Beef Broccoli Stir Fry Thit Bo Bong Cai Xanh Recipe

Picture this: a cozy evening, your apron tied just right, and the smell of sizzling goodness wafting through your kitchen. We’re about to embark on a culinary adventure with this beef and broccoli stir-fry that promises to transform your midweek dinner routine into an exquisite feast. 🌿🔥 #FoodieDreams

The beef is tender, the broccoli is just right, and the sauce is one of those life-enhancing blends of soy sauce and oyster sauce and toasted sesame oil and ginger that makes this dish worth making. And yet it is straightforward to make, so much so that I think of it as a tribute to the simplicity and savoriness of modern Chinese-American cooking.

Ingredients

• Beef flank steak: Rich in protein; adds hearty, savory flavor.
• Soy sauce: Provides umami; enhances the dish’s depth.
• Broccoli florets: High in fiber; offers a crisp, fresh texture.
• Garlic: Infuses pungent, aromatic undertones.
• Ginger: Adds zesty warmth; aids digestion.
• Sesame oil: Distinct nutty aroma; finishes with elegance.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 1 lb beef flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

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How to Make this

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flank steak, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well to coat the beef evenly and let marinate for 20 minutes in a bowl.

2. 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until just browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the last tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir fast so they don’t burn, about 1 minute.

4. Place the broccoli florets into the pan and stir-fry for approximately 2 minutes. Add the beef broth to the pan, cover it, and allow the broccoli to steam for another 3-4 minutes until it reaches a tender-crisp texture.

5. Return the beef and the broccoli to the pan. Add the hoisin sauce and sesame oil.

6. Combine and heat through everything together, ensuring the beef is cooked to your desired doneness, about 2-3 minutes.

7. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

8. Put it on a plate.

9. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top, if you wish.

10. Serve steaming with rice that’s just been cooked or with hot noodles. Relish!

Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Large pan or wok
4. Stirring spoon or spatula
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Tongs or slotted spoon
8. Plate for serving

FAQ

• What type of beef is best for this recipe?Thinly sliced flank steak is perfect because it is so tender and cooks so quickly. Of course, not all flank steak is created equal. It’s super delicious when seared in a cast-iron skillet for a few minutes on each side, grilled over a hot fire (think carne asada), or finished in a broiler that tenderizes the steak while caramelizing the surface.
• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?You can use frozen broccoli; however, you need to thaw it and pat it dry to get rid of any extra moisture before adding it to the stir fry. If you add the broccoli while it’s still mostly frozen, or if you don’t dry it after thawing, you’ll end up with a watery stir fry.
• Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?You can use soy sauce mixed with a bit of sugar or fish sauce for a similar umami flavor if you need a substitute.
• How do I ensure the beef is tender?Soak the beef in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. This not only breaks down the tough fibers in the meat (and beef has a lot of them) but also makes it impossible for the kind of undesirable texture you get when you bite into an overcooked or undercooked piece of beef.
• What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?Hoisin sauce can be substituted with a mixture of soy sauce and a little honey or sugar to provide the necessary sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Is it necessary to add sesame oil?Sesame oil imparts a uniquely nutty flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can skip it or substitute it with a light drizzle of another flavorful oil.

Beef Broccoli Stir Fry Thit Bo Bong Cai Xanh Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Flank steak from beef: Alternate with sirloin or ribeye steaks, sliced thinly.
Soy sauce: Use tamari or coconut amnios for a gluten-free alternative.
Hoisin sauce is a good replacement for oyster sauce. So is a mixture of soy sauce and sugar.
Cornstarch: Substitute arrowroot powder or tapioca starch for a gluten-free thickening alternative.
Canola oil or olive oil can be used as substitutes for vegetable oil.

Pro Tips

– Tenderize the Beef For even more tender beef, you can marinate the flank steak with a little baking soda (a pinch) along with the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Rinse off the baking soda before cooking.

– Blanch the Broccoli To retain vibrant green color and enhance the tenderness of the broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water for about 30 seconds and immediately transfer them to an ice bath before stir-frying.

– Aromatic Boost Add a few slices of fresh red chili or a dash of chili oil to the garlic and ginger step for an extra kick of heat and flavor.

– Enhance the Sauce For a richer sauce, you can add a teaspoon or two of brown sugar to the hoisin sauce mixture. This can balance the saltiness and enhance the depth of flavor.

– Perfect Cooking Oil Temperature Ensure the oil is hot before adding the beef. A hot pan sears the beef quickly, sealing in juices and flavor, which helps avoid a chewy texture.