If you're a fan of Chinese takeout, then you've probably tried beef and broccoli. This dish is a classic and combines tender beef with crisp broccoli in a savory sauce. However, most recipes call for oyster sauce, which can be a turn-off for those who are allergic to shellfish or simply don't like the taste. The good news is that you can make beef and broccoli without oyster sauce, and it's just as delicious!
Preparing the beef is the first step to making beef and broccoli without oyster sauce. You'll want to slice the beef thinly against the grain, which will help it cook faster and make it more tender. Then, you'll want to marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and other seasonings to give it flavor.
Once the beef is marinated, you can stir-fry it with garlic and ginger until it's browned and cooked through.
Broccoli and sauce are the other key components of this dish. You'll want to blanch the broccoli first to make it tender and bright green. Then, you'll stir-fry it with garlic and ginger until it's cooked to your liking.
For the sauce, you can use a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and beef broth to give it a savory and slightly sweet flavor.
Once everything is cooked, you can combine the beef, broccoli, and sauce in a pan and stir-fry until everything is coated and heated through.
Key Takeaways
- You can make beef and broccoli without oyster sauce and still have a delicious dish.
- Preparing the beef and broccoli separately before combining them in the sauce is key to getting the right texture and flavor.
- A mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and beef broth can be used to make a flavorful sauce.
Preparing the Beef
When it comes to making beef and broccoli without oyster sauce, the key to a delicious dish is in the preparation of the beef. Here are some tips to help you get the most flavourful and tender beef possible.
Choosing the Right Cut
The first step in preparing your beef is to choose the right cut. While flank steak is a popular choice for stir-fry dishes, you can also use other cuts of beef such as chuck steak, top sirloin, or beef tenderloin.
When choosing your cut of beef, look for a piece that is well-marbled with fat as this will help to keep the meat tender during cooking.
Marinating for Flavour
To add flavour to your beef, you can marinate it before cooking. A simple marinade can be made using soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and rice wine.
Marinate your beef for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a more intense flavour.
Cooking Techniques
Once your beef is marinated, it's time to cook it. For the best results, cook your beef on high heat in a wok or large frying pan.
Stir-fry your beef for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until it is browned on all sides. To keep your beef tender, you can try a technique called "velveting" which involves coating the beef in a mixture of corn starch, baking soda, and water before cooking.
Healthier Cooking Tips
If you're looking for a healthier option, you can use low sodium soy sauce and olive oil instead of regular soy sauce and vegetable oil.
You can also substitute sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Here is some nutrition information for 100g of beef:
- 250 calories
- 26g protein
By following these tips, you can prepare tender and flavourful beef for your broccoli and beef stir-fry without oyster sauce.
Broccoli and Sauce
Preparing the Broccoli
Before you start cooking, you need to prepare the broccoli. Cut the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces and rinse them under running water.
Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes or until they turn bright green. Drain the broccoli and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Sauce Without Oyster Sauce
If you're looking for a beef and broccoli recipe without oyster sauce, you can make a simple stir fry sauce with soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and white pepper.
Mix 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 3 cloves minced garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper in a bowl. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved. Set aside.
Finalising the Dish
To make the beef and broccoli stir fry, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
Add sliced onions and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes or until they turn translucent.
Add the sliced beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until it's browned. Remove the beef and onions from the wok and set aside.
Add the blanched broccoli to the wok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes or until it's heated through.
Add the beef and onions back to the wok and stir-fry for another minute.
Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
To thicken the sauce, you can add a cornstarch mixture (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to the wok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
Garnish the beef and broccoli stir fry with sesame seeds and serve it with steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your homemade beef and broccoli stir fry without oyster sauce!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make a sauce for beef and broccoli without using oyster sauce?
Oyster sauce is a common ingredient in beef and broccoli recipes, but if you don't have any or prefer not to use it, you can make a simple sauce using soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Mix these ingredients together and add to your stir fry during the last minute of cooking.
What's a simple beef and broccoli recipe that doesn't include oyster sauce?
For a simple beef and broccoli recipe without oyster sauce, you can marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
Cook the beef in a hot wok or skillet, then add broccoli and a simple sauce made from chicken broth, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Cook until the sauce thickens and the broccoli is tender.
Can I use a slow cooker to prepare beef and broccoli without oyster sauce?
Yes, you can prepare beef and broccoli in a slow cooker without oyster sauce.
Simply combine beef, broccoli, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and beef broth in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the beef is tender and the broccoli is cooked through.
What are some alternative ingredients to oyster sauce for a beef and broccoli marinade?
If you're looking for alternative ingredients to oyster sauce for a beef and broccoli marinade, you can try using hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or a combination of these ingredients.
How do I tenderise beef for a beef and broccoli dish?
To tenderise beef for a beef and broccoli dish, you can marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes.
You can also slice the beef against the grain, which will break down the muscle fibers and make it more tender.
What's a good substitute for oyster sauce in a Chinese beef and broccoli recipe?
Hoisin sauce is a good substitute for oyster sauce in a Chinese beef and broccoli recipe. It has a similar sweet and savoury flavour and can be found in most grocery stores.
You can also use soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce as a substitute.