Are you craving some delicious Beef Stir Fry with Broccoli, but don't feel like ordering takeout? Well, we've got you covered with an easy Filipino recipe that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes right at home. Trust us, it's even better than takeout!
So let's dive into this mouthwatering dish that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Not only is it quick and convenient, but it's also packed with flavors that you'll want to keep this recipe in your rotational meal planning. Pair this budget-friendly stir fry recipe with Garlic Fried Rice and you have a complete meal! And you're welcome because I know your family would love you for it!
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Ingredients
To start off, gather these key ingredients:
- Beef: Tender, juicy beef slices - choose a high-quality cut like sirloin steak or flank steak.
- Fresh broccoli florets: Great for color that is vibrant green and packed with nutrients. Cut in florets so they all cook quickly and evenly. The broccoli can be blanched, steamed, or stir-fried before adding to the meat.
- Potatoes: These starchy wonders are an essential ingredient as they add a delightful texture and absorb all those savory juices.
- Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to the stir-fry. Cut in rings for a decorative presentation.
- Soy sauce: The essential ingredient for an authentic Asian-inspired stir fry flavor.
- Lemon juice: The citrus flavor adds a layer of flavor that balances out the salty umami of soy sauce.
- Cooking oil: I prefer to use olive oil, however, you can use any of your favorites.
Enjoy creating your flavorful Filipino beef stir fry masterpiece with these delightful ingredients!
*And please refer to the recipe card for specific measurements and notes about these ingredients.
How To Make Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Below are instructions with pictures for how to make this beef stir fry with broccoli. For more specific steps, please refer to the recipe card below.
STEP 1: Slice the beef thinly and marinate in half of the soy sauce and lemon juice, with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Set aside in a bowl or sealed plastic bag. (See make ahead note below.)
STEP 2: Sear the potatoes in the medium-heat skillet. Once the potatoes are done set them aside on a plate.
STEP 3: Caramelize the onions then set aside with the potatoes.
STEP 4: Steam, stir-fry, or blanch the broccoli then set aside with the onions and potatoes.
STEP 5: Sauté the beef slices in batches. Cooking in batches will give the meat a nice golden caramelized color and enhances the flavor of the dish.
STEP 6: Add the broccoli, potatoes, and onions back into the skillet with the beef. Add the reserved marinade. Season with more soy sauce or lemon juice if desired.
*See the recipe card for specific cooking instructions for this beef stir-fry.
How To Make Ahead of Time
- Marinate the beef the night before, store and seal it in a plastic bag or glass container.
- Cut up all the ingredients and have it all prepared and ready for cooking the next day (see picture below). This saves you a lot of time and is perfect for making a delicious Stir Fry Beef and Broccoli recipe.
Top Tips For The Most Tender And Flavorful Beef
- Thinly slice the beef - make sure it is still partly frozen and use a very sharp knife. If the meat has thawed, put it back in the freezer for at least 30 minutes prior to slicing.
- Sear the meat in a very hot skillet to seal in the flavor and juices of the meat.
- Cook the meat in batches so they all brown evenly and cook at the same time.
- Do not overcrowd the pan - doing so will produce too much liquid and will dilute the flavor of your Beef and Broccoli dish.
- Cook the meat in high heat and for a short amount of time. High and Fast is the name of the game when cooking any type of stir-fry dish. Simply put, you want to cook the meat as high a heat as possible and quickly for a short amount of time.
- Do not overcook the meat - cooking the meat longer will produce very sinewy meat and will make it very chewy.
Substitutions
Now let's get creative by exploring some ingredient substitutions that can make your Beef Stir Fry even more exciting:
- Chicken instead of Beef: If you're not a fan of beef or simply want to switch things up, feel free to use boneless chicken breast or thigh meat instead! The tender chicken paired with crunchy broccoli will still create a scrumptious stir fry.
