Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli in Savory Oyster Sauce
Indulge in this delightful Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli in Savory Oyster Sauce, a popular Chinese dish that combines tender slices of beef with vibrant broccoli florets, all tossed in a rich, flavorful oyster sauce. This dish not only delivers an explosion of tastes and textures but is also quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Serve it over fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal that your family will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
round steak
1 lb (sliced very thinly)
soy sauce
2 tablespoons (for marinating the beef)
cornstarch
1 teaspoon (for marinating the beef)
large onion
1 (thinly sliced)
broccoli
1 head (cut into small pieces, steamed)
oil
3 tablespoons (for stir-frying)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
ginger
1 thin slice (for flavoring)
bottled oyster sauce
3-4 tablespoons (for the sauce)
brown sugar
1 pinch (to balance flavors)
cold water
1/2 cup (for the sauce)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (dissolved in water for thickening)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the round steak into thin strips against the grain for tender bites. Place the beef in a mixing bowl and add the soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and just a few drops of water. Mix everything well, ensuring the beef is coated, and set aside to marinate for about 15 minutes.
2
While the beef is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Thinly slice the onion and cut the broccoli into small florets. Steam the broccoli for about 2-3 minutes until it's bright green but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet or wok, heat 3 tablespoons of oil over high heat until shimmering. Add minced garlic and a thin slice of ginger to the hot oil, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove the garlic and ginger from the skillet and discard.
4
Add the marinated beef to the skillet and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes or until the beef starts to brown and releases its juices. Then, add the sliced onion and steamed broccoli to the pan. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crunchy.
5
In a separate bowl, mix together 3-4 tablespoons of bottled oyster sauce, a pinch of brown sugar, a dash of salt, and 1/2 cup of cold water. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in this mixture and stir until smooth. Pour this sauce into the skillet, combining it with the beef and vegetables, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients.
6
Serve your delicious beef and broccoli stir-fry hot over steamed rice, garnishing with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli in Savory Oyster Sauce?
It is a classic Chinese dish featuring tender beef slices and crisp broccoli florets tossed in a rich, savory oyster-based sauce.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of round steak, sliced very thinly against the grain.
How should the beef be prepared?
Slice the round steak into thin strips against the grain and marinate it with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a few drops of water.
How long should the beef marinate?
The beef should marinate for approximately 15 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate and for the cornstarch to help tenderize the meat.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the marinade?
Cornstarch helps to coat the beef, locking in moisture and creating a velvety texture when stir-fried.
How do I prepare the broccoli?
Cut the broccoli into small florets and steam them for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green but still crisp.
Why should I steam the broccoli before stir-frying?
Steaming ensures the broccoli is cooked through while remaining vibrant and crunchy when it's quickly tossed in the wok later.
What other vegetables are included in this dish?
In addition to broccoli, the recipe uses one large thinly sliced onion.
What aromatics are used for flavoring?
The dish uses one minced garlic clove and one thin slice of ginger to infuse the cooking oil.
Why are the garlic and ginger removed after sautéing?
They are sautéed for about 1 minute to flavor the oil and then discarded to prevent them from burning during the high-heat stir-fry.
What is the base of the stir-fry sauce?
The sauce is made from 3-4 tablespoons of bottled oyster sauce, brown sugar, salt, water, and cornstarch.
How much water is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of cold water to be mixed with the sauce ingredients.
How do I thicken the stir-fry sauce?
Dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in the sauce mixture before adding it to the skillet; it will thicken as it cooks for 1-2 minutes.
What type of heat is used for stir-frying?
High heat is used to ensure the beef browns quickly and the vegetables maintain their texture.
How long does the beef take to stir-fry?
The beef should be stir-fried for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to brown and release its juices.
When do I add the vegetables to the pan?
Add the sliced onion and steamed broccoli after the beef has browned, then stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served hot over a bed of fluffy steamed white or brown rice.
Are there any garnish recommendations?
You can garnish the finished dish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor and presentation.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is quick to prepare and holds up well, making it an excellent option for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Can I use a regular skillet instead of a wok?
Yes, a large skillet works perfectly fine as long as it can handle high heat.
What does the brown sugar add to the recipe?
A pinch of brown sugar is used to balance the salty and savory notes of the oyster and soy sauces.
How much oil is required for cooking?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of oil to be heated in the skillet or wok.
How do I ensure the beef is tender?
By slicing the round steak against the grain and using a cornstarch-based marinade, the beef remains tender after cooking.
What should the texture of the sauce be?
The sauce should be thick enough to smoothly coat all the beef and vegetables.
Can I substitute the round steak?
While round steak is recommended, you could use flank steak or sirloin as alternatives for stir-frying.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses one minced garlic clove.
What kind of oyster sauce should I use?
Any standard bottled oyster sauce found in the Asian aisle of most grocery stores will work.
Is this a quick recipe?
Yes, with a preparation time including marinating and a very fast cooking process, it is considered a quick meal.
Should the water for the cornstarch be hot or cold?
Use cold water to dissolve the cornstarch to prevent it from clumping before it hits the pan.
What is the final step of the cooking process?
The final step is pouring the sauce mixture into the skillet and cooking for 1-2 minutes until thickened and glossy.