Steak and Broccoli - knedir Recipes

This Steak and Broccoli dish is the perfect balance of tender, juicy steak paired with crispy, flavorful broccoli. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that brings out the best in both the steak and the veggies, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or weekend dinners. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this meal offers both nutrition and indulgence in every bite.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With only a few ingredients, you can create a hearty, flavorful dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. The savory steak, complemented by garlicky sautéed broccoli, makes for a meal that’s both healthy and comforting. This dish can easily be made your own by experimenting with different seasonings or adding extra vegetables.

Full Recipe:

2 steaks (your choice of cut)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups broccoli florets
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Directions:

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season steaks with salt and pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until your desired doneness.
Remove steaks from skillet and let rest.
In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add broccoli florets and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest if desired.
Slice the steaks and serve with sautéed broccoli.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 2 servings

Origins and Influences of Steak and Broccoli

Steak and Broccoli is a classic, straightforward meal that has its roots in both American and Asian cuisines. It’s a favorite in American households due to its ease of preparation and hearty combination of protein and vegetables. Broccoli has long been associated with healthy eating, known for its nutritional benefits and versatility in various cuisines. While the origins of pairing steak with broccoli are hard to pinpoint, the dish is universally loved for its satisfying nature and balance of flavors.

In Asian cuisine, a similar pairing often appears in stir-fries, where beef and broccoli are cooked together with soy sauce, garlic, and other savory seasonings. This recipe, however, is simplified, focusing on the natural flavors of the steak and broccoli. The addition of garlic and a light lemon zest brings brightness and enhances the umami flavors of the meat.

The Appeal of Steak and Broccoli

There are several reasons why this dish has become a staple in many households. First, it’s a meal that combines simplicity with flavor. The steak offers a rich, meaty texture, while the broccoli provides a fresh, slightly bitter crunch. Together, they create a satisfying and balanced meal that doesn’t require much time or effort to prepare.

Secondly, it’s a highly adaptable dish. You can easily swap the broccoli for another vegetable such as spinach, green beans, or asparagus. You can also experiment with different steak cuts to suit your preference, whether you prefer ribeye, flank, or sirloin. The seasonings are also flexible—feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the flavors or adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Why Steak and Broccoli is Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

Steak and Broccoli is ideal for those evenings when you want a quick yet fulfilling meal. Here’s why it makes a great choice for busy weeknights:

Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this dish takes no more than 30 minutes to prepare. The steaks cook quickly, and the broccoli sautés in the same pan, allowing for easy cleanup.
Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need a long list of ingredients to make this meal. A couple of steaks, some garlic, olive oil, and broccoli are all you need. This makes it an affordable meal option as well.
Healthy and Satisfying: Steak is a great source of protein, while broccoli provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a nutrient-packed dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Customizing Your Steak and Broccoli

One of the best things about this dish is how customizable it is. Whether you want to make it spicy, add more vegetables, or play with different cuts of steak, there’s room for creativity. Here are some ideas:

Add a Sauce: You can enhance the dish with a variety of sauces. Try a simple balsamic glaze or a mustard sauce to add another layer of flavor to the steak.
Add More Veggies: If you want to make the dish even more nutritious, consider adding carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the mix. These veggies pair well with broccoli and add color to the dish.
Try Different Steak Cuts: While any cut of steak will work, some, like flank steak or skirt steak, are great for quick cooking and pair well with the broccoli.

Pairings with Steak and Broccoli

While steak and broccoli are a satisfying combination on their own, you can elevate the meal with a few sides or beverages:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For a hearty addition, serve your steak and broccoli with creamy mashed potatoes. The buttery mashed potatoes complement the savory steak and crisp broccoli perfectly.
Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the steak and provide a refreshing contrast to the sautéed broccoli.
Wine Pairing: A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs beautifully with steak. The tannins in these wines cut through the richness of the meat, enhancing the flavors of the dish.

Conclusion

Steak and Broccoli is the ultimate comfort food that delivers on both taste and simplicity. The tender steak combined with the crispy broccoli makes for a well-rounded meal that’s full of flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a loved one, or a family, this dish can easily be adapted to suit any palate.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying. The ingredients are simple, the cooking time is minimal, and the result is a delicious, balanced meal. So, next time you’re in the mood for something quick yet indulgent, give this classic Steak and Broccoli recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed.