Chef's Essential Tips

Ingredient Quality: Use fresh, high-quality flank steak for the best texture and flavor. If flank steak is unavailable, skirt steak or sirloin works as a good alternative.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version while maintaining the same marinade and cooking technique.
Marinating Time: Letting the beef marinate for a longer time can intensify the flavors, so consider marinating for up to an hour if time allows.
Cooking Temperature: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the beef to achieve a nice sear and prevent it from becoming tough.
Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the dish before serving.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with steamed dumplings or spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal.

Essential Ingredients Selection

Flank Steak: Known for its flavor and tenderness, flank steak is ideal for quick cooking methods like stir-frying. If you're looking for a more affordable option, you can substitute with skirt steak or sirloin.
Soy Sauce: This salty and umami-rich sauce enhances the meat's flavor profile and acts as a base for the marinade. For those avoiding gluten, opt for tamari or coconut aminos.
Cornstarch: This ingredient is crucial for tenderizing the meat and helps create a velvety sauce when combined with liquids. It can be substituted with arrowroot powder for a gluten-free option.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy kick to the beef marinade, balancing the savory flavors and enhancing the overall taste. Apple cider vinegar can be a substitute if needed.
Oyster Sauce: This thick, dark sauce adds depth and a sweet umami flavor to the dish. Vegetarian alternatives can be found in many supermarkets, made from mushrooms.
Hoisin Sauce: Provides sweetness and a hint of spice, making it a perfect addition for balancing flavors in the stir-fry. If you’re out, a mixture of soy sauce and brown sugar can work.
Broccoli: This nutrient-dense vegetable is not only vibrant and delicious but also adds essential vitamins and minerals to the dish. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
Jasmine Rice: A fragrant base for the dish, jasmine rice pairs well with the savory beef and broccoli. Brown rice or quinoa can be healthy alternatives.
Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color to the dish, enhancing both visual appeal and flavor. You can use any color of bell pepper for variety.
Garlic: Offers a robust aroma and taste, elevating the entire dish with its distinct flavor. Fresh garlic is always best, but jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch.

Creating Your Masterpiece

Storage Tips:

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Properly stored, it can last in the refrigerator for about three days. Consider reheating it gently on the stovetop for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions:

Serving your Better-Than-Takeout Beef & Broccoli over a bed of jasmine rice allows the delicious sauce to soak in, enhancing every bite. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.

Resting the Beef:

Letting the beef rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent bite. After cooking, place the beef aside for a brief moment before adding it back to the vegetable stir-fry.

Cooking at High Heat:

High heat cooking helps achieve a delicious sear on the beef. Once the skillet is hot, add marinated beef and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain that perfect stir-fry texture. Cook just until browned and tender.

Creating the Sauce:

Balancing flavors is vital when making the sauce. Combine oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and any additional seasoning before adding to the stir-fry. This ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout the dish.

Stir-Frying Technique:

Stir-frying is a fast cooking method that retains the nutrients and crispness of vegetables. Use a large skillet or wok, and ensure it is preheated before adding oil. This high heat helps vegetables cook quickly while maintaining their vibrant colors.

Chopping Vegetables:

Preparing your vegetables properly ensures even cooking and a vibrant presentation. Wash, peel, and chop the broccoli and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Remember to mince the garlic and grate the ginger finely to maximize their flavors during cooking.

Marinating the Beef:

Marinating is key to infusing flavor and tenderizing the meat. Combine soy sauce, cornstarch, and rice vinegar in a bowl, add the sliced flank steak, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This step also ensures that the beef retains moisture during cooking.

The Complete Guide to Mastering Better-Than-Takeout Beef & Broccoli

Storage Tips:

Serving Suggestions:

Resting the Beef:

Cooking at High Heat:

Creating the Sauce:

Stir-Frying Technique:

Chopping Vegetables:

Marinating the Beef:

Pro Chef Secrets to Perfect Beef & Broccoli

If using frozen broccoli, ensure to thaw and drain well to prevent excess water in the dish.

Prepare the jasmine rice ahead of time for a quicker meal. Use a rice cooker for perfectly fluffy rice.

This dish can be prepped ahead of time by chopping vegetables and marinating the beef, making weeknight cooking a breeze.

Use leftover beef and broccoli in wraps or salads for a delicious next-day lunch.

Deliciously Tender Better-Than-Takeout Beef & Broccoli with Savory Sauce

Name: Deliciously Tender Better-Than-Takeout Beef & Broccoli with Savory Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: For the Beef Marinade:; 1 lb flank steak, sliced against the grain into thin strips; 2 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed); 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; For the Stir-Fry:; 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen; 1 bell pepper, sliced into strips (red or yellow for color); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece ginger, grated; 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian alternative); 1 tbsp hoisin sauce; 2 tbsp vegetable oil, for frying; Cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Indulge in the mouthwatering experience of our Better-Than-Takeout Beef & Broccoli – a dish that redefines comfort food. Featuring succulent strips of beef, vibrant broccoli florets, and a rich, savory sauce, this recipe is bursting with flavors that are both sweet and tangy. The tender beef contrasts beautifully with the crisp broccoli, creating a delightful texture that makes each bite satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. Not only does it deliver on taste, but it also brings the warmth of homemade goodness, evoking feelings of nostalgia and comfort. In just under an hour, you can enjoy this quick and easy meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish without ever leaving your home. Experience the joy of cooking with fresh ingredients and the satisfaction of a delicious, homemade dinner that feels both special and comforting.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

20 Minutes

Total Time

35 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

For the Beef Marinade:

1 lb flank steak, sliced against the grain into thin strips

2 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)

1 tbsp cornstarch

1 tbsp rice vinegar

For the Stir-Fry:

2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen

1 bell pepper, sliced into strips (red or yellow for color)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1-inch piece ginger, grated

2 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian alternative)

1 tbsp hoisin sauce

2 tbsp vegetable oil, for frying

Cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by marinating the sliced flank steak in a mixing bowl with soy sauce, cornstarch, and rice vinegar. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to tenderize the meat and enhance flavors.

Step 2: While the beef is marinating, prepare your vegetables by washing and chopping the broccoli and bell pepper. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.

Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until it begins to brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.

Step 5: Add the broccoli and bell pepper to the skillet and continue to stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes. The vegetables should be tender yet still crisp.

Step 6: Return the cooked beef to the skillet, and pour in the oyster and hoisin sauces. Stir well to combine all ingredients and heat through for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if desired, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or hoisin for sweetness.

Step 8: Serve the beef and broccoli hot over a bed of jasmine rice to soak up the savory sauce.

Step 9: Enjoy your homemade Better-Than-Takeout Beef & Broccoli with family and friends!

Step 10: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.