Description
This Authentic Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender flank steak marinated with coconut aminos and arrowroot flour, stir-fried with crisp broccoli and optional colorful veggies. The savory sauce offers a perfect balance of umami, tanginess, and sesame aroma, making it an ideal weeknight meal served over rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Marinade
- 1 – 1.2 lb Beef Flank Steak or steak tip, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp cooking oil (for stir-frying)
- 2-3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp arrowroot flour
Vegetables
- 1/2 head broccoli (~1 heaping cup), cut into florets
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup carrot slices (optional)
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper slices (optional)
Sauce
- 1/3 cup coconut aminos
- 1/4 cup water or beef stock
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tbsp arrowroot flour
- 1/4 cup cooking oil (for stir-frying vegetables and beef)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Cut the flank steak into medium-thin strips, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Marinate the beef: In a bowl, combine the beef strips with 2-3 tablespoons of coconut aminos, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 tablespoon arrowroot flour. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Mix the stir fry sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup coconut aminos, 1/4 cup water or beef stock, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, and 1/2 tablespoon arrowroot flour. Set the sauce aside for later.
- Sauté garlic and vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and carrot slices, cooking them until they begin to soften but still crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the red bell pepper slices (if using) and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Cook the beef: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the marinated beef strips to the cleared side and sear them until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side, reducing heat if necessary to avoid burning.
- Combine and coat with sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared stir fry sauce over the cooked beef and vegetables. Stir everything together thoroughly, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat all ingredients, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the beef and broccoli stir fry hot over steamed rice. Garnish optionally with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Marinating the beef with baking soda tenderizes the meat, ensuring a soft texture.
- Arrowroot flour is used as a gluten-free thickener and to give the beef a light velvety coating.
- Vegetables like carrots and bell peppers add color and sweetness but can be omitted or substituted based on preference.
- Use coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative to soy sauce.
- Ensure heat is high enough when searing beef to get a good sear but not so hot that garlic burns.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
