Sesame Beef and Broccoli
Whip up a delicious and healthy air fryer dinner with this quick Sesame Beef and Broccoli recipe. This flavorful dish comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave takeout quality at home. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare this tender beef and crisp broccoli.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Beef: Flank steak or sirloin steak works best. For a quicker option, use pre-sliced stir-fry beef.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are ideal. You can use frozen, but thaw it first and pat it dry.
- Sesame Oil: Essential for authentic flavor. Use toasted sesame oil for a richer taste.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a good choice. Tamari is an excellent gluten-free alternative.
- Honey: Maple syrup or brown sugar can be used if you don’t have honey.
- Garlic & Ginger: Fresh is always best, but pre-minced versions are convenient.
Ingredients
For the Beef and Broccoli:
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
Optional Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (varies with ingredients)
- Tools Needed: Air fryer, large mixing bowl, whisk.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Slice your beef thinly against the grain into bite-sized pieces. If using a cornstarch slurry for the sauce, whisk it in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon of water. This is a crucial first step for any air fryer dinner recipes.
2. Marinate the Beef
In a medium bowl, combine the beef slices with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Toss to coat evenly and let it marinate for at least 5 minutes while you prepare the sauce and broccoli.
3. Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. If you want a thicker sauce, whisk in the cornstarch at this stage.
4. Air Fry the Broccoli
Toss the broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a bowl. Place them in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crisp-tender.
5. Air Fry the Beef
Remove the broccoli and set it aside. Add the marinated beef to the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd it. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and slightly browned. You might need to cook the beef in batches to ensure even cooking, a common tip for air fryer dinner recipes.
6. Combine and Serve
Return the cooked broccoli to the air fryer basket with the beef. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss gently to coat. Air fry for another 1-2 minutes to heat the sauce through and allow it to thicken slightly. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired, and serve immediately with rice or noodles.
Variation Ideas
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
- Extra Veggies: Include sliced bell peppers or snap peas in the air fryer alongside the broccoli.
- Chicken Swap: Substitute chicken breast or thighs for the beef for a delicious air fryer chicken and broccoli.
- Nutty Flavor: Garnish with chopped peanuts or cashews for added crunch.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Sesame Beef and Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it gently in your air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can you cook frozen broccoli in the air fryer?
Yes, you can. Thaw it first and pat it dry to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
You can substitute it with apple cider vinegar, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- How do I ensure the beef is tender?
Slice it thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking. Marinating also helps tenderize the meat.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients and sauce ahead, but it’s best to cook just before serving for optimal texture.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure any other ingredients are certified gluten-free to make it suitable.
- Why is my beef not crispy?
Ensure you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary so air can circulate properly, a key for many air fryer dinner recipes.
