Spending July in Dubai means embracing the heat and finding joy in indoor activities. While the sun blazes outside, we fill our days with love through little things like watching movies, playing board games, and preparing our favourite dishes. My son Sami especially delights in the familiar aroma of our favourite broccoli beef stir-fry wafting through the house. The excitement in his eyes when he smells the beef searing lets me know our dinner plans are a hit.
This broccoli beef stir-fry is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to takeout. With its delicious blend of beef and vegetables, it makes for a wonderful lunch or light dinner. The quick preparation and cooking time make it perfect for busy days or when you’re just looking for a fast, satisfying meal. Plus, it’s a healthier option than takeout, so you can indulge without any guilt.
Ingredients Used for Beef Broccoli
Marinade:
Meat: For this recipe I have chosen to use sirloin. Sirloin steak is a lean cut of beef, sirloin works well with marinades and sauces.
Soya: The rich unique taste of soya gives the beef and broccoli dish its authentic and unique taste. I have opted to use both light and dark soya for a delicious dish. Soya sauce is a salty, brown sauce made from fermented soybeans, wheat, salt, and water. It is commonly used in Asian cuisine for seasoning and as a condiment.
Rice Wine Vinegar: The sweet acidic taste of the rice vinegar adds more dimension to this dish. Rice vinegar is made by fermenting rice with sugar.
Sugar: A small amount of sugar is used to balance the dish.
Sauce:
Sesame Oil: I use sesame oil to fry the vegetables and meat; it has a slightly nutty earthy taste to add a different layer of taste.
Oyster Sauce: Oyster sauce is a salty, brown sauce made from oysters, soy sauce, sugar, and other ingredients. It is commonly used in Asian cuisine as a flavour enhancer.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is a fine, white powder that is derived from corn. It is used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking.
Vegetables:
Broccoli: Broccoli goes very well with beef. Broccoli has a slightly sweet and bitter taste, and depending on the cook adds crunch to the dish. Broccoli has dietary fibre which is good for your overall health.
Ginger: Ginger adds warmth to the dish and the anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties that help boost your immune system.
alternative ingredients
Meat: Alternatives to meat include tofu, tempeh, seitan, legumes, and mushrooms. These options are often lower in fat and calories, and provide a source of protein.
Soya Sauce: Alternatives to soya sauce include tamari, coconut aminos, and miso. These options are often gluten-free and have a similar salty, savory flavor.
Rice Wine Vinegar: The best alternative for rice wine vinegar is apple cider vinegar.
Sugar: This recipe uses a small amount of sugar, but you can substitute the sugar with honey or coconut sugar.
Sesame Oil: Alternatives to sesame oil include olive, avocado, and peanut oil. These oils have a mild flavour and are often used for cooking and as a condiment.
Oyster Sauce: Alternatives to oyster sauce include hoisin sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. These options provide a similar flavour, but may not be as salty.
Cornstarch: Alternatives to cornstarch include flour, arrowroot powder, and tapioca starch. These options are often used as a thickener in cooking and baking.
Chicken Broth: Alternatives to chicken broth include vegetable broth, mushroom broth, and bone broth. These options provide a flavorful base for soups and stews and can be made from a variety of ingredients.
Serving Tips for Beef Broccoli
- Serve the broccoli and beef stir fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Add some crunch by topping the stir fry with chopped nuts, such as almonds or peanuts.
- Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over the stir fry for an extra burst of flavor.
- Pair the stir fry with other Asian-inspired dishes, such as dumplings, spring rolls, or wontons.
storage tips
- Store the leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the stir fry in a pan over medium heat and stir occasionally until fully heated.
- Avoid over-heating the stir fry, as this can cause the broccoli to become mushy and the beef to dry out.
- If you have a large amount of leftover stir fry, consider dividing it into smaller portions and freezing it for future meals. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and then follow the reheating instructions.
Beef Broccoli (Full Video)
Beef Stir Fry with Broccoli
Ingredients
Marinade
- 500 g sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp brown or white sugar
- pinch black pepper
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster or teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Vegetables
- 500 g broccoli
- vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
Garnish
- ¼ cup roasted cashew
- pinch roasted sesame seeds
- 1 green onions, finely sliced
Instructions
- Start by slicing the sirloin steak into ½ inch thick strips. In a medium bowl, combine the steak strips with light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and sesame oil. Mix well and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- While the beef marinates, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and sesame oil until fully combined.
- Heat a wok until very hot and add a drizzle of vegetable oil. Once the oil is slightly smoky, brown the beef in batches. Remove the beef and set it aside.
- In the same wok, add the broccoli florets along with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and allow the broccoli to steam cook for 5 minutes. Move the broccoli to the side, add a couple of teaspoons of sesame oil, and fry the minced ginger and garlic until fragrant. Toss them with the broccoli.
- Add the cooked beef back into the wok and pour in the sauce. Gently toss to coat the broccoli and beef evenly. Add the roasted cashews.
- Serve the beef stir fry with a bowl of delicious rice, garnished with green onion and toasted sesame seeds.
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