Hello, fellow food lovers! Today, I want to share with you one of my all-time favorite dishes – Beef and Broccoli. This classic Chinese-American dish, with its tender beef and crisp broccoli bathed in a savory sauce, has a special place in my heart and on my dinner table.
A Brief History: Beef and Broccoli is a staple in Chinese-American cuisine, known for its simple yet satisfying combination of flavors. It’s traditionally made by stir-frying marinated beef with fresh broccoli in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. The result is a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and truly comforting.
Chinese Beef and Broccoli
Equipment
- 2 medium-sized bowls
- 1 large wok
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 11/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dry sherry
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup beef stock
- 4 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Beef:
- 1 pound boneless beef short rib cut against the grain in 1/4 inch thick slices
- 1/3 cup water
- 5 cups broccoli florets
- 1 whole ginger peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
- 1 clove garlic peeled and crushed
- 2 tablespoons peanut or grapeseed oil
- 1 onion sliced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Put all marinade ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and whisk until well blended. Add beef and toss until evenly coated with marinade. Let beef marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
- In another bowl, whisk sauce ingredients until no white lumps remain. Set aside.
- Heat a large wok over high heat. Add water and bring to a boil. Add broccoli and cook until tender and bright green, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer broccoli to a bowl filled with ice to stop the cooking process and set aside.
- Heat wok again until smoking. Add oil and swirl so oil coats the inside of the wok. Add ginger and garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Add marinated beef to wok and stir-fry for 2 minutes or until cooked to your liking.
- Add sauce mixture and simmer until sauce thickens, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add red bell peppers, onions, and cooked broccoli, stir-fry for 1 minute more.
- Season with ground black pepper, if desired. Best served with cooked rice.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips
Creating the perfect Beef and Broccoli is a culinary journey that requires attention to detail, a love for flavor, and a willingness to experiment. Here are some tips that I’ve gathered over the years that might help you on your journey.
- Choose Your Cut: The cut of beef you choose can greatly affect the outcome of your dish. Tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye work well in this dish as they cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce well. However, if you prefer a leaner cut, flank steak could also work.
- Marinate Your Beef: Marinating your beef before cooking can help tenderize it and enhance its flavor. A simple marinade of soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch can do wonders. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight.
- Use Fresh Broccoli: The star of this dish is the broccoli. Using fresh broccoli will give your dish a vibrant color and a crisp texture. Blanch the broccoli before stir-frying to preserve its vibrant green color and crisp texture.
- Balance Your Flavors: Beef and Broccoli is known for its perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors. Make sure to balance these flavors to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a bit more sugar. If you prefer a saltier dish, add a bit more soy sauce.
- Don’t Overcook Your Beef: To ensure your beef stays tender, avoid overcooking it. Stir-fry the beef just until it changes color, then remove it from the pan and set it aside. You can return it to the pan towards the end of cooking, just long enough for it to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Use a Wok: If possible, use a wok for stir-frying. Its high, sloping sides and wide top allow for quick, even cooking, which is essential for stir-fry dishes.
- Pair with Rice: The savory, robust flavors of Beef and Broccoli pair perfectly with steamed rice. The rice not only complements the flavors of the dish but also helps to soak up the delicious sauce.
Remember, cooking is an art, not a science. These tips are just guidelines – feel free to tweak them to suit your taste. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. After all, the best dishes are made with love!
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli
Serving Beef and Broccoli is about more than just plating a dish; it’s about creating a culinary experience that delights all your senses. Here’s how you can turn a simple stir-fry into a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate.
- Choose the Right Plate: The first step in serving Beef and Broccoli is choosing the right plate. A large, flat plate works best as it allows room for the beef, vegetables, and any sides without crowding. If you have traditional Chinese plates, even better! The white color of the plate provides a beautiful contrast to the vibrant colors of the dish.
- Arrange Your Components: Start by placing a mound of steamed rice on one side of the plate. Then, arrange your Beef and Broccoli next to it. The key is to create a balance of colors and textures. The tender, savory beef should be nestled against the bright, crisp broccoli, creating a visually appealing contrast.
- Add Your Sides: On the other side of the plate, add your chosen sides. This could be anything from a small salad to some pickled vegetables or a bowl of soup. The goal is to complement the main dish and provide a variety of flavors and textures.
- Drizzle with Sauce: If you’ve made extra sauce for your Beef and Broccoli, now’s the time to drizzle it over the dish. This not only adds an extra layer of flavor but also gives the dish a glossy, appetizing look.
- Garnish: For a final touch, sprinkle some chopped green onions or sesame seeds over the Beef and Broccoli. This adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory beef and sweet broccoli.
- Pair with a Drink: To complete your meal, pair your Beef and Broccoli with a drink. A cold Tsingtao beer or a glass of plum wine complements the flavors of the dish perfectly. If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, a hot jasmine tea or a chilled chrysanthemum tea would be a great choice.
- Serve Immediately: Remember, Beef and Broccoli is best enjoyed hot, right after cooking. The warmth of the dish enhances the flavors and makes for a comforting meal.
Serving Beef and Broccoli is about more than just filling your stomach; it’s about taking your taste buds on a journey. So take your time, savor each bite, and enjoy the culinary adventure that is Beef and Broccoli!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other meats for Beef and Broccoli?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with chicken, pork, or even tofu. Just remember, the cooking time may vary.
Can I make Beef and Broccoli less salty?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of soy sauce in the dish according to your taste.
Can I substitute the broccoli in Beef and Broccoli?
While broccoli is traditional and adds a unique flavor to the dish, you can substitute it with other vegetables like bell peppers or snow peas if needed.
In my opinion, there’s something truly special about making Beef and Broccoli. It’s not just about the cooking process; it’s about creating a dish that’s both comforting and nourishing. Each step, from marinating the beef to stir-frying it with the broccoli, is a labor of love that results in a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
My love for Beef and Broccoli goes beyond its delicious taste. It’s about how a simple dish can bring so much joy and satisfaction. Whether you’re making it for the first time or have been perfecting it for years, the charm of this dish never fades. So, here’s to many more culinary adventures!
Remember, as the great chef Julia Child once said, “The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking, you’ve got to have a what-the-hell attitude.” So, let’s continue to explore, learn, and fall in love with food, one dish at a time. Happy cooking!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this exploration into the world of Beef and Broccoli as much as I have. If you have any more questions or thoughts, don’t hesitate to reach out. After all, the joy of food is best when shared.