Vegan beef and broccoli

Name: Vegan beef and broccoli
Prep time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 package (10 oz) plant-based steak bites; 2 tablespoons avocado oil; 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped; 0.5 cup water, for steaming; 1.5 cups uncooked white rice; water, as directed on the rice package; 0.5 cup soy sauce; 0.25 cup water; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 1 tablespoon potato starch; 3 cloves garlic, crushed; 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes

This vegan beef and broccoli is the perfect copycat of a classic takeout dish, inspired by the Panda Express favorite. Tender plant-based steak bites and crisp-tender broccoli are tossed in a savory soy-garlic sauce with a hint of heat, then served over a bed of fluffy white rice.

It’s easy, delicious, and ready in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect go-to weeknight dinner. Finish it with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for that classic takeout touch.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

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Ingredients

SERVINGS:

Calories: 510 Protein: 19 g

Stir-fry

1 package (10 oz) plant-based steak bites
2 tablespoons avocado oil
2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
0.5 cup water, for steaming

Rice

1.5 cups uncooked white rice
water, as directed on the rice package

Sauce

0.5 cup soy sauce
0.25 cup water
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon potato starch
3 cloves garlic, crushed
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Preparation

Cook the rice: Cook the rice according to the package directions. Keep warm and set aside.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, sesame oil, potato starch, garlic, and red pepper flakes until the potato starch is fully dissolved and no clumps remain.
Steam the broccoli: Add the broccoli and ½ cup water to a pot, cover, and steam over high heat for about 4 minutes, until tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.
Cook the steak bites: In a mixing bowl, toss the steak bites with the avocado oil to coat. Transfer to a large pan over high heat. Once they start to sizzle, stir and continue cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned.
Add the sauce: Give the sauce a quick stir, since the potato starch settles, then pour it into the pan. Stir constantly for about 1 minute, until the sauce starts to thicken.
Add the broccoli: Fold in the broccoli and stir for about 1 minute more, until everything is coated.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice, topped with sesame seeds, green onions, or fresh herbs, if desired.

Close-up of Vegan Beef and Broccoli showing glossy plant-based steak bites, garlic, and red pepper flakes tossed with steamed broccoli.

Tips

Adjust the heat: Leave out the red pepper flakes for a milder dish, or add a drizzle of chili oil or sriracha for more kick.
Swap the thickener: No potato starch? Cornstarch works the same way in the same amount.
Swap the protein: Extra-firm tofu cubes or seitan work well in place of the plant-based steak bites. Cook them until browned before adding the sauce.
Try brown rice: For a heartier, whole-grain option, swap in brown rice. It takes 40 to 45 minutes to simmer, so start it about 30 minutes before you begin the rest of the recipe. Total time will be closer to 1 hour.
Add more veggies: Sliced carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers are easy additions. Steam them with the broccoli.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or in the microwave.