Beef with Broccoli
Tender slices of beef stir-fried with broccoli florets in a savory sauce.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Beef with Broccoli, as it's commonly known in the West, is a dish that evolved from traditional Cantonese stir-fry techniques. The introduction of broccoli, a vegetable not originally native to China, is a key factor in its development, likely occurring as Chinese cuisine became more globalized and adapted to Western palates, specifically in the United States and other Western nations.
Beef with Broccoli, particularly in Western Chinese restaurants, represents a fusion of Chinese culinary traditions with Western preferences. It's a staple takeout dish and a popular option for a quick and satisfying meal.
Americanized Chinese Food
Beef with Broccoli is a prime example of Americanized Chinese food, adapted to suit Western tastes and ingredient availability. It's not typically found in traditional Chinese cuisine in its exact form.
Takeout Culture
This dish is commonly associated with Chinese takeout and delivery services, offering a convenient and affordable meal option for busy individuals and families.
Family Style Dining
While often eaten as a single serving, Beef with Broccoli is also suitable for family-style dining, where multiple dishes are shared among the diners at the table.
The dish offers a balanced blend of savory, umami, and slightly sweet flavors, complemented by the textural contrast between the tender beef and the slightly crisp broccoli.
The dominant flavors come from the savory sauce, typically based on soy sauce, oyster sauce (or a vegetarian alternative), and sometimes hoisin sauce or a touch of brown sugar for sweetness. Ginger and garlic provide aromatic depth. The beef is often marinated in soy sauce and cornstarch to tenderize it and enhance its flavor. The broccoli provides a fresh, slightly bitter counterpoint to the rich sauce and meat.
Tenderizing the Beef
Marinating the beef in soy sauce, cornstarch, and sometimes egg white helps to tenderize it and create a velvety texture when stir-fried.
Blanching the Broccoli
Briefly blanching the broccoli before stir-frying helps to retain its bright green color and crisp-tender texture.
Hot Wok
Using a hot wok (or a large skillet) is crucial for achieving a good sear on the beef and preventing the vegetables from becoming soggy.
Sauce Consistency
Thickening the sauce with a cornstarch slurry helps it to cling to the beef and broccoli, creating a glossy and flavorful coating.
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