This Easy Beef and Broccoli dish is a quick treat, made with tender beef and crisp broccoli, all cooked to perfection on the Blackstone griddle. It’s tasty and colorful!
Cooking it on the griddle means everyone gets a delicious meal in no time. Plus, the clean-up is super easy! Who doesn’t love that? 🥢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak or Sirloin: Both cuts work well, but flank steak is lean and flavorful. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, try skirt steak or even chicken for a lighter dish.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is key for the best texture and flavor. If you can’t find fresh, frozen broccoli florets can be used; just make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking.
Green Bell Pepper: This adds a nice sweet crunch. If you prefer a different flavor, red or yellow bell peppers are great alternatives; they’re sweeter and add vibrant color.
Vegetable Oil: You can use any neutral oil, but I love using peanut oil for its high smoke point and subtle flavor. Olive oil can work in a pinch but has a lower smoke point.
Oyster Sauce: It adds depth but can be skipped for a vegetarian option. A touch of hoisin sauce or even extra soy sauce can make a good substitute.
How Do You Achieve Tender, Juicy Beef?
The key to tender beef lies in slicing against the grain. This technique shortens the muscle fibers, making the beef easier to chew. For flank steak, the grain runs along the length, so cut it into thin strips across these lines. Marinating is also vital. The soy sauce adds flavor and helps break down the meat fibers.
Why Is Prepping Vegetables Important?
Prepping your vegetables correctly enhances texture and flavor. Blanching the broccoli before adding it to the griddle keeps it bright green and slightly crunchy. It’s a quick step that makes a big difference in taste and presentation. Be sure not to overcook!
How Do You Get the Sauce Just Right?
Making a slurry with cornstarch and water ensures your sauce thickens nicely without lumps. Stir it in at the end to coat the beef and veggies perfectly. Just be mindful; it thickens quickly, so watch the cooking time to avoid overcooking your vegetables.
Easy Beef and Broccoli on the Blackstone Griddle
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Seasoning and Garnish:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal comes together in about 30 minutes! You’ll spend around 15 minutes marinating the beef and prepping ingredients, and then about 15 minutes cooking everything on the griddle!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Griddle and Beef:
Start by preheating your Blackstone griddle to a medium-high heat. In a mixing bowl, combine your thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
2. Preparing the Broccoli:
While the beef is soaking up those flavors, bring a pot of water to boil. Add the broccoli florets and let them steam or blanch for about 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender. Then, drain the broccoli and set it aside.
3. Making the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. If you’re using oyster sauce, stir it in along with the sesame oil. Set this sauce mixture aside as it will be used later!
4. Cooking the Beef:
Once your griddle is hot, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Spread the marinated beef out in a single layer on the griddle. Cook it for about 2-3 minutes until it’s nicely browned, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5. Adding Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add color and crunch! Toss in the sliced green bell pepper and the steamed broccoli onto the griddle with the beef. Stir-fry everything together for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and vibrant.
6. Finishing Up:
Pour your prepared sauce mixture over the beef and veggies, stirring everything together to get a nice, even coating. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the sauce thickens a little. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Serving:
Remove the pan from heat and consider garnishing with sesame seeds for an extra touch. Serve your Easy Beef and Broccoli hot over rice or noodles and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin works best, you can substitute with other cuts like ribeye or even ground beef. Just remember that different cuts may require varying cooking times, so adjust accordingly. For example, ground beef will cook much faster!
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free or lower-sodium alternative, try using tamari or coconut aminos. Both options provide a similar flavor without the gluten. Just keep in mind that the taste may vary slightly, so taste and adjust seasoning as needed!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. You can also microwave it, covered, in short intervals while stirring until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms. Just adjust the cooking time based on how quickly they cook. Add heartier vegetables like carrots a bit earlier to ensure everything is tender-crisp!
