Pepper Beef with Broccoli

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Pepper Beef with Broccoli is a beloved dish that hails from Chinese cuisine, seamlessly blending tender beef, vibrant green broccoli, and a savory sauce that has won hearts (and stomachs) around the world. A staple in many Chinese restaurants, this dish is not only delicious but also a celebration of flavors and textures. Let’s explore the origins, preparation methods, nutritional value, and some variations of this classic dish.

Though Beef with Broccoli is associated with American-Chinese cuisine, its roots can be traced back to traditional Chinese cookery, where stir-frying is a prevalent cooking method. The dish is thought to have gained popularity in the West in the mid-20th century, particularly with Chinese immigrants introducing their culinary traditions to a broader audience. While the dish has Chinese flavors, it can suit local palates and ingredient availability, leading to many variations across continents.

The preparation of Beef with Broccoli typically involves a few key steps:

1. Ingredient Selection: The main ingredients are flank steak or sirloin, fresh broccoli, and a flavorful sauce, often made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and oyster sauce. Some recipes may include additional components like cornstarch for thickness, sesame oil for richness, and scallions for garnish.
2. Marinating the Beef: To achieve tender and flavorful beef, marinating is essential. A marinade usually consists of soy sauce, cornstarch, and sometimes cooking wine. This step not only enhances the beef’s flavor but also helps in achieving a velvety texture.
3. Stir-Frying: The cooking process involves high heat and quick cooking, characteristic of stir-frying. The marinated beef is first cooked until browned, followed by the addition of broccoli. The sauce, which coats the ingredients in a delicious glaze.
4. Serving: Serve Beef with Broccoli with steamed rice or noodles, allowing diners to savor the dish’s rich flavors.

• Protein Source: The beef offers a rich source of protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Broccoli with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, this contributes to a healthy diet.
• Balanced Meal: When served with rice, the dish provides a meal that includes carbohydrates, making it both satisfying and nourishing.

One of the great aspects of Beef with Broccoli is its adaptability. Here are a few variations you might consider:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute tofu or seitan for the beef and adjust the marinade to cater to vegetarian preferences.
• Sauce Adjustments: For those who prefer a spicier kick, adding chili paste or fresh chilies can elevate the dish significantly.
• Additional Vegetables: Incorporating other vegetables, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots, can add color and additional nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Modification: For gluten-free diets, replacing soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos provides a delicious alternative.

Beef with Broccoli is a dish that represents the fusion of cultures and the versatility of ingredients. Whether enjoyed in a bustling restaurant, prepared at home for family dinners, this classic dish continues to be a favorite across the globe. Its combination of savory flavors, health benefits, and simple preparation makes it a go-to option for many. Next time you’re looking for something satisfying yet straightforward to cook, consider whipping up Beef with Broccoli – a true culinary treasure!

Pepper Beef with Broccoli

Pepper Beef with Broccoli is a beloved dish that hails from Chinese cuisine, seamlessly blending tender beef, vibrant green broccoli, and a savory sauce that has won hearts (and stomachs) around the world.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients

  

Marinade

• 1 Lb London broil
• 3 Tbsp Soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp Hoisin sauce
• 2 Tsp Cornstarch
• 1 Tsp Sriracha
• 1/2 Tsp Garlic powder
• 1/2 Tsp Ginger powder

Sauce

• 5 Tbsp Oyster sauce
• 3 Tbsp Brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp Chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp Rice wine
• 1 Tsp Sesame oil
• 1/2 Tsp Salt
• 1/2 Tsp Pepper

Stir-fry

• 6 Cloves Garlic-minced
• 1 Tbsp Ginger-grated
• 1 Tsp Sesame oil
• 1 Red bell pepper-sliced thin
• 4 Cups Broccoli
• Cilantro-chopped
• Sriracha
• Vegetable oil
• Rice or cauliflower rice

Instructions

 

Marinate

• Slice beef into 1/8" thick slices and 2 " long.
• Add remaining ingredients to a gallon ziploc bag, then add beef. Massage until well coated. If leaving at room temperature marinate for 30 minutes. If marinating longer place in fridge. Marinate for 2-8 hours.

Sauce

• Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together. Set aside.

Stir-fry

• Cut broccoli into florets. Place in a bowl with a small amount of water and steam in microwave for 1 1/2 minutes. Set aside.
• Add garlic, ginger and sesame oil to a small bowl and set aside.
• Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to your wok and heat over medium heat. Working in batches brown the beef and set aside.
• Add a little more oil and cook bell pepper for a couple of minutes. Then add broccoli and cook for 2 minutes.
• Push the peppers and broccoli to the edge of the wok and add the garlic mixture and cook for 30 seconds stirring it into the pepper and broccoli mixture.
• Add back in the beef and toss to combine. Whisk the sauce before adding it into the wok. Cook while stirring constantly to incorporate and thicken the sauce, about 2 minutes.
• Serve over rice or cauliflower rice, Garnish with cilantro and sriracha.

Keyword Beef with Broccoli, broccoli, london broil, Pepper beef with broccoli, stri-fry