Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Rice

Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Rice is a quick and easy dish that combines tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice, all tossed in a savory stir-fry sauce. This meal is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something delicious and satisfying. The combination of protein-packed beef, nutrient-rich broccoli, and the comforting base of rice makes this stir-fry both hearty and balanced. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing a flavorful meal to impress guests, this Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Rice is sure to become a go-to recipe in your collection.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) beef (flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye), thinly sliced against the grain
• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine rice)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)

Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, set aside and keep warm.

Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine and set aside. This will be the stir-fry sauce.

Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 4: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. If using fresh broccoli, you may need to add a splash of water to help steam the broccoli and ensure it’s fully cooked.

Step 6: Return the beef to the skillet, adding the stir-fry sauce to the mixture. Stir everything to combine, ensuring the beef and broccoli are evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 7: To thicken the sauce, stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.

Step 8: Season with salt and pepper to taste, and remove from heat.

Step 9: Serve the Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli over the cooked rice, garnishing with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

Variation:

• Vegetable Add-ins: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms to the stir-fry to increase the variety and nutritional content.
• Protein: Swap the beef for chicken, tofu, or shrimp to suit your preference or dietary needs.
• Sauce Customization: If you prefer a spicier stir-fry, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Rice Alternatives: For a healthier alternative, serve the stir-fry over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or brown rice instead of white rice.

Cooking Notes:

• Beef Slicing: For tender beef, always slice it thinly against the grain. This helps to break up the muscle fibers, making the beef more tender when cooked.
• Stir-Fry Sauce: The stir-fry sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. This will save you time when preparing the dish on a busy weeknight.
• Vegetable Texture: Ensure that the broccoli is not overcooked, as it will lose its vibrant green color and become too soft. Aim for tender-crisp broccoli for the best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Tips:

• Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prepping. Cook the beef and vegetables in advance, and store them separately from the rice. When ready to eat, simply reheat and assemble.
• Sauce Adjustments: If you like your stir-fry sauce on the sweeter side, add a little more brown sugar. For a more savory sauce, increase the soy sauce or add a splash of fish sauce.
• Quick Cooking: Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick cooking. Make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as the stir-fry process moves fast.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 25-30 grams
• Sodium: 700-900 mg (depending on the soy sauce and other ingredients used)

FAQs:

1. Can I use other vegetables in this stir-fry? Yes, you can add a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms. Just make sure to cook them until tender-crisp to maintain their texture.

2. Can I make this stir-fry with chicken or shrimp instead of beef? Yes, you can easily swap the beef for chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.

3. Can I make this stir-fry gluten-free? To make the stir-fry gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. Check that the oyster sauce and hoisin sauce are also gluten-free or use alternatives that are.

4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, the stir-fry sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This will save you time during the cooking process.

5. How can I make this stir-fry spicier? To increase the spice level, add more red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or even fresh sliced chili peppers to the stir-fry.

Conclusion:

Beef Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Rice is a quick, delicious, and healthy meal that brings together the perfect balance of savory flavors, tender beef, and crisp vegetables. It’s an easy recipe to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. With its customizable ingredients and versatile stir-fry sauce, this dish can be adapted to suit any dietary needs and preferences. Serve it over rice or another grain of your choice for a complete and satisfying meal.