There’s nothing quite like a quick and flavorful recipe that brings together tender slices of beef and crisp, vibrant broccoli. This Carne em Tiras com Brócolis (Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry) is a beloved classic in many households, offering a blend of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors that’ll make you feel like a chef in your own kitchen.

I remember the first time I tried this dish – it instantly reminded me of a cozy dinner from a favorite restaurant. Since then, it’s become a go-to on busy weeknights when I want something satisfying yet simple.

Why You’ll Love This Carne em Tiras com Brócolis

This dish will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation, and here’s why:

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy. With only about 20 minutes of active cooking time, you can have dinner on the table faster than takeout. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still want something homemade.

Second, it’s packed with flavor. The combination of tender beef strips, savory sauce, and fresh broccoli delivers an umami-rich experience with each bite. Every element is carefully seasoned, so it tastes like it’s been simmering all day even though it cooks up fast.

It’s also versatile and budget-friendly. You can easily adjust the ingredients to use what you have on hand, and using broccoli makes this dish filling and nutritious without breaking the bank.

Lastly, it’s a great option for meal prep. This recipe stores well, and the flavors deepen after a day or two, making leftovers just as delicious, if not better.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Carne em Tiras com Brócolis lies in its simple, flavorful ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the key components that make this dish so special:

Beef: I recommend using tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak, which cook quickly and stay juicy. Slice the beef against the grain to ensure tender bites. You can substitute other cuts, but keep in mind that some may require slightly longer cooking times to become tender.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best for this recipe. They add a nice crunch and vibrant green color that complements the beef perfectly. If you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli can work too, but it may not have the same texture.
Soy Sauce: This is the base of the sauce, adding saltiness and umami. Go for a high-quality, low-sodium soy sauce if possible. It provides depth to the sauce without overwhelming the other flavors.
Garlic and Ginger: These two add a fragrant, spicy note that balances the richness of the beef and soy sauce. Fresh garlic and ginger are ideal, but powdered versions can work if that’s what you have on hand.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch serves a dual purpose: it tenderizes the beef and helps thicken the sauce. A quick coating on the beef before cooking gives it a velvety texture, and adding a bit to the sauce creates the perfect consistency.

For this recipe, you’ll need a large skillet or wok to cook everything evenly and ensure that the beef sears properly without crowding.

How To Make Carne em Tiras com Brócolis

Making this delicious beef and broccoli stir-fry is easier than you might think. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

Prepare the Beef: Start by slicing your beef into thin strips. Pat the strips dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture – this helps them brown better. Coat them with a thin layer of cornstarch, which will help tenderize the meat and give it a slightly crispy exterior once cooked.
Cook the Broccoli: In a large skillet or wok, add a little oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until they’re bright green and slightly tender. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Sear the Beef: In the same pan, add another splash of oil and increase the heat. When the oil is hot, add the beef strips in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the beef is nicely browned. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan – work in batches if needed.
Prepare the Sauce: While the beef cooks, whisk together soy sauce, a splash of water, garlic, ginger, and a bit more cornstarch in a small bowl. This mixture will form the sauce that coats the beef and broccoli.
Combine Everything: Once the beef is cooked, add the broccoli back into the pan, followed by the sauce. Stir everything together, letting the sauce thicken and coat each piece of beef and broccoli. This should only take 1-2 minutes.

After just 20 minutes of cooking, your Carne em Tiras com Brócolis is ready to serve! Enjoy it hot with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Storage Options

This beef and broccoli stir-fry is as good for leftovers as it is fresh, making it perfect for meal prepping or saving extra portions. Here’s how to store it:

Refrigerate: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop over time, making it even more delicious.
Freeze: If you want to make a bigger batch, this dish can be frozen. Let it cool completely, then portion into airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: For the best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to revive the sauce. You can also microwave it, but be mindful that the broccoli may soften further.

Variations and Substitutions

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One of the best things about Carne em Tiras com Brócolis is its versatility. Here are a few ways to customize this dish to suit your tastes or dietary needs:

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Swap the Protein: While beef is the classic choice, you can easily use chicken, pork, or even tofu to make this dish. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas make excellent additions. Simply stir-fry them with the broccoli to add more color and nutrition.
Lower Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the added salt to make this recipe a bit lighter.
Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version that’s just as tasty.

Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own – it’s practically foolproof, and each variation brings something unique to the table. Enjoy experimenting and discovering your favorite version of Carne em Tiras com Brócolis!