Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Peppery Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry?
It is a flavorful dish featuring tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty, peppery sauce that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
What cut of beef is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of Top Sirloin Steaks.
How should I slice the beef?
You should slice the beef into 1/4 inch thick strips, preferably while the steak is partly frozen for easier cutting.
What vegetables are included in the stir-fry?
The main vegetables are one head of broccoli, 8 ounces of mushrooms, and half of a sweet onion.
How do I prepare the broccoli?
Cut the broccoli into florets and slice the stems into thin rounds.
What are the ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce is made from hoisin sauce, soy sauce, steak spice, and cornstarch.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the sauce?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent to create a glossy glaze that coats the beef and vegetables.
Which oil is recommended for frying?
Grapeseed oil is recommended due to its high smoke point, which is ideal for stir-frying.
How long does it take to cook the beef?
The beef strips should be stir-fried for about 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through.
How long should I cook the mushrooms?
The mushrooms should be stir-fried for approximately 2-3 minutes until they are just browned.
When do I add the sweet onion?
Add the onion after the beef and mushrooms have been cooked and removed from the pan, stir-frying for 1-2 minutes.
What is the water used for in this recipe?
Water is used to deglaze the pan and to help steam the broccoli until it is tender-crisp.
How long does the broccoli take to cook?
The broccoli should be stir-fried for about 3-5 minutes until it is bright green and tender-crisp.
When is the sauce added to the dish?
The sauce mixture is added at the end, after returning the cooked beef, mushrooms, and onions to the pan with the broccoli.
How long should the final mixture cook?
Cook the combined ingredients for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
What are the recommended serving suggestions?
This stir-fry is best served hot over a bed of steamed rice or succulent noodles.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, the entire dish can be prepared and cooked in less than 30 minutes.
Can I use a wok for this recipe?
Yes, a large frying pan or a wok works perfectly for this stir-fry.
What gives the dish its peppery flavor?
The peppery glaze comes from the inclusion of steak spice in the sauce mixture.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 10 main ingredients including the steak, vegetables, and sauce components.
What is the texture of the broccoli?
The broccoli should be bright green and have a satisfying crunch (tender yet crisp).
Do I need to dissolve the cornstarch?
Yes, ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the sauce mixture before adding it to the pan.
How should the mushrooms be prepared?
The mushrooms should be thinly sliced before being added to the pan.
Can I use regular onions instead of sweet onions?
While sweet onions are recommended, you can substitute with yellow or white onions if needed.
Why should I remove the beef before cooking vegetables?
Removing the beef prevents it from overcooking and becoming tough while the vegetables are stir-fried.
What is the heat setting for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using medium-high heat for the best stir-fry results.
Is this a healthy dinner option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dinner featuring lean protein and fresh vegetables.
How much hoisin sauce is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce.
How much soy sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of soy sauce.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to stir the ingredients constantly until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.