Before diving into the delicious world of Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli, let’s chat about what can complement this dish perfectly.
You might want to serve it over a steaming bed of jasmine rice. The tender grains soak up the delicious teriyaki sauce magnificently. Alternatively, quinoa is an excellent option for a protein boost and adds a nutty flavor to the meal.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider pairing it with a side of stir-fried noodles. These can add an exciting texture and absorb even more flavor from the beef and broccoli.
Another complement could be crispy spring rolls, giving a delightful crunch to your meal.
Wishing to add some greens? A light cucumber salad could balance the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce beautifully while offering a refreshing crunch. Let’s plunge into the heart of this enticing dish.
The Allure of Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli
coming home after a long day, the air filled with tantalizing scents of soy and ginger. You know that dinner will feature a classic: Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli. It’s not just a dish; it’s a warm embrace on a plate.
As a registered dietitian and food lover, I have prepared countless meals, but this one always finds its way back to my kitchen. It’s straightforward, full of flavor, and perfect for entertaining or weekday dinners. Plus, it’s healthy enough to feel good about serving. Ready to explore?
What is Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli?
Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli is a dish rooted in Japanese cuisine, celebrated for its harmonious blend of beef and crisp broccoli draped in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
It’s a staple in many households because it combines accessibility with epic flavor. The dish typically uses tender beef, often sirloin or flank steak, sliced thinly for even cooking.
Broccoli adds not only color but also a satisfying crunch and numerous health benefits. The teriyaki sauce, a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and sometimes mirin or sake, gives that sweet, umami kick that keeps you coming back for more.
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What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
If you’ve ever tasted a good teriyaki sauce, you’ll know it’s a sweet symphony on the palate. The saltiness from the soy sauce works like a perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of brown sugar, creating a well-rounded taste.
Fresh ginger and garlic introduce a layer of warmth and fragrance, while the toasted sesame oil elevates it with earthy, nutty notes.
Broccoli contributes a crisp vegetal taste that balances the dish beautifully. Together, these flavors create a harmonious combination that’s sure to delight your tastebuds.
Why You’ll Love This?
You may be wondering what makes Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli so special.
First, it’s incredibly quick to make. Within just 30 minutes, you can have a colorful plate full of delightful flavors. Second, it’s versatile. You can swap out beef for chicken, tofu, or even tempeh if that suits your preferences.
Not to forget the health benefits—broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals while the use of low-sodium soy sauce makes it heart-healthy.
Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. You’ll find yourself making this dish again and again, whether you’re hosting friends or cooking for family.
Ingredients
You’ll need a handful of simple ingredients to create this magic:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 pound broccoli crowns, chopped into bite-sized florets
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
- 2 pounds thinly sliced beef strips
Step by Step Instructions
Let’s transform these ingredients into a plate of joy!
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons of mirin, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and a pinch of crushed red chili flakes. This sauce should be smooth and well combined. Set it aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Ginger
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of neutral cooking oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 clove of finely chopped garlic and 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger. Stir them quickly. You want to release their fragrance without burning them; this should take around 30 seconds.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Add the 2 pounds of thinly sliced beef strips directly into the skillet. Stir-fry the beef for about 3-4 minutes. You want it to brown nicely but still remain tender, so keep the stirring going!
Step 4: Add the Broccoli
Once the beef is perfectly cooked, toss in the broccoli florets. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes. You want the broccoli to turn vibrant green but still remain crisp.
Step 5: Pour the Sauce
Next, stir the previously prepared sauce into the beef and broccoli. Make sure to coat everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the sauce to thicken and envelop the ingredients.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
After a couple of minutes, once the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil over the dish for that final flavor enhancement.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
You’re done! Serve Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli over jasmine rice or quinoa. Don’t forget some extra sliced green onions on top for added flair!
Tips & Tricks
Here are some tips to make your cooking experience even smoother:
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Flank steak or sirloin works best. They are tender and cook quickly.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic make a world of difference. Avoid the powdered varieties for this dish.
- Size Matters: Keep the beef and broccoli pieces uniform in size for even cooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Broccoli should be bright green and crisp, not mushy. A quick stir-fry is all it needs.
- Prep Ahead: You can slice the beef and chop the broccoli ahead of time, making this a quick meal to whip up on busy nights.
Nutrition Information
Teriyaki Beef And Broccoli Recipe Nutrition Facts
How Can You Store This Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli?
If you have leftovers (and that’s a big if, because it’s so good), the best way to store them is:
- Refrigerate: Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container. It will last up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply microwave until hot or warm gently on the stove while stirring.
Alternatives for Ingredients
Sometimes, you may not have all the ingredients on hand. Here are some substitutions you can make:
- Brown Sugar: Use honey or maple syrup instead. It’ll add a unique flavor twist while keeping the sweetness.
- Beef Strips: For a lighter option, you can replace beef with chicken breast or tofu for a plant-based version.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: If you’re out, tamari works as a gluten-free alternative, or coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
Teriyaki Beef And Broccoli Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet or wok
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin Japanese sweet rice wine
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 clove garlic finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 pound broccoli crowns chopped into bite-sized florets
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
- 2 pounds thinly sliced beef strips
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons of mirin, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and a pinch of crushed red chili flakes. This sauce should be smooth and well combined. Set it aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Ginger
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of neutral cooking oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 clove of finely chopped garlic and 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger. Stir them quickly. You want to release their fragrance without burning them; this should take around 30 seconds.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
- Add the 2 pounds of thinly sliced beef strips directly into the skillet. Stir-fry the beef for about 3-4 minutes. You want it to brown nicely but still remain tender, so keep the stirring going!
Step 4: Add the Broccoli
- Once the beef is perfectly cooked, toss in the broccoli florets. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes. You want the broccoli to turn vibrant green but still remain crisp.
Step 5: Pour the Sauce
- Next, stir the previously prepared sauce into the beef and broccoli. Make sure to coat everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the sauce to thicken and envelop the ingredients.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
- After a couple of minutes, once the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil over the dish for that final flavor enhancement.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
- You’re done! Serve Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli over jasmine rice or quinoa. Don’t forget some extra sliced green onions on top for added flair!
Notes
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Flank steak or sirloin works best. They are tender and cook quickly.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic make a world of difference. Avoid the powdered varieties for this dish.
- Size Matters: Keep the beef and broccoli pieces uniform in size for even cooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Broccoli should be bright green and crisp, not mushy. A quick stir-fry is all it needs.
- Prep Ahead: You can slice the beef and chop the broccoli ahead of time, making this a quick meal to whip up on busy nights.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen broccoli can be a lifesaver when you’re short on time. Just avoid overcooking it since it’s already blanched.
2. What can I serve as a side dish?
In addition to rice, consider serving Asian-style coleslaw or a simple cucumber salad for some freshness.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute beef with firm tofu or seitan while adjusting the cooking time to suit your protein choice.
4. Is this a gluten-free recipe?
Not as it stands, due to soy sauce. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari sauce instead.
5. How do I know when the beef is cooked through?
For sliced beef, look for a dark brown color. It should be slightly firm but still tender. Avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness.
Conclusion
Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli is more than just a recipe; it’s a satisfying meal that brings family and friends together. You can whip it up in no time and feel proud to serve something brimming with flavor and nutrition.
So why not give this dish a try? You’ll find it adapts beautifully to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. I hope this guide finds you well and inspires culinary adventures in your kitchen! Enjoy every delicious bite!
