Garlic Soy Beef and Broccoli with Toasted Pecans
Experience a delightful fusion of flavors with this savory garlic soy beef and broccoli dish, enhanced by the delightful crunch of toasted pecans. The recipe, inspired by a renowned NPR program, features marinated flank steak infused with a harmonious blend of reduced sodium soy sauce and mirin, paired with vibrant broccoli florets. The addition of fresh garlic and ginger provides depth, while a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick. Toasted pecans offer a nutty contrast that elevates the entire dish. Perfectly served over a bed of rice, this one-dish meal is ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests. Enjoy a satisfying, wholesome meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
flank steaks or round steak
3/4 lb (sliced thin)
reduced sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons (for marinade and sauce)
mirin
5 tablespoons (2 for marinade, 3 for sauce)
minced garlic
2 1/2 tablespoons (1 for the mixture, 1 1/2 for the sauce)
minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (for the mixture)
minced scallions
2 tablespoons (for the mixture)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon
oil
5 teaspoons (for cooking)
pecans
1/4 cup (coarsely chopped)
broccoli florets
1 1/2 lbs (broken into bite-size pieces, stalks peeled and cut into 1/4 inch thick pieces)
low sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons (for sauce)
toasted sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon (for sauce)
cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons (for sauce)
sugar
1/2 teaspoon (for sauce)
Instructions
1
In a jar, combine 3 tablespoons of mirin, 3 tablespoons of low sodium chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of reduced sodium soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons of minced garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. Seal the jar and shake well until combined. Set aside.
2
In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced flank or round steak with 2 teaspoons of reduced sodium soy sauce and 2 teaspoons of mirin. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor.
3
In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger, 2 tablespoons of minced scallions, and 1/8 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, along with 1 1/2 teaspoons of oil. Set this mixture aside.
4
In a skillet or wok, toast the coarsely chopped pecans over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until they are aromatic. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning. Once toasted, transfer them to a bowl and set aside.
5
In the same skillet or wok, heat 2 teaspoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef (holding onto the marinade) and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is well browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
6
Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of oil to the skillet and then add the broccoli florets along with 1/2 cup of water. Cover the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green.
7
Remove the cover and stir-fry the broccoli for 2-4 minutes until the liquid evaporates and the broccoli is crisp-tender.
8
Push the broccoli to one side of the pan and add the garlic-ginger mixture. Sauté for 45 seconds, using the back of a spoon to mash and release the fragrance.
9
Combine the broccoli and garlic mixture, return the cooked beef to the skillet, and toss everything together to combine well.
10
Shake the garlic sauce in its jar again and pour it over the beef and broccoli mixture. Stir well to ensure the vegetables and beef are evenly coated.
11
Remove the pan from the heat, sprinkle the toasted pecans over the dish, and serve hot over a bed of rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic Soy Beef and Broccoli with Toasted Pecans?
It is a savory stir-fry dish featuring marinated flank steak, fresh broccoli florets, and a garlic-soy sauce, topped with crunchy toasted pecans.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 3/4 lb of flank steak or round steak, sliced thin for the best results.
How long should I marinate the beef?
The beef should be marinated for at least 30 minutes, but can be left for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
What ingredients are in the beef marinade?
The marinade consists of 2 teaspoons of reduced sodium soy sauce and 2 teaspoons of mirin.
How do I make the garlic soy sauce?
Combine 3 tablespoons of mirin, 3 tablespoons of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar in a jar and shake well.
What is in the aromatic garlic-ginger mixture?
The mixture includes 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger, 2 tablespoons of minced scallions, 1/8 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of oil.
How should the pecans be prepared?
Coarsely chop 1/4 cup of pecans and toast them in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until aromatic, stirring frequently.
How do I cook the beef in the stir-fry?
Heat 2 teaspoons of oil over medium-high heat and stir-fry the marinated beef for 2-3 minutes until well browned, then remove it from the pan.
What is the process for cooking the broccoli?
Add the broccoli florets and 1/2 cup of water to the skillet, cover, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Then uncover and stir-fry for 2-4 minutes until the liquid evaporates.
How do I integrate the aromatics into the dish?
Push the cooked broccoli to one side of the pan, add the garlic-ginger mixture, and sauté for 45 seconds while mashing it with a spoon to release the fragrance.
When do I add the sauce to the stir-fry?
After combining the beef and broccoli, shake the garlic sauce jar again and pour it over the mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
What should I serve with this beef and broccoli dish?
The recipe is ideally served hot over a bed of rice.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a gentle kick from 1/8 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, but it is not considered an overly spicy dish.
Can I use the broccoli stalks?
Yes, the recipe suggests peeling the stalks and cutting them into 1/4 inch thick pieces to use alongside the florets.
What provides the nutty flavor in this recipe?
The toasted pecans and a half teaspoon of toasted sesame oil provide the nutty depth to the dish.
What is the role of cornstarch in the recipe?
Cornstarch is used in the sauce to act as a thickener, helping the garlic soy sauce cling to the beef and vegetables.
How much garlic is used in total?
The recipe uses a total of 2 1/2 tablespoons of minced garlic: 1 tablespoon for the aromatic mixture and 1 1/2 tablespoons for the sauce.
What kind of soy sauce should I use?
The recipe calls for reduced sodium soy sauce to help manage the salt content of the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and a one-dish meal, making it ideal for busy family evenings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients used to create this dish, including the beef, vegetables, nuts, and sauce components.
How do I prevent the pecans from burning?
You must stir the pecans frequently while toasting them over medium-high heat and remove them as soon as they become aromatic.
What is mirin and how is it used here?
Mirin is a Japanese sweet rice wine; it is used in both the beef marinade and the garlic soy sauce for a balanced flavor.
How much broccoli do I need?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 lbs of broccoli florets broken into bite-size pieces.
Why do I need to shake the sauce jar twice?
You shake it initially to combine the ingredients and again before pouring to ensure the cornstarch hasn't settled at the bottom.
Does this recipe use fresh ginger?
Yes, it uses 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger to provide depth and heat to the aromatic base.
What is the texture of the broccoli in this dish?
The broccoli is cooked to be crisp-tender, meaning it is cooked through but still retains a slight crunch.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a wholesome and nutritious meal featuring lean protein and a large portion of vegetables.
How much oil is used for the entire cooking process?
A total of 5 teaspoons of oil are used throughout the various stages of sautéing and stir-frying.
What is the best way to slice the beef?
The beef should be sliced thin, which is easiest to do when the meat is slightly chilled, to ensure it cooks quickly and remains tender.
Can I use chicken broth in the sauce?
Yes, the recipe uses 3 tablespoons of low sodium chicken broth as a base for the garlic soy sauce.