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Beef And Broccoli Stir-Fry (Better Than Takeout)

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry (Better Than Takeout)

Tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory, glossy sauce, ready faster than delivery and bursting with umami flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g beef sirloin or rump steak thinly sliced against the grain
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce ensure it's a halal-certified brand
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornflour
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground white pepper or black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable or groundnut oil divided
  • 300 g broccoli florets about 1 large head
  • 4 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger peeled and finely grated
  • 120 ml beef stock from a cube is fine, just check for halal certification
  • Spring onions sliced, for garnish
  • Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
  • Steamed jasmine rice or noodles to serve

Method
 

  1. Prepare the beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, the sesame oil, cornflour, brown sugar, and white pepper. Use your hands to massage the marinade into the meat until it feels tacky and well-coated. Set aside for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. The beef will look glossy and feel slightly sticky.
  2. Blanch the broccoli: Bring a small pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for exactly 60 seconds. You'll see them turn a vibrant, bright green. Immediately drain and plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This keeps the broccoli crisp-tender and bright. Drain again and pat dry.
  3. Make the stir-fry sauce: In a small jug or bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, remaining 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, the beef stock, and a pinch more white pepper. Set this aside near your hob. The sauce should look dark and smell deeply savoury.
  4. Sear the beef: Place a large frying pan or wok over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and swirl to coat. When the oil is shimmering and just about to smoke, carefully add the beef in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan—cook in two batches if necessary. Let it sear undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until the underside is a deep, caramelised brown. You'll hear a satisfying sizzle. Flip the pieces and cook for another 30 seconds. The beef should be browned on the outside but still slightly pink in the centre. Remove to a clean plate.
  5. Aromatics and broccoli: Reduce the heat to medium-high. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Tumble in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir constantly for about 15-20 seconds until they become fragrant and release a wonderful, punchy aroma. Be careful not to let them burn. Add the blanched broccoli and toss for 1 minute, letting it get a little colour in the pan.
  6. Bring it together: Return the beef to the pan, along with any resting juices. Pour in the prepared sauce. Stir-fry everything together for 1-2 minutes. The sauce will bubble and reduce, becoming thick and glossy, clinging beautifully to the beef and broccoli. You'll see the sauce transform from a thin liquid to a rich, shiny coating. The sound will shift from a sizzle to a gentle simmer.
  7. Serve immediately: Remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with sliced spring onions and a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Serve at once over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.

Notes

Ensure oyster sauce and beef stock are halal-certified. Slice beef against the grain for tenderness. Marinate at least 10 minutes for best flavor.