Beef With Broccoli
Beef with Broccoli is a quick, flavorful stir-fry combining tender beef slices and crisp broccoli in a savory soy-based sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it offers bold umami tastes with a hint of sweetness and can be customized with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together soy sauce, cornstarch, dry sherry, sugar, and optional MSG; set aside.
- Cut broccoli into florets about 2 inches long.
- Peel the stalk and slice into 2-inch lengths less than 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a hot skillet or wok over high heat.
- Add broccoli and stir-fry until dark green, about 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet.
- Add onions and beef slices; stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Return broccoli to the skillet and stir-fry until heated through. Serve with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a tender beef, choose cuts like flank or sirloin. You can substitute the beef with chicken or tofu for a different protein. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slightly. Adding sliced bell peppers or carrots can enhance the dish's color and flavor, similar to Beef And Vegetable Stir-Fry. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding ingredients for better stir-frying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Beef With Broccoli over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad to balance the flavors. For a more substantial feast, consider serving it alongside Chinese Goulash or other favorite Chinese recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave in short intervals, but be cautious not to overcook the beef, which may become tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef With Broccoli contains roughly 1393 calories, with 5g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 154g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 683mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess water before stir-frying. Frozen broccoli usually cooks faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid mushiness.
Is it necessary to use MSG in this recipe?
MSG is optional and enhances umami flavor; however, you can omit it without significantly affecting the dish. If you're looking for alternatives, try adding a bit more soy sauce or a splash of fish sauce for depth.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Additionally, ensure that the cornstarch you use is labeled gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious Beef With Broccoli without gluten.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).