Soulful Beef & Broccoli

Ingredients

While the original Chinese version of Beef & Broccoli focuses on the delicate balance of flavors, our soul food adaptation adds a touch of Southern flair. We infuse the dish with a smoky undertone, using slow-cooked beef and a robust sauce that incorporates traditional soul food ingredients. This adaptation brings together the best of both worlds, creating a dish that is both comforting and full of soul. We alse have the original recipe for Beef & Broccoli, so you can check it out.

• 1.5 pounds (680g) beef chuck roast, thinly sliced 1.5 pounds (680g) beef chuck roast, thinly sliced
• 2 cups (470ml) beef broth 2 cups (470ml) beef broth
• 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) molasses 2 tablespoons (30ml) molasses
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) hot sauce 2 tablespoons (30ml) hot sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) smoked paprika 1 tablespoon (15ml) smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) onion powder 1 teaspoon (5ml) onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) black pepper 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 4 cups (600g) broccoli florets 4 cups (600g) broccoli florets
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• Cooked white rice, for serving Cooked white rice, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 9g
• Protein: 38g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, molasses, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. 4.
   Pour the prepared sauce over the vegetables in the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. 5.
   Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss to coat it with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the beef is heated through.
6. 6.
   Serve the soulful Beef & Broccoli over cooked white rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — For tender beef, slice it against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness.
• Broccoli — To retain its vibrant green color and crispness, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 1 minute before adding it to the skillet.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, you can add a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of hot sauce or add red pepper flakes.
• Feel free to add other soul food ingredients like collard greens or black-eyed peas to make it a complete soul food meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, simply warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Serving advice

Serve the Soulful Beef & Broccoli over a bed of fluffy white rice. Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of freshness and color.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, arrange the beef and broccoli on a platter, with the rice served on the side. Drizzle some of the sauce over the dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds for an added touch of elegance.