Restaurant-Style Beef and Broccoli at Home

We all know the craving. That insistent urge for Chinese food, the sweet and savory stir-fries, the fluffy white rice, the comforting familiarity. But battling traffic, waiting for takeout, and the sometimes unpredictable quality can put a damper on the whole experience.

What if you could create that restaurant-worthy experience from the comfort of your own kitchen? This recipe for Beef and Broccoli is your answer. Packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and ready in under an hour, this dish is sure to become a weeknight staple.

Why Cook Beef and Broccoli at Home?

There are several reasons to ditch the takeout menu and embrace this homemade Beef and Broccoli recipe:

Quality Control: You get to choose the ingredients! Select fresh, high-quality cuts of beef and broccoli florets. No mystery meat or wilted vegetables here.
Healthier Options: You control the amount of oil, sodium, and sugar that goes into your dish. Many takeout restaurants can be heavy-handed with these ingredients.
Customization: Want it spicier? Add some chili flakes! Craving extra veggies? Throw in some sliced carrots or peppers! This recipe is a jumping-off point, personalize it to your taste preferences.
Budget-Friendly: Cooking at home is almost always cheaper than takeout. A pound of beef and broccoli florets is likely less expensive than a single serving of takeout.
Sense of Accomplishment: There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from creating a delicious meal yourself.

Restaurant-Style Beef and Broccoli at Home

A Breakdown of the Recipe: Ingredients and Steps

This recipe is designed to be approachable for home cooks of all levels. Let’s break down the ingredients and steps involved.

Ingredients:

The Sauce:
- ⅓ cup oyster sauce: This savory sauce adds a depth of umami flavor to the dish. Look for it in the international aisle of your grocery store.
- ⅓ cup sherry: Cooking sherry adds a touch of sweetness and nuttiness. You can substitute dry white wine or even chicken broth in a pinch.
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil: This fragrant oil adds a nutty aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty depth to the dish. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your sodium intake.
- 1 teaspoon white sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the savory flavors in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: This thickens the sauce to create a glossy, restaurant-style consistency.
The Beef:
- ¾ pound beef round steak: This cut of beef is lean and tender, making it perfect for stir-fries. You can also substitute flank steak or skirt steak.
The Aromatics:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or peanut oil.
- 1 thin slice of fresh ginger root: Fresh ginger adds a warm, pungent flavor to the dish.
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed: Garlic adds another layer of savory flavor.
The Veggies:
- 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets: Broccoli adds a vibrant green color, a satisfying crunch, and essential nutrients to the dish.

Steps:

Marinate the Beef: Whisk together the oyster sauce, sherry, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl. Place the sliced beef in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
Cook the Broccoli: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ginger and garlic and let them sizzle for about a minute to infuse the oil with flavor. Discard the ginger and garlic. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside.
Cook the Beef: If needed, add a little more oil to the pan. Remove the beef from the marinade and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and no longer pink.
Thicken the Sauce: Pour the marinade into the pan with the cooked beef. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Combine and Serve: Return the cooked broccoli to the pan with the beef and sauce. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is heated through.

Serving Suggestions:

This delicious Beef and Broccoli is traditionally served over white rice. If you have time, try making some fluffy steamed rice to perfectly complement the dish. For a heartier option, brown rice or even fried rice would also work well.

Here are some additional tips for plating and serving your restaurant-worthy Beef and Broccoli:

Garnish with sesame seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice finishing touch, both visually and texturally.
Chopped scallions: For extra color and a bit of a bite, add some chopped scallions to the top of your dish.
Lemon wedge: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the flavors and add a touch of acidity.

Leftovers and Storage:

This Beef and Broccoli recipe can easily be doubled to feed a crowd or to have leftovers for lunch the next day. Store leftover beef and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Tips and Variations:

Here are some additional tips and variations to help you customize this Beef and Broccoli recipe to your liking:

Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water or chicken broth and whisk it into the sauce while it’s simmering.
Spice it Up: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce.
Veggie Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as sliced carrots, bell peppers, or sugar snap peas.
Protein Options: While flank steak or skirt steak are traditional options, you could also use thinly sliced chicken breasts or thighs for a lighter protein option.
Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is labeled gluten-free.

Conclusion:

This Restaurant-Style Beef and Broccoli recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a takeout favorite from the comfort of your own home. With fresh ingredients, simple steps, and endless customization possibilities, this dish is sure to become a weeknight staple. So next time you’re craving Chinese food, ditch the takeout menu and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

331	Calories
21g	Fat
13g	Carbs
22g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 331
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 21g	27%
Saturated Fat 5g	26%
Cholesterol 52mg	17%
Sodium 419mg	18%
Total Carbohydrate 13g	5%
Dietary Fiber 3g	11%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 22g	43%
Vitamin C 102mg	113%
Calcium 61mg	5%
Iron 3mg	15%
Potassium 683mg	15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.