Beef broccoli and rice is a classic one-pan dish that combines tender beef, crisp broccoli, and fluffy rice in a savory sauce. It’s the perfect recipe for a quick, balanced, delicious meal. Whether cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers a wholesome combination of protein, vegetables, and carbs in every bite.
Why We Love The Beef Broccoli and Rice Recipe
We love beef broccoli and rice because it’s so simple and delicious. The beef is cooked just right, the broccoli stays crisp, and the rice soaks up all the fantastic sauce. The combination of flavours makes this dish so satisfying. It’s also a balanced meal that gives you protein, fibre, and carbs, keeping you full for longer. You can make it in just 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for a busy evening.
Ingredients
To make this flavorful dish, you’ll need:
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Cook the beef: Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and cook for 3-5 minutes until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, heat the remaining oil. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes (if using frozen, cook until heated through).
- Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water. Add the rice to the skillet along with the beef broth. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap rice for cauliflower rice for a lighter version.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for more color and nutrition.
- Spicy Twist: Add more red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha on top for a kick of heat.
Cooking Notes
- Beef slices: Cut the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tender pieces.
- Rice cooking: Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and avoid clumping.
- Broccoli texture: For crispier broccoli, stir-fry at high heat and prevent overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
Beef broccoli and rice is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Spring rolls or egg rolls for a fun appetizer.
- A side of miso soup or hot and sour soup for a complete meal experience.
- Extra dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce or teriyaki for added flavor.
Tips
- Meal Prep: Store a large batch in individual containers for easy weekly meals.
- Marinate the Beef: For extra flavor, marinate the beef in soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Use Day-Old Rice: If using pre-cooked rice, day-old rice works best for stir-frying without clumping.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
Why Beef, Broccoli, and Rice is Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Beef, broccoli, and rice are great weeknight meals because they are quick to make and easy to clean up. The whole dish comes together in about 30 minutes, which makes it a perfect choice when you’re short on time. The beef gives you protein, the broccoli gives you vitamins, and the rice gives you energy. Plus, you can make extra and store it for lunch the next day!
Beef, Broccoli, and Rice: A Nutrient-Packed Meal
This meal is not just tasty but also good for you! Beef is full of protein, which helps your body grow strong. Broccoli is packed with vitamins, like vitamin C, and it’s also suitable for your immune system. White rice gives you the energy you need to stay active. This dish is a well-balanced meal that tastes great and keeps you healthy.
How to Make Tender Beef in Beef, Broccoli, and Rice
To ensure your beef stays tender, always cut against the grain when slicing it. This helps break down the muscle fibres, making it easier to chew. You can also marinate the beef in soy sauce and garlic for 15-20 minutes to add extra flavour and tenderness. Cooking the meat over high heat for a short time will also help keep it juicy.
Make Beef, Broccoli, and Rice Even Better with Side Dishes
While beef, broccoli, and rice are already a great meal, you can make it even better by adding side dishes. Try serving it with a cucumber salad for extra crunch or a small portion of edamame for added protein. Add bell peppers or other vegetables for more colour and flavour.
Recipe Card: Beef, Broccoli, and Rice
Here’s a simple recipe card to keep on hand for quick reference:
- Ingredients: Beef (flank steak), broccoli, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, fresh ginger, rice.
- Instructions: Cook rice, stir-fry broccoli, cook beef, combine with sauce, serve over rice.
How to Make Beef Broccoli and Rice Extra Flavorful
Focus on the seasoning and sauce to take your beef, broccoli and rice to the next level. The sauce is where you can get creative. Start with the basics, like soy sauce and oyster sauce, but feel free to add extra flavour with ingredients like garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. If you like it spicier, throw in some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha. You can also add a sweet element, like honey or brown sugar, to balance the savoury flavours. For even more depth, consider adding a dash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice at the end for a tangy kick.
Customizing Beef Broccoli and Rice to Your Taste
One of the best things about beef broccoli and rice is how easy it is to make it your own. You can customize the protein, veggies, and sauce to suit your taste. For example, swap the flank steak for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein. If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can easily substitute it with other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. The sauce can also be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add more honey or pineapple chunks. For a saltier flavour, increase the soy sauce or add a splash of fish sauce.
