Discover the Surprising History of Beef and Broccoli: A Classic American-Chinese Dish

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Beef and broccoli is a popular dish in American-Chinese cuisine that features tender strips of flank steak stir-fried with fresh broccoli florets and a savory sauce. This flavorful dish has a rich history and is enjoyed by many worldwide.

The Origins of Beef and Broccoli

Although beef and broccoli is not original Chinese dish, it has Chinese influences that can be traced back to the early 20th century. It is believed that the first versions of this dish were created by Chinese immigrants who had settled in San Francisco. They adapted their traditional Chinese cooking techniques to use the ingredients available in America at the time.

Ingredients and Preparation

The ingredients for beef and broccoli are simple and easy to find. You will need flank steak, broccoli, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and vegetable oil.

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Cutting the flank steak into thin slices against the grain would be best for preparing the dish. Then, marinate the steak in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and vegetable oil for at least 30 minutes. While the steak is marinating, you can blanch the broccoli in boiling water for a few minutes until it is tender but still crisp.

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Once the beef and broccoli are ready, heat a wok or a large frying pan over high heat and add some oil. Stir-fry the garlic and ginger until fragrant, then add the marinated beef. Cook the meat until it is browned on all sides, and then add the blanched broccoli. Finally, pour in a mixture of oyster sauce and cornstarch and stir-fry everything together until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli.

Tips and Variations

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Add other vegetables, such as carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers, to make this dish even more flavorful. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more or less soy, oyster, or garlic.

Conclusion

Beef and broccoli is a classic American-Chinese dish that has become a favorite in many households. With its tender slices of beef, crisp broccoli, and savory sauce, this stir-fry is a delicious and nutritious meal that is easy to prepare.

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Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, beef and broccoli is a versatile option that is sure to please.