Easy Vegan Beef & Broccoli
Let me guide you through this post…
- Where Did This Classic Take-out Dish Originate?
- What Makes This Recipe Special
- What is Textured Soy Protein? Where Can I Get It?
- Recipe Card with Step-by-Step Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
Where did this classic take-out dish originate?
The Beef and Broccoli dish is an American dish with Chinese influences traditionally cooked with stir-fried flank steak and broccoli and a mixture of a Chinese-style sauces (using oyster sauce and soy sauce). The original and first version was believed to be prepared by Chinese immigrants using the Chinese broccoli referred to as gai lan (the leaves in this one are slightly bitter compared to the usual broccoli that we usually cook with).
What makes this recipe special
Have you been craving an easy, savory, and satisfying meal? Well, look no further! This delicious Vegan Beef and Broccoli is made with plant-based ingredients such as textured soy protein, broccoli, portobello mushrooms, and more.Â
What is Soy Protein? Where can I get it?
Textured soy protein is a nutritious and versatile plant-based alternative for meat. After being produced during the process of making soybean oil, soy protein is then dehydrated once it has been shaped into nuggets, strips, slices, or flakes. It contains several essential nutrients such as folate, magnesium, and thiamin, and is also rich in fiber and protein.
I used the slices in this recipe because it resembles the look and feel of beef. It also absorbs the flavors nicely which makes it a great meat substitute. Textured soy protein can be purchased in major retailers like Amazon and specialty websites online. They are also available in bulk food/health food stores and Asian grocery stores.
Before I went vegan, I used to ask my mom to cook this for me all the time. Of course, nothing beats the comfort you get from homemade food. This is why I’m so glad that I found a way to veganize and cook one of my favorite meals at home.
Although this is not the traditional way to cook it, the flavor combination in this recipe for the classic take-out order is still amazing and definitely promises a satisfying experience. You can definitely cook this in a wok to achieve a smoky flavor and that restaurant-quality meal. Learn more about how to achieve wok hei at home in this article.
The simple ingredients and easy steps in preparing and cooking makes this recipe perfect for weeknight dinner, and it’s definitely sure to impress 😉✨
how to cook this Easy Vegan Beef & Broccoli
Vegan Beef & Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the thick outer part of the broccoli stem. Cut the broccoli crown into florets and the inner tender/edible part of the broccoli stem into bite-size pieces.
- To blanch the broccoli, bring a pot of water to boil. Cook the broccoli in the boiling water for at least 2 minutes. Once it turns into a bright green color and gets tender, remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon and submerge it into a bowl with ice and water for at least 3 minutes then drain (this step helps preserve its bright color and texture). Set aside.
- Slice the portobello mushrooms thinly. Set aside.
- Let the soy protein soak in boiling hot water for at least 5 minutes or until it softens. Drain and squeeze out the excess water. Marinate with 2-3 tbsp soy sauce. Set aside.
- In a non-stick pan, sauté the garlic and ginger with a little oil until aromatic.
- Add the soy protein, mushrooms, and the broccoli florets and stem pieces into the pan. Add the other ingredients for the sauce. Stir fry for a few more minutes.
- Mix 2 tbsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water to create a cornstarch slurry. This will help thicken the sauce and give it a smooth and glossy appearance. Add this into the pan as well.
- Let it simmer for a few minutes. Serve with a warm bowl of white rice and garnish with toasted white sesame seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Soy Protein?
Textured soy protein is a nutritious and versatile plant-based alternative for meat. After being produced during the process of making soybean oil, soy protein is then dehydrated once it has been shaped into nuggets, strips, slices, or flakes. It contains several essential nutrients such as folate, magnesium, and thiamin, and is also rich in fiber and protein.
I used the slices in this recipe because it resembles the look and feel of beef. It also absorbs the flavors nicely which makes it a great meat substitute.
Where can I purchase textured soy protein?
Textured soy protein can be purchased in major retailers like Amazon and specialty websites online. They are also available in bulk food/health food stores and Asian grocery stores.
How do you prepare the soy protein?
The soy protein must be soaked and rehydrated in hot water for 5 minutes or until it softens. Drain and squeeze out the excess water before you marinate it with soy sauce as indicated in the recipe.
How long can I store this in the fridge?
You can store this in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to refrigerate it within 1 to 2 hours of cooking.