- Tofu for Vegetarians/Vegans: For our vegetarian friends out there craving a delicious plant-based alternative, swap the beef with firm tofu. Make sure to press and drain the tofu before slicing it into cubes or rectangles. The tofu will soak up all those wonderful flavors while still providing a satisfying texture.
- Shrimp for Seafood Lovers: If you're a seafood enthusiast, why not try substituting beef with succulent shrimp? Opt for large-sized shrimps that are peeled and already deveined for a quick recipe!
Variations
Now, one of the great things about this dish and many Filipino dishes is that you can get creative and play around with various ingredients to make it your own. So buckle up and let's explore some fantastic variations for this mouthwatering meal!
- Protein Power: While traditional beef stir fry uses thinly sliced beef sirloin or flank steak, you can switch things up by experimenting with different proteins. Try using chicken breast or shrimp for a lighter twist on the dish. If you're feeling adventurous, why not go vegetarian? Tofu or tempeh can be excellent substitutes for meat lovers looking for a plant-based option.
- Veggie Fiesta: While broccoli is the star veggie in this recipe, don't limit yourself! Feel free to add an array of colorful vegetables to amp up both nutrition and visual appeal. Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), carrots, snap peas, mushrooms—anything goes! Sauté them alongside the beef for added crunch and flavor. Or blanch the vegetables to retain their vibrant colors and texture.
- Sauce Sensations: The key to any good stir fry lies in its sauce selection—and boy, do we have options! The classic soy sauce-based marinade works wonders but feel free to experiment with other sauces like oyster sauce or teriyaki sauce. For those who like it spicy, a drizzle of sriracha or chili garlic sauce will give your taste buds a delightful kick!
- Rice Revolution: While steamed white rice is the usual sidekick for Beef Stir Fry with Broccoli, why not mix things up? Consider serving it over fragrant jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice for added texture and nuttiness. Feeling even more adventurous? Swap out rice entirely and serve it over noodles instead—egg noodles are particularly tasty in this dish.
- Flavorful Additions: To take your beef stir fry to the next level, consider incorporating additional flavors and textures. Crushed garlic, grated ginger, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds can add depth and aroma. A dash of fish sauce or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving can provide that perfect finishing touch.
Remember, cooking is all about exploring and having fun in the kitchen! So don't be afraid to experiment and try these different variation suggestions and be the master of your kitchen!
Storage for Leftovers
If you have any leftover stir fry beef here are some key points to remember:
- Transfer your leftover beef stir fry into an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the fridge. This will help retain its freshness and prevent any odors from seeping into other foods.
- Now, here's a little trick: if you want to keep your meat tender and juicy when reheating, try adding a splash of water or broth to the container before sealing it. This will create some steam during reheating and help maintain that mouthwatering texture.
- Alternatively, if you don't plan on eating your leftover stir fry within a couple of days, freezing is a fantastic option. Portion out the leftovers into individual freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for easy access later on. Remember to label them with the date so you won't forget how long they've been stored!
- When thawing frozen beef stir fry, it's best to transfer it from the freezer to the fridge overnight. Slow thawing helps maintain both flavor and texture while minimizing any potential bacterial growth.
- Remember, safety first! Always ensure that your leftover beef stir fry is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before devouring. This ensures any potential bacteria are killed off, giving you a safe and enjoyable meal.
So next time you whip up a tasty batch of beef stir fry with broccoli, don't fret about leftovers. With these storage tips in mind, you can extend the shelf life, texture, and delicious flavor of your beef stir fry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chicken, shrimp, or tofu can also be used for stir-fry recipes.
Vegetables like asparagus, baby corn, bean sprouts, bokchoy, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chayote, eggplant, green beans, green or red bell peppers, mushrooms, napa cabbage, opo squash, potatoes, red onions, scallions, snap peas, or spinach can be used for stir-frying.
Yes, however, note that potatoes do not freeze very well. They tend to get a grainy texture if frozen and then reheated. So you can either omit them in this recipe or remove them then just add some freshly fried potatoes when reheating.
