How to Make Authentic Beef with Broccoli at Home

Beef with broccoli is a beloved Chinese American dish that many people enjoy ordering from their favorite takeout restaurants. However, recreating this classic dish at home can sometimes result in meat that is dry and chewy, lacking the tender, velvety texture found in restaurant-prepared dishes. The secret lies in a special technique used by Chinese restaurants to quickly tenderize the meat, resulting in succulent, flavorful beef with a silky texture. In this tutorial, we will learn how to apply this technique to create a mouthwatering beef with broccoli dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

- 1 pound flank steak (or sirloin, traditionally used in Chinese restaurants)

- 1 pound fresh broccoli

- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce

- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

- 1 tablespoon brown sugar

- 1 teaspoon cornstarch

- 1/2 cup beef broth

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Cooked white rice, for serving  
  

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Flank Steak:

   - Place the flank steak on a cutting board and ensure that the grains of the meat are running down its length.

   - Cut the flank steak in half to make it easier to work with.

   - Cut each half into thin slices, making sure to cut against the grain to maximize tenderness.

   - Once sliced, the beef should be in thin strips that are easy to handle and will fit comfortably in your mouth.

2. Velveting Technique:

   - In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to create a marinade.

   - Add the sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring that each piece is well coated.

   - Let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

3. Blanch the Broccoli:

   - Cut the broccoli into florets and blanch them in boiling water for about 2 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender.

   - Remove the broccoli from the boiling water and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

4. Prepare the Sauce:

   - In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and beef broth. Set aside.

5. Cooking Process:

   - Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

   - Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

   - Add the marinated beef to the skillet in a single layer, allowing it to sear without overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes, then flip the beef slices and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until browned and cooked through.

   - Once the beef is cooked, add the blanched broccoli to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional minute.

6. Final Steps:

   - Give the prepared sauce a quick stir and pour it over the beef and broccoli in the skillet.

   - Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens and coats the beef and broccoli.

   - Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serving:

   - Once the dish is ready, serve the beef with broccoli over a bed of steamed white rice.

By following this tutorial, you can achieve tender, velvety beef with broccoli that rivals your favorite Chinese takeout restaurant. Enjoy this delicious dish with family and friends, and savor the authentic flavors of homemade Chinese American cuisine right in your own kitchen!