How to Make Broccoli Beef: A Classic American Take on a Chinese Favorite

Introduction

Broccoli Beef is a staple in American-Chinese cuisine, beloved for its savory flavors and healthful combination of tender beef and crisp broccoli. This dish is a perfect blend of East meets West, where the hearty American appetite meets subtle Asian flavors. Here's how you can make Broccoli Beef at home, bringing the taste of your favorite Chinese restaurant right to your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon minced ginger

For the Marinade:

• 2 teaspoons soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup oyster sauce

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1/2 cup beef broth or water

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sugar for the marinade. Mix well to ensure each piece is coated. Set aside for about 15 minutes to marinate. This process enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

2. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for about 2 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

3. In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, beef broth, cornstarch, sesame oil, and sugar. Stir until the cornstarch and sugar are completely dissolved.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

4. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef and spread it out. Let it sear without moving it for about 1 minute to get a good crust. Continue to stir-fry the beef until it starts to brown, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Ginger

5. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan with the beef. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6: Combine Beef, Broccoli, and Sauce

6. Add the blanched broccoli to the pan. Stir the prepared sauce once more and pour it over the beef and broccoli. Stir well to combine and coat the ingredients evenly with the sauce.

Step 7: Simmer to Thicken

7. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened and the broccoli is tender-crisp.

Step 8: Serve

8. Serve your Broccoli Beef hot, ideally over a bed of steamed rice for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Broccoli Beef is an incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish that combines simple ingredients with rich flavors. By following these steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that's sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy the savory, slightly sweet, and umami-packed taste of this classic American-Chinese dish at home.