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Beef with Garlic Sauce

Beef with Garlic Sauce - Great Meal Recipes

When it comes to quick, satisfying dinners, Beef with Garlic Sauce hits the sweet spot. I love cooking meals that blend bold flavors with simple steps, and this recipe is just that. 
As a food enthusiast and registered dietitian, I strive to create dishes that are not only delicious but also healthy. Ingredients play a significant role in the recipes I create. That's why I’ve handpicked each component of this dish with care.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Chinese
Calories: 316

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups broccoli florets about 12 oz
  • 1 tablespoon veggie oil I use avocado oil
  • 12–16 oz flank steak or similar cut of beef
  • Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the natural flavors of the beef and veggies.
  • Fresh cracked black pepper: Just a dash adds warmth and spice.
  • 3 green onions greens sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons freshly minced garlic: Garlic is the star of this dish. It imparts a rich, aromatic flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons ~ baking soda for tenderizing
For Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: This thick, savory sauce deepens flavors; it’s a staple in Asian cooking.
  • ½ tablespoons dark soy sauce optional
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce: A must-have to bring all the flavors together.
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: Nutty and fragrant, it gives the dish warmth.
  • ½ cup chicken broth can sub water
  • ½ teaspoon fish sauce: It may seem odd, but a little goes a long way, delivering a savory punch.
  • 1 tablespoon black vinegar or sub rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar: A hint of sweetness balances the salty flavors.
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch: This thickens the sauce beautifully, helping it cling to the beef and veggies.
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Method
 

  1. Let’s get you started on making this delightful dish. Follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring the flavors in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
  1. First up, let’s get that flank steak ready. Slice it against the grain into thin strips. This is crucial for tenderness. Now, in a bowl, combine the beef strips with 2 teaspoons of baking soda, a pinch of salt, and a tablespoon of water (just enough to coat).
  2. Let it sit for about 30 minutes. I promise it’s worth the wait. The baking soda does wonders for the texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
  1. While the beef is soaking, let’s whip up the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, soy sauces, chicken broth, toasted sesame oil, fish sauce, and black vinegar. Stir in the brown sugar and cornstarch until fully blended. You'll want to keep this close at hand, as it will come together quickly once we start cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
  1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of your chosen oil (I prefer avocado oil for its high smoke point).
  2. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated beef strips in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about two minutes until brown, then stir-fry them for another minute to ensure they are fully cooked.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Veggies
  1. With the beef cooked, it’s time for the star ingredients. Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir-fry for about 30 seconds.
  2. The garlic will start to infuse the oil with fragrant goodness. Then, toss in the broccoli florets and stir everything well. I love the colors!
Step 5: Finish with the Sauce
  1. Now, pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Bring it to a simmer, and watch the sauce thicken. This usually takes about two to three minutes. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking what’s for dinner!
Step 6: Serve
  1. Once everything is coated beautifully, remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve the dish over rice. Trust me, you’ll want to scoop every last bit of that sauce.

Notes

  • Flank Steak: This cut is ideal for stir-frying due to its texture. However, feel free to swap it for sirloin or another similar cut if you prefer.
  • Broccoli: Watch for bright green florets as a visual cue that they’re perfectly cooked—overcooking can make them mushy.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic should be used if possible. The powder just won't deliver the same punch.
  • Fish Sauce: Although it seems out of place, it's a game-changer, introducing a deep umami flavor.
  • Baking Soda: This is your secret weapon. It changes the structure of the meat proteins, tenderizing it.
  • Oyster Sauce: Look for brands without additives; authentic oyster sauce is richer and more complex.