Beef and Broccoli with the Best Sauce: A Restaurant-Quality Stir-Fry

Beef and Broccoli with the Best Sauce: A Restaurant-Quality Stir-Fry

Create restaurant-worthy beef and broccoli at home with this perfected recipe featuring an incredibly rich and flavorful sauce. The tender slices of beef and crisp-tender broccoli are enveloped in a savory-sweet sauce that’s so good, you’ll want to make extra.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret lies in the perfectly balanced sauce and the proper cooking technique for both the beef and broccoli. By cooking components separately and combining them at the end, each element maintains its ideal texture while the sauce brings everything together harmoniously.

Essential Ingredients

For the Marinade:

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 pound flank steak, sliced thin against the grain

For the Signature Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup oyster sauce
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • White pepper to taste

For Garnish:

  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Required Equipment

  • Large wok or skillet
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small bowls for sauce
  • Large bowl for marinade
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Beef

  1. Slice and marinate:
  • Cut beef against grain
  • Mix marinade ingredients
  • Combine with beef
  • Let rest 30 minutes
  1. Prepare broccoli:
  • Cut into even florets
  • Blanch until bright green
  • Ice bath to stop cooking
  • Drain and set aside

Making the Sauce

  1. Combine ingredients:
  • Mix all sauce components
  • Whisk until smooth
  • Set aside
  • Make cornstarch slurry
  1. Final preparation:
  • Have sauce ready
  • Keep slurry separate
  • Mix just before using
  • Adjust thickness as needed

Cooking Process

  1. Cook the beef:
  • Heat wok until smoking
  • Add oil
  • Stir-fry in batches
  • Remove and set aside
  1. Cook aromatics:
  • Add more oil if needed
  • Sauté garlic and ginger
  • Don’t burn
  • Keep stirring
  1. Combine everything:
  • Return beef to wok
  • Add broccoli
  • Pour in sauce
  • Stir until thickened

Pro Tips for Success

  1. Beef Tips:
  • Slice against grain
  • Partially freeze for easier cutting
  • Don’t overcrowd pan
  • High heat essential
  1. Sauce Success:
  • Mix thoroughly
  • Add gradually
  • Adjust thickness
  • Balance flavors
  1. Cooking Advice:
  • Have everything ready
  • Work quickly
  • Keep ingredients moving
  • Watch heat level

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead Options:

  • Slice beef early
  • Mix sauce ahead
  • Prep broccoli
  • Store components separately

Storage Guidelines:

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Reheat gently
  • Add fresh garnish
  • Don’t freeze

Variations and Adaptations

Protein Options:

  • Chicken
  • Shrimp
  • Tofu
  • Sliced pork

Vegetable Additions:

  • Carrots
  • Mushrooms
  • Snow peas
  • Bell peppers

Heat Levels:

  • Add chili oil
  • Include dried chilies
  • Use pepper flakes
  • Add fresh chilies

Serving Suggestions

Base Options:

  • Steamed rice
  • Noodles
  • Cauliflower rice
  • Quinoa

Side Dishes:

  • Spring rolls
  • Hot and sour soup
  • Chinese cucumber salad
  • Steamed dumplings

Troubleshooting Tips

Common Issues:

  • Tough beef: Slice thinner
  • Soggy broccoli: Don’t overcook
  • Thin sauce: More cornstarch
  • Thick sauce: Add stock

Prevention Tips:

  • Proper heat level
  • Don’t overcrowd
  • Watch timing
  • Balance ingredients

This Beef and Broccoli recipe with its exceptional sauce creates a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and rich sauce makes it a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

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Marianna

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