Vegan Beef and Broccoli Recipe

A classic Chinese-inspired dish made vegan, Vegan Beef and Broccoli uses plant-based beef alternatives like soy curls, seitan, or mushrooms for a hearty, protein-packed meal. With tender broccoli, savory sauce, and a satisfying texture, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup soy curls, seitan, or your choice of vegan beef (e.g., soy protein or mushrooms)
1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)

For the Sauce:

¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (or a vegan version)
1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave syrup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
½ cup water or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegan Beef:

If using soy curls, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes until softened. Drain and squeeze out any excess water.
If using seitan, cut it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
If using mushrooms, slice them into thin strips.

2. Cook the Broccoli:

Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, cornstarch mixture, and water/vegetable broth. Set aside.

4. Cook the Vegan Beef:

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the vegan beef (soy curls, seitan, or mushrooms) to the pan and sauté until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

5. Sauté the Aromatics:

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the garlic and ginger for about 1 minute until fragrant.

6. Combine Everything:

Return the cooked vegan beef to the pan, followed by the broccoli.
Pour the sauce over the vegan beef and broccoli and stir to coat everything evenly.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the broccoli is tender.

7. Serve:

Serve the vegan beef and broccoli over steamed rice or noodles.
Drizzle with sesame oil (optional) and garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor.

Tips for the Best Vegan Beef and Broccoli:

Choosing the Vegan Beef:
Soy curls give a great meaty texture and absorb the sauce well, making them a popular choice.
Seitan has a chewy, meaty texture and works beautifully in this dish, mimicking traditional beef.
Mushrooms (especially portobello or cremini) can create a meaty texture and a deeper umami flavor.
Broccoli Alternative: If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can easily swap it out for other vegetables like snap peas, green beans, or bok choy.
For Extra Heat: Add some red pepper flakes or a chopped chili to the sauce for a spicy kick.
For a Gluten-Free Version: Make sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Beef and Broccoli:

Flavor-Packed: The savory, slightly sweet sauce perfectly complements the tender vegan beef and crisp broccoli.
Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and a quick cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy nights.
Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, spice, or thickness of the sauce to suit your taste.
Healthy and Vegan: Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies, this dish is a healthy, plant-based alternative to the classic beef and broccoli stir-fry.

This Vegan Beef and Broccoli is an easy, delicious, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will become a family favorite in no time!