Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli
This Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli recipe is a delightful and quick solution for busy weeknights. It offers all the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout dish, but made fresh in your kitchen. With tender flank steak and crisp broccoli coated in a sweet-savory sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Enjoy a satisfying meal that can be ready in just 20 minutes, making it a go-to option for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a deliciously rich sauce.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh broccoli and flank steak ensures great taste and nutrition.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes or altering the amount of ginger.
- Healthier Alternative: Homemade beef with broccoli is lower in sodium and preservatives than takeout options.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smoother, gather the necessary tools before starting. This will help streamline the process and ensure you have everything you need on hand.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large zip-top bag
- Medium saucepan
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large zip-top bag: Ideal for coating the steak evenly with cornstarch.
- Medium saucepan: Perfect for creating the savory sauce without overcrowding.
- Large skillet: Essential for stir-frying the steak and broccoli quickly.
Ingredients
1 to 1.25 pounds flank steak, sliced into thin strips (no more than 1/4-inch thick)
1/4 cup cornstarch
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
4 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
1 to 2 teaspoons ginger, to taste (use less if dried)
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar (light brown sugar may be substituted)
4 to 6 cups broccoli florets
2 to 3 green onions, sliced into 1/4-inch segments
red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
seseame seeds, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli
Step 1: Coat the Steak
Add the sliced steak and cornstarch to a large zip-top bag. Seal and toss to coat; set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger; cook about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil for 2–3 minutes, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook 5–7 minutes, stirring intermittently, until cooked through.
Step 4: Add Broccoli
Add the broccoli to the skillet.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Pour the soy sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli (it will bubble). Toss to coat and simmer for an additional 3–5 minutes, or until broccoli reaches your desired tenderness.
Step 6: Thicken Sauce (Optional)
If the sauce is thinner than you prefer, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir the slurry into the skillet. Cook about 1 minute until thickened.
Step 7: Finish Up
Turn off the heat and stir in the green onions. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately.
How to Serve Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli
Serving your Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli can elevate the meal experience. Here are some ideas to enhance your dish and impress your family or guests.
Over Steamed Rice
- Steamed white or brown rice provides a neutral base that absorbs the sauce beautifully, making each bite flavorful.
With Noodles
- Serve over lo mein or rice noodles for a heartier meal. The noodles complement the beef and broccoli perfectly.
As a Wrap
- Use large lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with beef and broccoli for a low-carb option that’s fun to eat.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro or basil on top for an aromatic touch that brightens the dish and adds freshness.
Accompanied by Egg Rolls
- Pair with crispy egg rolls for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender beef and broccoli.
Served Family Style
- Present the dish in a large serving bowl, allowing everyone to help themselves. This creates a relaxed dining atmosphere.
How to Perfect Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli
To make your Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli even better, consider these helpful tips.
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Use High-Quality Meat: Selecting fresh flank steak will enhance the flavor and tenderness of your dish.
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Cut Against the Grain: Slicing the beef against the grain ensures that each piece is tender and easy to chew.
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Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and add it during cooking.
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Don’t Overcook Broccoli: For vibrant color and crunch, cook broccoli just until tender but still crisp.
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Experiment with Spices: Add your favorite spices or hot sauce to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
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Serve Immediately: For best texture and flavor, serve this dish right after cooking. It tastes great fresh!
Best Side Dishes for Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli
Pairing side dishes with your Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:
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Fried Rice: A classic choice that adds extra vegetables and flavor, perfect for soaking up sauce.
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Vegetable Stir-Fry: A mix of colorful vegetables sautéed briefly to keep them crisp; they complement the main dish nicely.
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Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad that provides a cool contrast to the hot beef dish; toss cucumbers in rice vinegar for extra zing.
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Miso Soup: This warm soup offers umami flavors that pair well with Asian-inspired entrees like beef and broccoli.
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Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with meat or vegetables add another layer of texture and flavor alongside your main dish.
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Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles balance out the savory flavors of beef, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli, it’s easy to trip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
- Overcooking the Beef: Cooking the beef for too long can make it tough. Aim for 5–7 minutes on medium-high heat, stirring often, until just cooked through.
- Ignoring the Cornstarch: Skipping the cornstarch coating will result in less tender beef. Always coat your steak pieces before cooking to achieve the desired texture.
- Not Prepping Ingredients First: Failing to prepare your ingredients ahead can lead to delays. Chop your broccoli and slice the beef before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Using Regular Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce can make the dish overly salty. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce instead to control seasoning better.
- Adding Broccoli Too Late: If you add broccoli at the same time as the beef, it may not cook properly. Add it once the beef is almost done, allowing it to steam perfectly without becoming mushy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli that might help you out!
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! You can easily substitute chicken for beef in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How spicy is Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli?
The spice level depends on your preference for red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and add more if desired.
What can I serve with this dish?
Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli pairs well with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
How can I customize this recipe?
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to enhance flavor and nutrition.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well in the refrigerator and is perfect for meal prep during busy weeks.
Final Thoughts
This Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli is not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and allows room for customization based on your preferences. Whether you want more veggies or spicier sauce, you can adapt it however you like!
Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in a delightful homemade Better-Than-Takeout Beef With Broccoli that brings the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant right to your kitchen. This quick and easy recipe features tender flank steak and crisp broccoli, all coated in a rich, sweet-savory sauce made with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish can be ready in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for family dinners. Customize the spice level to your preference and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s healthier than takeout!
Ingredients
- 1 to 1.25 pounds flank steak
- 4 to 6 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 to 2 teaspoons ginger
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Instructions
- Coat the sliced flank steak with cornstarch in a zip-top bag and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive and sesame oil, then sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add soy sauce, water, and brown sugar; bring to a boil and simmer until thickened.
- In a large skillet, heat remaining oils over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the coated steak for 5–7 minutes until cooked through.
- Add broccoli to the skillet and pour the sauce over everything. Toss to coat and simmer for an additional 3–5 minutes or until broccoli is tender.
- If desired, thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
