Saucy Beef with Broccoli Recipe
If you’ve ever craved that perfect balance of tender beef and crisp broccoli coated in a luscious sauce, this Saucy Beef with Broccoli Recipe will become your new go-to. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy yet comes together pretty quickly—making it perfect for those weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. I love how the flavors penetrate every bite thanks to a mix of soy, oyster sauce, and a splash of cooking wine that really brings out the beef’s savory goodness.
What makes this Saucy Beef with Broccoli Recipe special to me is how versatile it is. You can tweak the sauce to suit your taste buds, and it pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. Plus, it’s packed with veggies, so it feels a little healthier without skimping on the comfort factor. Once you nail the sauce and get that tender beef texture, you’ll want to make this again and again—I promise!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients create a fantastic harmony, balancing savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavors. When shopping, look for fresh broccoli and good-quality sirloin since these really make the dish shine.
- Beef sirloin: I prefer thin slices for quick cooking and tenderness. It soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Soy sauce: Choose a naturally brewed one for depth of flavor without too much saltiness.
- Cooking wine: Adds a lovely layer of complexity; Shaoxing wine is my favorite but any dry cooking wine works.
- Oyster sauce: This brings that unique umami punch; don’t skip it unless you have allergies.
- Cornstarch: Critical for thickening your sauce and giving the beef a silky coating.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh, bright green florets give you that satisfying crunch against the tender beef.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a zesty kick and warmth to the sauce.
- Onion: Sliced thinly to soften and slightly sweeten the dish.
- Beef broth: Helps develop a rich, savory sauce that ties everything together.
- Cooking oil: I usually use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil for stir-frying.
- Salt and pepper: To adjust seasoning to your liking.
Variations
I like to switch things up with this Saucy Beef with Broccoli Recipe depending on what I have on hand and how much time I want to spend. Personalize it to match your mood or dietary needs—there’s no “one way” here!
- Variation: For a gluten-free option, I swap soy sauce with tamari and double-check oyster sauce labels. It still tastes amazing!
- Variation: If you want a little heat, adding sliced fresh chili or a dash of chili oil amps it up nicely without overpowering the dish.
- Variation: Sometimes I replace beef with thinly sliced chicken breast or tofu when I’m in the mood for lighter fare.
- Variation: For extra crispiness, try quickly blanching the broccoli before stir-frying—keeps it vibrant and crunchy.
How to Make Saucy Beef with Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by slicing your beef sirloin thinly against the grain—this ensures tenderness after cooking. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets, peel and finely slice your ginger, and slice the onion thinly. I like to have everything ready before heating the wok because this stir-fry goes fast!
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, cooking wine, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss the beef slices in this mixture and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes. This helps the beef absorb flavor and stay tender. I sometimes do this the night before for even better results.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and start to get tender but still have a nice crunch. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Beef and Aromatics
Add the remaining oil to your pan, then toss in the ginger and sliced onion. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the marinated beef and cook quickly over high heat until browned but still juicy—this usually takes 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the beef; it should still be a little pink inside for the best texture.
Step 5: Make the Sauce and Combine
Stir in the oyster sauce and beef broth, bring it to a simmer, and let the sauce thicken. If it’s too thin, mix the remaining cornstarch with a little cold water and pour it in while stirring—it’ll thicken up in seconds. Toss the broccoli back into the pan, season with salt and pepper to taste, and give everything a good mix so the flavors blend.
How to Serve Saucy Beef with Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top and a few thinly sliced green onions for a bit of color and crunch. Sometimes a drizzle of toasted sesame oil after plating adds a fragrant finish that really elevates the dish.
Side Dishes
This Saucy Beef with Broccoli Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal. If you want to mix things up, try serving it with garlic fried rice or noodles—anything that will soak up that delicious sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a family dinner, I sometimes serve this in large, decorative bowls with the rice in matching bowls on the side. When hosting friends, plating the beef and broccoli on a bed of steamed rice and garnishing with fresh cilantro leaves and chili threads makes it look restaurant-worthy without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Saucy Beef with Broccoli keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible but I recommend separating the beef and broccoli from rice if you’re freezing leftovers. Pack portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in a microwave.
Reheating
When reheating, I prefer using a skillet over medium heat to revive the sauce and keep the broccoli from getting too mushy. Add a splash of water or broth if it feels dry. Microwaving works too, but stir halfway through to heat evenly and keep that lovely saucy texture.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cut of beef for this Saucy Beef with Broccoli Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is a great choice for tenderness and quick cooking, you can also use flank steak, skirt steak, or even ribeye thinly sliced. Just be mindful of cooking times, as some cuts may require a bit more care to stay tender.
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How do I prevent the broccoli from getting soggy?
To keep your broccoli crisp-tender, stir-fry it quickly on high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. You can also blanch it briefly in boiling water then shock it in cold water before stir-frying to retain that vibrant crunch.
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Is there a vegetarian version of this Saucy Beef with Broccoli Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the beef with firm tofu or tempeh and replace beef broth with vegetable broth. Use vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom sauce to keep that savory umami flavor intact.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can marinate the beef a day ahead and prep your vegetables in advance. However, for the best texture, I recommend cooking the dish fresh when you’re ready to eat. If needed, reheating leftovers is simple and tastes great too.
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What’s the best way to thicken the sauce in this recipe?
Cornstarch dissolved in cold water is your best friend here. Add it gradually to your simmering sauce and stir continuously until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. This keeps it silky and clinging perfectly to the beef and broccoli.
Final Thoughts
This Saucy Beef with Broccoli Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s dependable, delicious, and genuinely comforting. When I’m craving something hearty yet quick, this dish hits the mark every single time. I’m excited for you to try it out for yourself—you’ll enjoy how simple ingredients come together to create such an irresistible meal. Just remember to take your time with the sauce and don’t rush the cooking process; your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Saucy Beef with Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Saucy Beef with Broccoli recipe features tender sirloin cooked in a savory blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cooking wine, combined with fresh broccoli florets and aromatic ginger and onion. Perfectly balanced with a thickened beef broth sauce, this dish offers a delicious and hearty meal inspired by classic Asian flavors, ideal for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 ½ lbs. beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons cooking wine
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Sauce and Vegetables
- 4 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 thumbs ginger, peeled and sliced thinly
- 1 piece onion, sliced
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the beef sirloin slices with soy sauce, cooking wine, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to tenderize the meat and infuse flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced ginger and onion, stirring frequently until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the skillet, spreading it out and searing until browned on both sides, approximately 3-5 minutes. Ensure the beef is mostly cooked through but still tender.
- Add Broccoli and Sauce: Toss in the broccoli florets and stir to combine. Pour in the beef broth and oyster sauce, stirring well to coat all ingredients.
- Simmer and Thicken: Lower the heat to medium and cover the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the saucy beef with broccoli to a serving plate. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce.
- To intensify the flavor, marinate the beef for up to 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir into the simmering sauce before finishing.
- Broccoli can be substituted with other vegetables such as snow peas or bell peppers for variation.
- Ensure not to overcook the broccoli to maintain its crunch and nutritional value.
Keywords: beef and broccoli, Asian beef recipe, stir-fry beef, saucy beef, oyster sauce beef, quick dinner, soy sauce beef