A wok and metallic spatula will be your best tools for stir-frying.
Strip Steak, London Broil, Skirt Steak, Flank Steak, Hanger, and Rump Steak can also be used for making beef stir fry.
This Beef Stir Fry with Broccoli dish is not only a delicious and satisfying dish but also incredibly easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes of your time, you can recreate this flavorful Filipino recipe in the comfort of your kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting this friendly recipe allows flexibility and experimentation to suit your taste preferences. So why not give it a try? Whip up this delightful stir fry tonight and impress your family or friends with your culinary skills. Happy cooking!
If you make this recipe, post a photo using the hashtag #JOZmahal. Let's be taste buds and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Other Beef Recipes You May Like
📖 Recipe Card
Equipment
Ingredients
For the marinade:
- ½ cup Soy Sauce
- 1 Lemon (juice)
For the beef:
- 2 T Olive Oil
- 2 lb. Sirloin Steak
- 1 head Broccoli cut into florets
- 2 medium Potatoes cut into wedges
- 1 medium Onion cut into rings
Instructions
- Slice the beef thinly (no more than a ¼ inch thick). Place them in a big bowl, or gallon-sized sealable bag, along with half the marinade and 1T olive oil. Let the beef marinate for at least an hour or overnight. See notes #1, #2, and #3.
- Sear the potatoes in the medium-heat skillet for 2 minutes on each side. Set aside on a plate. See note #4.
- Caramelize the onions for 2 minutes. Set aside on a plate. See note #5.
- Stir-fry the broccoli for 2 minutes. Set aside on a plate. See note #6.
- Add more oil to the skillet as needed. In medium-high heat, sauté or stir-fry the meat a few slices a few at a time. 3 to 4 minutes of cooking time should do it. See note #7.
- Add the beef, broccoli, potatoes, and onions back to the skillet, and now add half of the reserved marinade, and mix everything thoroughly. Plate and serve. See note #8.
Notes
- Slicing the beef thinly (¼" thick) helps in letting the marinade penetrate into the meat and also allows for the meat to cook quickly and evenly.
- The ideal marinating time for the beef in this recipe is 30 minutes or overnight. Marinating the beef for more than 24 hours breaks down the muscle fibers which then turns the texture of the meat to become too mushy.
- I have made this dish without marinating and it turned out just as tasty!
- If you're not going to cook the potatoes right away, soak them in water so they don't turn brown. Then dry them on paper towels so they don't splatter when you brown them in hot oil in the skillet.
- You can simply slice the onions or do them in rings for a nicer presentation. Doesn't really matter as it won't affect the taste.
- Another alternative to cooking broccoli is by blanching or steaming. This will allow the broccoli to cook to your preference.
- Cooking the meat a few slices at a time will keep the meat savory and tender.
- Enjoy this beef with broccoli, potatoes, and onion dish as is or with a side of steamed white or brown rice or noodles.
Aida
Simple, Easy and Delicious take on the traditional Filipino Bistek and loved the easy recipe and instructions. I was looking online for another beef recipe and found your recipe. It looked familiar but different version, the end result was unique, tasty and healthier.
Jocelyn Wilhelm
Thank you, Aida! I appreciate your review of my Beef and Broccoli recipe. I hope you try out my other recipes too. I love Filipino food and I always try to make it healthier without compromising any of the flavors. So thank you for your kind words. ❤️
Katy
This is so easy to make with ingredients that are readily available in my grocery store. I made it by marinating the meat with the soy sauce and lemon the night before and then cook the whole thing the next day. Super delicious and the meat was so tender. My kids really enjoyed it too. I will be making this again for sure!
Jocelyn Wilhelm
Thank you Katy! Isn't it the best when the kids enjoyed it as well? And love that you made it much easier to make by marinating the night before. I'm all about easy peasy!!!