Beef & Broccoli Croatian Style

Ingredients

While the original Chinese Beef & Broccoli is typically stir-fried with soy sauce and oyster sauce, this Croatian adaptation incorporates local ingredients and flavors. We substitute soy sauce with Croatian soy sauce alternative, and enhance the dish with aromatic Croatian herbs and spices. The result is a unique fusion of Chinese and Croatian culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Beef & Broccoli, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef steak, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef steak, thinly sliced
• 500g (1.1 lb) broccoli florets 500g (1.1 lb) broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons Croatian soy sauce alternative 2 tablespoons Croatian soy sauce alternative
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening) 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 3g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced beef to the skillet and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
4. 4.
   Season the beef with paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef evenly.
5. 5.
   Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and slightly tender.
6. 6.
   Pour in the beef broth and Croatian soy sauce alternative. Stir well to combine.
7. 7.
   If desired, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and add it to the skillet to thicken the sauce.
8. 8.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the broccoli is tender.
9. 9.
   Serve the Beef & Broccoli Croatian Style over cooked rice or noodles.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — For tender beef, slice it against the grain. This will ensure that the meat remains juicy and easy to chew.
• Broccoli — To retain its vibrant green color and crispness, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before stir-frying.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of Croatian chili flakes or a few drops of Croatian hot sauce to the dish.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch slurry or simmer the dish for a few more minutes.
• Feel free to add other Croatian herbs such as rosemary or marjoram to enhance the Croatian twist in this dish.
• Serve the Beef & Broccoli Croatian Style with a side of Croatian pickles for a refreshing contrast of flavors.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Garnish the Beef & Broccoli Croatian Style with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it hot over a bed of fluffy cooked rice or noodles.

Presentation advice

Arrange the beef slices and broccoli florets on a platter, drizzle the sauce over them, and sprinkle with chopped herbs. This will create an appetizing and visually appealing presentation.