FAQ
As the day winds down, the kitchen calls. It’s time to whip up something hearty, healthy and delicious for dinner. But what if you’re short on time or simply not in the mood for a complex recipe? Fear not, because we have the perfect solution: a classic Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe.
This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary journey to the heart of Asian cuisine, where flavors are bold, colors are vibrant, and every bite brings a burst of delight. This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe is an ode to simplicity that doesn’t compromise on taste. It’s a symphony of tender beef slices, crunchy broccoli florets, and a savory sauce that’s a blend of both sweet and spicy notes.
In this recipe, we’ll be guiding you step by step, ensuring you can bring this delectable dish to life in your kitchen, regardless of your culinary expertise. So, strap on your apron, heat up that skillet and let’s get cooking!
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
The magic of this delicious Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry begins with just a tablespoon of canola oil. Heat it in a skillet over medium heat, then introduce the main star of the dish – a lean cut of steak, be it flank, sirloin or flat iron, thinly sliced for that perfect bite. Let the steak sizzle and brown for about four to five minutes, flipping it halfway to ensure even cooking. Once it’s cooked to perfection, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
Next, add the remaining tablespoon of canola oil to the same skillet. This is where we bring in our vibrant green partner, the broccoli. Cook it for a few minutes until it starts to soften. To help it along, pour in a couple of tablespoons of water and continue cooking for an additional four to five minutes until the broccoli transforms into a tender delight.
While the broccoli is getting ready, it’s time to concoct our flavor-packed stir fry sauce. In a separate bowl, combine minced garlic and ginger for a fragrant base. Add in low-sodium soy sauce for that essential umami punch, sesame oil for a hint of nuttiness, red pepper flakes for a dash of heat, and a quarter cup of water to balance out the flavors. The secret ingredient here is cornstarch, which will help thicken our sauce and give it a glossy finish.
Now, the stage is set for the grand finale. Pour the stir fry sauce over the broccoli in the skillet. It’s time to bring back the cooked steak to join the party. Reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the ingredients to mingle and simmer for a few minutes. This slow simmer helps the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and broccoli beautifully, intensifying the flavors. If you desire a thinner sauce, feel free to stir in a couple tablespoons of extra water.
There you have it – a delightful Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry that serves four, with each serving packing just 318 calories. On the Nutrisystem plan, you can count this hearty dish as two PowerFuels, one Extra and one Vegetable. Enjoy this wholesome, easy-to-make stir fry that’s sure to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire!
Customizing and Serving Your Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
The beauty of a stir fry is its versatility and adaptability to your personal taste and dietary needs. Here are a few suggestions on how you can customize and serve this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry to make it uniquely yours:
Variety of Proteins
While we’ve used lean steak in this recipe, feel free to substitute it with other proteins like chicken, shrimp, tofu or even tempeh for a vegetarian version. Each protein adds its distinct flavor and texture, making your stir fry a new experience each time.
Additional Vegetables
Broccoli is just the beginning. You can add more color and nutritional value to your stir fry by including other vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, carrots or mushrooms. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different vegetables have varying cooking times.
Spice it Up
If you enjoy a little extra heat, consider adding more red pepper flakes or some fresh chili peppers to the stir fry. You could also swirl in a spoonful of chili oil or hot sauce for that extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is traditionally served over steamed rice or noodles. However, if you’re watching your carb intake, you can serve it over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles or even a bed of fresh greens.
Toppings
Garnish your stir fry with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an added crunch and freshness. A squeeze of lime just before serving can also enhance the overall flavor with a tangy twist.
Cooking is all about making a dish your own, so feel free to experiment and tweak this recipe to your liking. Refer to the Nutrisystem Grocery Guide for more information on counting different ingredients and add-ins. Every variation brings a new dimension to your dining table, making each meal an exciting culinary adventure!
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: 318
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 PowerFuels, 1 Extra and 1 Vegetable
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp. canola oil, divided
- 1 lb. lean steak (e.g., flank steak, sirloin, flat iron), thinly sliced
- 4 cups broccoli
- 2 Tbsp. water
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. ginger, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce, low sodium
- 1 ½ tsp. sesame oil
- ½ tsp. red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup water
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
Directions:
- Heat a skillet to medium heat with 1 tablespoon of canola oil. Once hot, add the steak and cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Once it's fully cooked, remove and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the broccoli and cook for a few minutes.
- Add the water and continue cooking for 4-5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the stir fry sauce ingredients.
- Pour the stir fry sauce over the broccoli and add the steak back to the pan.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce has thickened. (Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of extra water to thin out if desired.)
