Easy Dinner Ideas – Cooking Frog https://cookingfrog.com Easy and Delicious Recipes Thu, 17 Oct 2024 16:48:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7 https://cookingfrog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/cropped-Frog-512-x-512-150x150.png Easy Dinner Ideas – Cooking Frog https://cookingfrog.com 32 32 Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Sauce (Crispy & Tender) https://cookingfrog.com/beef-and-broccoli/ https://cookingfrog.com/beef-and-broccoli/#respond Thu, 17 Oct 2024 16:48:13 +0000 https://cookingfrog.com/?p=17223 Read More]]> There’s a special place in my heart for meals that are both comforting and bursting with flavor. This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic Sesame Glaze is one such dish that never fails to delight.

I remember the first time I whipped it up on a busy weeknight, rummaging through my fridge for ingredients and hoping to create something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The result was a harmonious blend of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a glaze so good I found myself licking the spoon.

Over the years, I’ve perfected this recipe, and it’s become a beloved staple in my household. It’s quick to prepare, it takes less than 30 minutes, yet tastes like you’ve spent much more time on it—a perfect meal for sharing with family and friends. I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you, and I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine.

Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

For the Garlic Sesame Glaze:

  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce:

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

Cook the Beef:

  1. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the sliced beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

  1. In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil.
  2. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add broccoli florets and bell pepper slices. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.

Combine Everything:

  1. Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
  2. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and veggies.
  3. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Serve:

  1. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
  2. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

If this beef and broccoli stir-fry had you double-checking that you really made it yourself, it’s only fair to share the magic. Save the image to your Pinterest board and share the joy of cooking together.

Tips & Tricks for the Recipe

  • Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables and slice the beef before you start cooking. Having everything ready to go makes the stir-fry process quick and seamless.
  • Marinate for Extra Flavor: Although not required, marinating the beef in a bit of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for 20 minutes can enhance its flavor.
  • Use High Heat: Stir-frying is all about quick cooking over high heat. Make sure your skillet or wok is thoroughly heated before adding the beef to get a nice sear.
  • Cook Beef in Batches: To avoid steaming and ensure even browning, cook the beef in small batches without overcrowding the pan.
  • Blanch Broccoli: For even more vibrant and tender-crisp broccoli, consider blanching it in boiling water for 1 minute before adding it to the stir-fry.
  • Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots based on your preference.
  • Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth. If it’s too thin, mix a little more cornstarch with cold water and stir it in.
  • Taste and Season: Always taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want a bit more soy sauce, sweetness, or spice.
  • Serve Immediately: Stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh off the stove while the flavors are vibrant, and the vegetables are still crisp.
  • Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain the texture of the beef and veggies.
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Marinated Air-Fryer Pork Tenderloin With Garlic Butter https://cookingfrog.com/marinated-air-fryer-pork-tenderloin/ https://cookingfrog.com/marinated-air-fryer-pork-tenderloin/#respond Sat, 16 Dec 2023 17:38:36 +0000 https://cookingfrog.com/?p=16331 Read More]]> This air-fryer pork tenderloin recipe is all about bringing a rich, savory flavor to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, you’ll find this recipe a breeze.

In just 30 minutes, you can transform a simple pork tenderloin into an impressive and delicious main course, perfect for any day of the week.

Air-Fryer Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 lb pork tenderloin
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp fresh cracked pepper
  • 1 tsp each of dried basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, and sage (or 2 tbsp Italian Herb Seasoning Blend)
  • Optional: 1 bottle of this Italian Salad Dressing for marinating
  • Fresh pomegranate arils for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Optional Marinating:

  • If desired, marinate the pork in Italian dressing for 12-24 hours to enhance the flavor.

Make the Garlic Butter:

  • Mix minced garlic with butter to create your garlic butter mixture.

Seasoning:

  • Combine garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, and sage in a bowl. (Alternatively, use Italian Seasoning.)
  • Rub this herb blend onto the pork, followed by a generous seasoning with sea salt and pepper.

Air-Frying:

  • Preheat the air-fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Place the pork in the air-fryer, optionally covering it loosely with foil.
  • Halfway through the cooking process (after about 10-12 minutes), turn the pork and add the garlic butter mixture on top.
  • Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit, typically in 20-25 minutes total.

Resting:

  • Let the pork rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This step allows the juices to be redistributed, ensuring the meat remains juicy.

Garnishing:

  • Optionally, garnish the sliced pork with fresh pomegranate arils for added color and a hint of tangy sweetness.

Serving:

  • Serve the warm pork tenderloin, ideally with a side dish of your choice.

Loved how your air fryer pork tenderloin turned out? Why not spread the word? Pin the image below to your Pinterest board. It’s a great way to let your friends and followers in on this delicious secret!

Storing and Reheating Tips:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • For longer storage, freeze for up to three months.
  • Reheat in the air-fryer or oven after thawing in the refrigerator overnight.

Recipe Variation Ideas for Air-Fried Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin

1. Spicy Twist: For those who love a bit of heat, add a spicy kick to your pork tenderloin. Mix in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper into your seasoning blend. Alternatively, you can rub the pork with a spicy marinade, like chipotle or sriracha, before cooking.

2. Citrus Infusion: Brighten the flavor profile by adding citrus elements. Marinate the pork in a mixture of orange juice, lemon zest, and a touch of honey. This will give a refreshing and slightly sweet tang to the dish.

3. Herb Crust Variation: Create a herbaceous outer crust by coating the pork in a mix of finely chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, and parsley) mixed with breadcrumbs. This adds a delightful texture and a burst of fresh flavors.

4. BBQ Style: For a BBQ twist, slather the pork with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of air-frying. This will create a sweet and smoky glaze that’s irresistible.

5. Mediterranean Influence: Incorporate Mediterranean flavors by using a mix of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and Greek seasoning in the rub. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce for a refreshing complement.

6. Asian Fusion: Give your pork tenderloin an Asian flair. Marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of sesame oil. After cooking, glaze it with a blend of hoisin sauce and honey for a sweet and savory finish.

7. Stuffed Tenderloin: Elevate the dish by stuffing the tenderloin. Make a filling with ingredients like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and cheese, or a sweet and savory combination of apples, onions, and bacon. Butterfly the tenderloin, fill it, then tie it up before air-frying.

8. Creamy Sauce: Serve the pork with a creamy sauce. A simple garlic mushroom cream sauce or a Dijon mustard cream sauce can add a luxurious touch to the dish.

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