This easy recipe for lightened up beef with broccoli has all of the flavors of your favorite take-out supper in a lower calorie, healthier version. So toss that take-out menu and break out your skillet!
I do love me some beef with broccoli (and chicken with broccoli for that measure) – whenever I get my hands on a take-out menu, that’s usually my order. With that sauce that I know – delicious as it is – is packed with calories.
So I got to thinking, how can I have a version of that sauce that is a little lighter in both consistency and calories without giving up that delectable stir-fry flavor? So after a few tries I give you…lightened up beef with broccoli!
I am especially happy about this one because while I usually keep pretty much on track, every once in a while we throw caution to the wine and go on a delicious wine and cheese and chocolate-filled extravaganza of a time with our friends. For example, last weekend we said “So there!” to the rainy weather and had an inside picnic at the lovely Miranda Vineyard.
When my friend Janet and I plan a picnic, WE DO NOT FOOL AROUND…
I made my famous five minute hummus, Janet made pico de gallo, and we had all kinds of delectable cheese and wine and shrimp and wine and fruit and wine. And then we went to Milk House Chocolates and made friends with the cows and got ourselves some chocolate.
Then we went home and had naps to fortify ourselves before going out to dinner. And that is exactly how good times with great friends should go, but then it’s also good to come home and have lightened up versions on things. Such as lightened up beef with broccoli!
Tender steak and cheery broccoli all cooked up in a light sauce made of chicken broth and ginger and garlic and soy sauce and a few other delicious ingredients. (One important note about this recipe – if you are sensitive to salt, use low-salt soy sauce. We are, and we like it much better that way!)
And bonus points, it’s ready in less than 30 minutes! Which is probably less time than the take-out would take to arrive. Here’s a quick video to show you how easy this deliciousness is to make…
See? Good and good for you. Just like good times with good friends.
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Lightened Up Beef With Broccoli
Prep Time: 15 minutes- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
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This easy recipe for lightened up beef with broccoli has all of the flavors of your favorite take-out supper in a lower calories, healthier version.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3/4 pounds sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 teaspoons canola oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 6 cups broccoli florets (about one large head)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger root, minced (do this in your food processor)
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low sodium if you are sensitive to salt)
- 1/2 cup water
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Combine 2 tablespoons of the cornstarch and beef and toss to coat.
- Heat oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef and stir-fry until lightly browned, about 4 minutes, then scoop out with a slotted spoon and put in a bowl.
- Add 1/2 cup broth to the skillet and give it a good stir. Add broccoli, cover the skillet and cook, tossing with tongs once or twice, until the broccoli is just getting tender, about 3 minutes.
- Uncover the skillet and add ginger, garlic and red pepper flakes and stir for about about 1 minute.
- Stir soy sauce, remaining 1/2 cup broth, remaining 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch and water in a small bowl until well blended, then pour into the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the sauce is just a little thickened, about a minute.
- Return beef and any juices to the pan and toss. Divide among plates, sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve!
I'd love to hear what you think!