice and garnish with toasted sesame seeds (optional).
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between work, school pick-ups, and trying to squeeze in a little "me time," the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve become a huge fan of quick and easy recipes that don’t compromise on flavor. This Beef and Broccoli stir-fry is my absolute go-to weeknight dinner. I found this recipe years ago in a magazine and it's been a staple ever since. What I love most about it is how incredibly versatile it is. I can adjust the ingredients to what I have on hand and it always turns out perfectly.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is its simplicity. There's no need for any exotic ingredients or complicated techniques. I often use charcoal chuck steak – it’s wonderfully tender and lean, making it a healthier option than some other cuts. The ingredients are simple, readily available, and the whole process takes less than 30 minutes. That's a big win in my book! The flavor is amazing; a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy. The tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and flavorful sauce combine to create a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. It's the kind of meal that everyone in my family enjoys, even my picky eaters!
Beyond its practicality, this stir-fry is incredibly adaptable. You can easily swap out the beef for chicken or shrimp, making it a great option for those nights when I’m craving a change. I sometimes add other vegetables, like sliced bell peppers or mushrooms, to increase the nutritional value and add a bit more color to the dish. Experimenting with different types of soy sauce can also alter the taste, providing a fun way to switch things up without altering the essential recipe.
This recipe isn’t just for busy weeknights; it’s also great for entertaining. I’ve served it to guests numerous times, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It's impressive enough to serve at a dinner party yet easy enough to prepare on a busy weeknight. The best part is that the leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it a great meal-prep option. I often double the recipe so I have lunches ready for the week.
Tips and Tricks for Stir-Fry Success:
- Prep your ingredients ahead of time: This is crucial for a quick and efficient stir-fry. Chop your vegetables and measure out your sauces before you start cooking.
- Use high heat: This helps to keep the vegetables crisp and tender.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you overcrowd the pan, the vegetables will steam instead of stir-fry.
- Taste and adjust: Once you've added the sauce, taste the stir-fry and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You might want to add a little more soy sauce, brown sugar, or ginger, depending on your preference.
- Serve immediately: Stir-fries are best served immediately after cooking, while they're still hot and fresh.
This easy beef and broccoli stir-fry is more than just a recipe; it's a shortcut to a delicious, healthy, and stress-free dinner. It's a testament to the fact that you don't need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create a memorable meal. And that's what matters most to me – creating delicious memories with my family, one stir-fry at a time.
