Hello everyone, I’m Hui Zhang, and I’m excited to share with you a delicious recipe that’s close to my heart. As a native of China, I grew up eating dishes that were similar to this beef and broccoli recipe. These flavors are ingrained in my palate, and I’m eager to introduce them to you.
Hui comes from a long line of farmers in rural China, but has always had a love for cuisine and cooking. After studying hospitality in college, he moved to the United States to explore a new culinary landscape. Hui is currently a line cook in a popular restaurant in New York City and enjoys experimenting with fusion cuisine in his spare time.
Hui Zhang currently resides in the United States and grew up in China.
The origins of this recipe are rooted in Chinese cuisine, which dates back thousands of years. Broccoli, however, is a relatively recent addition to the Chinese diet. It wasn’t until the 20th century, when western influences started to seep into China’s culinary landscape, that broccoli was introduced, and it quickly became a staple. Now, in China, it’s hard to imagine broccoli not being available in most supermarkets.
Although this recipe has its origins in Chinese cuisine, it is widely enjoyed across the United States today. May 16 happens to be National Love a Tree Day, and this recipe is a perfect way to celebrate this occasion. After all, broccoli is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, which includes trees like cauliflower and brussel sprouts. Not only is this dish healthy and flavorful, but it’s also a great option for anyone who wants to simplify their suppers. In today’s fast-paced world, this recipe is a testament to the fact that you don’t need a lot of time or ingredients to whip up a delicious and nutritious meal.
What you need
If you love Asian-inspired flavors but don’t have much time to cook during the week, then this is the recipe for you! In this delicious beef and broccoli dish, you only need five simple ingredients to create a savory and satisfying meal. Tender beef sirloin is stir-fried with fresh broccoli florets and slathered in a delicious soy sauce-based sauce. The dish starts by blanching the broccoli and browning the beef in a wok or large skillet. Then you whisk together your sauce ingredients before adding them to the pan and cooking everything together for a few more minutes until the sauce is thickened and the flavors are fully melded. Serve over steaming hot rice and you’ve got an unbeatable dinner that’s ready in less than 30 minutes! This is an easy recipe that’s perfect for meal prepping or for a quick and tasty weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- Beef sirloin – Beef sirloin is a flavorful and tender cut of meat that works perfectly in this beef and broccoli recipe. You could also use flank steak, or sliced chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Broccoli florets – Fresh broccoli is a healthy and delicious vegetable that pairs perfectly with this beef and broccoli dish. If you don’t have broccoli on hand, you could also substitute with green beans or another green vegetable.
- Soy sauce – Soy sauce adds a savory and salty flavor to the dish and also gives it a nice brown color. If you don’t have soy sauce, you could also use tamari sauce or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic adds a spicy and pungent flavor to the dish. If you don’t have garlic on hand, you could use garlic powder or chopped onion as a substitute.
- Cornstarch – Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce and create a nice coating on the beef and broccoli. If you don’t have cornstarch, you could also use potato starch or arrowroot powder as a substitute.
Utensils:
- Wok or large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Broccoli florets
I absolutely love broccoli! Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly healthy, packed with vitamins and nutrients. In this beef and broccoli recipe, the broccoli florets add a nice crunch and subtle sweetness to balance out the savory flavors of the soy sauce and beef. I especially like using fresh broccoli, as it has a bright green color and retains its nutrients better than frozen broccoli. This versatile vegetable can be used in so many different recipes, from stir-fries to salads, and it’s always a hit on my dinner table!
Soy sauce
Ah, soy sauce. Arguably one of the world’s most universal condiments, soy sauce is a staple in many Asian households, and for good reason. It’s salty, savory, and adds a depth of flavor to soups, stir-fries, marinades, and more. In this beef and broccoli recipe, soy sauce is the star ingredient, providing the base for the delicious sauce that coats the beef and broccoli. I prefer using low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness, but you can also use regular soy sauce if you prefer. Fun fact: did you know that soy sauce is made by fermenting soybeans and wheat in a salty brine for several months? This fermentation process creates a rich and flavorful sauce that’s perfect for adding depth to any dish.
What to serve it with?
When I make this beef and broccoli recipe, I always serve it with a steaming hot bowl of white rice. Rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is often served as a side dish. Not only is it a great vehicle for soaking up all the delicious sauce in this recipe, but it’s also a filling and satisfying complement to the flavors of the dish. I recommend using jasmine rice, which is fragrant and slightly sweet. It reminds me of my grandmother’s cooking, who was an excellent cook and always used the highest-quality ingredients. Whenever I make this dish, the jasmine rice takes me back to those days of watching her cook in the kitchen.
Summary
I hope this recipe for Simplify Your Supper: A Delicious Beef and Broccoli Recipe Using Only 5 Ingredients becomes a staple in your repertoire, as it has in mine. I’d love to hear about your experience making this dish and what other recipes you enjoy that use only a few ingredients. For me, simple cooking has always been the cornerstone of culinary expertise, and this recipe embodies that philosophy. In the comments section below, share your own recipe hacks or any questions you have about this recipe. I’ll be sure to read every comment and reply personally. Thank you for allowing me to share a piece of my culinary heritage with you. happy cooking!
Here’s the recipe:
Simplify Your Supper: A Delicious Beef and Broccoli Recipe Using Only 5 Ingredients
Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound Beef sirloin
- 4 cups Broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup Soy sauce
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
Instructions
- Blanch the broccoli - Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender. Drain the broccoli and set aside.
- Brown the beef - Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Make the sauce - In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, minced garlic, and cornstarch until well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the broccoli and beef together - In the same wok or skillet, add another tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the blanched broccoli and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until slightly browned and tender. Add the browned beef back into the skillet and stir to combine with the broccoli. Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli and stir to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and coats the beef and broccoli evenly.
- Serve and enjoy! - Transfer the beef and broccoli to a serving dish and serve over hot rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
