Thai Beef With Broccoli
A flavorful Thai-inspired beef stir-fry with broccoli, featuring a tangy lemon and fish sauce glaze, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or Asian cuisine enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Partially freeze the round steak.
- With a sharp knife, slice the meat very thin and into bite-size pieces.
- In a blender, combine water, garlic, 2 tablespoons cooking oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, crushed red pepper, fish sauce, and cornstarch.
- Cover and blend until smooth.
- Set aside the sauce mixture.
- Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons cooking oil.
- Stir-fry the broccoli for 3 to 4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove from wok.
- Add more oil if necessary; add half of the beef strips to the wok.
- Stir-fry for 3 minutes; remove and cook the remaining beef.
- Return all the beef and broccoli to the wok.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture.
- Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly.
- Cover and cook for 1 minute more.
- Serve over rice or Chinese noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more tender beef, ensure to slice against the grain. If you want to reduce the heat, adjust the crushed red pepper to your liking. You can substitute the beef with chicken or tofu for a different protein. If you don’t have fish sauce, soy sauce can be used as an alternative, though the flavor will change slightly. For a vibrant dish, consider adding bell peppers or snap peas along with the broccoli.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Thai Beef with Broccoli over steamed rice or Chinese noodles for a complete meal. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions on top adds a nice finishing touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Spanish Rice for a flavorful contrast. You can also serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad to refresh the palate.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to help steam and prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, heating in short intervals until warmed through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thai Beef With Broccoli contains roughly 95 calories, with 3g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1735mg per serving (75% 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 a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, while round steak is used in this recipe for its lean quality, you can also opt for flank steak or sirloin for a more tender bite. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thinner cuts will cook faster.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with firm tofu or seitan for a hearty vegetarian option. Just ensure to marinate the tofu in the sauce mixture to infuse it with flavor before cooking.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish is versatile and pairs well with various sides. Consider serving it with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or even a side of Gyoza for a delicious meal. A fresh salad or light soup can complement it nicely, offering a balance to the rich flavors.
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).