Get ready to impress your taste buds with this savory and satisfying Easy One-Skillet Beef and Broccoli dish. Packed with tender beef slices, crisp broccoli florets, and a mouthwatering sauce, this recipe is both delicious and hassle-free. With easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and precise measurements, you’ll be able to whip up this flavorful meal in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So grab your skillet and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends asking for seconds.
Ingredients
To make this delicious one-skillet beef and broccoli recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Beef
The star of this dish is the beef, which will be sliced into thin strips. You can use your preferred cut of beef, such as flank steak or sirloin.
Broccoli
Broccoli adds a vibrant color and healthy crunch to this dish. Make sure to cut the broccoli into florets before cooking.
Garlic
Garlic adds a wonderful aromatic flavor to the dish. You will need minced garlic for both marinating the beef and cooking the sauce.
Ginger
Fresh ginger brings a zesty and warm taste to the marinade. Finely mince the ginger before adding it to the beef.
Soy sauce
Soy sauce is the key ingredient for the marinade. It adds a savory and umami flavor to the beef.
Brown sugar
To balance out the flavors in the marinade, brown sugar is added. It provides a touch of sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
Sesame oil
Sesame oil not only enhances the overall flavor but also adds a delightful nutty aroma. Use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a thickening agent that will help create a luscious sauce for the beef and broccoli. You will create a slurry by whisking cornstarch with water.
Beef broth
Beef broth serves as the base for the sauce and adds depth of flavor. If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead.
Vegetable oil
Vegetable oil is used for cooking the beef. Its high smoke point makes it suitable for high-heat cooking.
Red pepper flakes
For a hint of spiciness, red pepper flakes are added to the dish. You can adjust the amount according to your desired level of heat.
Salt and pepper
To season the dish, salt and pepper are added to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Marinating the Beef
To ensure tender and flavorful beef, it is important to marinate it properly. Follow these steps to marinate the beef:
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Slice the beef into thin strips, cutting across the grain to maximize tenderness.
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In a bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Mix well to incorporate all the flavors.
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Add the beef strips to the marinade, making sure that each piece is well coated. You can use a zip-top bag or a covered bowl for marinating.
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Let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. For even more flavor, marinate the beef overnight in the refrigerator.
Preparing the Broccoli
Properly preparing the broccoli ensures that it retains its vibrant color and crisp texture. Follow these steps to prepare the broccoli:
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Cut the broccoli into florets, discarding the tough stems. Try to make the florets similar in size for even cooking.
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Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until it becomes bright green and slightly tender. Blanching helps to preserve the color and texture of the broccoli.
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Immediately transfer the blanched broccoli to an ice bath to halt the cooking process and lock in the vibrant green color. Let it sit in the ice bath for a few minutes.
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Drain the broccoli thoroughly to remove excess water before adding it to the stir-fry.
Cooking the Beef and Broccoli
Now that the beef and broccoli are ready, it’s time to cook them in a flavorful sauce. Follow these steps to cook the beef and broccoli:
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Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to become hot before adding the beef.
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Add the marinated beef strips to the skillet and cook until they are nicely browned. Cooking the beef in batches ensures that it cooks evenly and develops a delicious crust.
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Once the beef is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. This will prevent the beef from overcooking while you prepare the sauce.
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In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
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Add beef broth to the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch with water to create a slurry. This will thicken the sauce and give it a glossy consistency.
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Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. As the sauce heats, it will thicken.
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Return the cooked beef and blanched broccoli to the skillet. With a spatula or tongs, gently toss everything together until the beef and broccoli are well coated with the sauce.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later if needed.
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Allow the beef and broccoli to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens even more and coats the beef and broccoli evenly.
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Once the desired thickness is achieved, remove the skillet from heat and get ready to serve this delicious dish!
Serving Suggestions
To enhance the flavors and presentation of your one-skillet beef and broccoli, consider these serving suggestions:
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Serve the beef and broccoli over steamed rice. The fluffy rice will soak up the flavorful sauce, creating a satisfying combination.
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Garnish the dish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. These add a pop of color and a delightful crunch to each bite.
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Pair the beef and broccoli with a side of stir-fried noodles or steamed vegetables. This will provide variety and additional nutritional value to your meal.
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to make substitutions and variations to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
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Use chicken or tofu instead of beef for a different protein option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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Add sliced bell peppers or carrots for extra color and crunch. These vegetables will complement the flavors of the beef and broccoli.
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Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish. Increase or decrease according to your preference for heat.
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Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
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Experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor of the dish. You can try adding a dash of Chinese five-spice powder or chili powder for a unique twist.
Tips and Tricks
To ensure the best results when making this one-skillet beef and broccoli recipe, keep these tips and tricks in mind:
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Make sure to slice the beef against the grain. This will result in tender and bite-sized pieces of meat.
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If you’re short on time, you can use pre-sliced beef and frozen broccoli. This can help speed up the preparation process without sacrificing flavor or quality.
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If the sauce becomes too thick, add more beef broth gradually. This will help thin it out and prevent it from becoming overly gloopy.
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On the other hand, if the sauce is too thin, mix additional cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it gradually to the skillet. This will help thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.
Storing and Reheating
If you have any leftovers, here’s how you can store and reheat them:
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Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish can be kept for up to 3 days.
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When reheating, you can use a skillet or microwave. Make sure to heat until the beef and broccoli are heated through.
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To prevent the dish from drying out, add a splash of water or beef broth while reheating. This will help revive the flavors and maintain a moist texture.
Conclusion
Enjoy this easy one-skillet beef and broccoli recipe as a delicious and satisfying meal. With its tender beef, crisp broccoli, and flavorful sauce, it’s a dish that will impress your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for a weekday dinner or special occasion, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and savor the flavors of this classic Chinese-inspired dish.