Why Beef, Broccoli, and Rice is a Great Choice for Meal Prep
Beef, broccoli, and rice are ideal meal prep options because they store well in the refrigerator and reheat quickly. You can cook the beef, broccoli, and rice in bulk and portion it into individual containers for the week. Since the dish holds its flavour and texture even after being stored, it makes for a great grab-and-go lunch or dinner. The balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and carbs ensures you have a nutritious and filling meal ready to enjoy whenever you need it. You can customize each portion with different sauces or toppings depending on your cravings.
The Best Side Dishes to Serve with Beef, Broccoli, and Rice
While beef, broccoli, and rice are hearty and well-rounded dishes, pairing them with a side can make the meal even more satisfying. Consider serving it with a refreshing cucumber salad to add some crunch and balance the richness of the beef. You could add a simple miso soup for extra warmth and flavour. For a lighter side, a small portion of edamame or steamed dumplings would complement the main dish perfectly. If you want to keep it low-carb, cauliflower rice is an excellent alternative to regular rice.
How to Store Leftover Beef, Broccoli, and Rice for Later
If you have leftovers from your beef, broccoli, and rice dish, storing them properly is key to keeping them fresh. Let the meal cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Store the beef, broccoli, and rice separately, or mix them before storing. The leftovers should last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the meal for up to a month. To reheat, microwave or heat it in a pan on the stove. If the rice has become a little dry, add a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.
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How to Make Beef Broccoli and Rice Kid-Friendly
If you’re cooking for kids or picky eaters, beef broccoli and rice is a dish that can be easily adapted to their tastes. For younger kids, you can cut the beef into smaller pieces or even substitute it with ground beef or chicken, which may be more familiar. If your kids aren’t fond of broccoli, try using carrots, green beans, or even sweet peas as the vegetable of choice. You can also reduce the amount of soy sauce to make it less salty and add a little honey or a lovely sauce to make it more appealing. Keep the flavours mild and let them try the dish with fun toppings, like sesame seeds or chopped peanuts.
How to Make Beef Broccoli and Rice More Filling
Are you looking to make your beef broccoli and rice more filling? Add some extra ingredients to bulk it up! Try incorporating other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to add volume and nutrients. If you want to add more protein, consider mixing scrambled eggs (for a fried rice version) or even some tofu for an additional boost. For extra carbs, you can serve it with a side of fried rice or quinoa instead of regular rice. These simple changes will make the meal more satisfying without sacrificing flavour.
How to Make Beef Broccoli and Rice Gluten-Free
For those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, making beef broccoli and rice a gluten-free meal is easy. Swap out the regular soy sauce for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Check the ingredients of your oyster sauce to make sure it’s gluten-free, or use a gluten-free alternative. Additionally, ensure your rice is cooked in water or gluten-free broth for added flavour. You can enjoy this delicious dish without worrying about gluten by making these small changes.
The Benefits of Eating Beef Broccoli and Rice
Beef, broccoli, and rice are not only flavorful meals but also packed with health benefits. The beef provides a great source of protein, which is essential for building muscle and keeping your energy levels up. Broccoli is rich in vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C, K, and fibre, which help support your immune system and overall health. The rice gives you the carbs your body needs for energy. Together, these ingredients create a well-balanced meal that fuels your body with essential nutrients, helping you stay healthy and satisfied.
Beef Broccoli and Rice for Special Occasions
While beef broccoli and rice is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it can also be dressed up for special occasions. For a more elegant touch, serve it on a bed of toasted buckwheat groats or pair it with a side of soba noodles for a twist on the traditional rice. You can add a few gourmet touches, like a drizzle of truffle oil or sprinkle with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil. You can make this dish memorable enough to serve at a dinner party or holiday gathering by tweaking the recipe just a little.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Yes! You can use chicken, pork, or even tofu if you prefer.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the beef, broccoli, and rice ahead of time and store them in separate containers. Just heat them when you’re ready to eat.
3. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before cooking.
4. How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or a little sriracha to make the sauce spicier.
5. Can I use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice?
Yes, if you want a low-carb version, you can use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
If you want a low-carb version, you can use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Conclusion
Beef, broccoli, and rice is a simple, healthy, and delicious meal you can make in 30 minutes. The meat is tender and flavorful. The broccoli is fresh and crunchy, and the rice is the perfect base for all the savours. This meal is great for busy nights when you want something quick, nutritious, and tasty. It’s also easy to customize, so you can make it just how you like it!
