Kid Approved Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
- Beef:
- 4 lbs beef stir fry meat or top sirloin cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 8 cloves garlic minced or grated
- OR 2 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup honey
- For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- Vegetables:
- Steam-in-bag broccoli prepared according to package directions
- Optional Serving:
- Cooked rice
Instructions
- Place beef, cornstarch, and soy sauce into a large zip-top bag.
- Seal and shake until all meat is evenly coated.
- Let the beef rest for about 20 minutes.
- While the beef rests, mix together soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, garlic, and honey to create the sauce.
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic to the oil and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Add beef and cook until fully browned and cooked through.
- Remove pan from heat.
- Pour sauce over cooked beef and mix well.
- Allow the beef to rest for several minutes as the cornstarch naturally thickens the sauce.
- Prepare steam-in-bag broccoli according to package directions.
- Serve beef over rice with broccoli on the side or combined as preferred.
Learning Ladder Tip:
Serving vegetables separately allows selective eaters to enjoy the main meal without feeling overwhelmed while still offering exposure to new foods.
Easy Changes:
Serve vegetables on the side.
Use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.
Slice beef smaller for easier chewing.
Adjust honey for sweeter or more savory flavor.
Why This Works for Kids:
Tender bite-sized meat
Sweet and savory flavor
Predictable texture
Flexible plating for selective eaters
Tips:
Steam-in-bag broccoli is a quick, reliable option that saves time on busy evenings.
Cooking vegetables separately allows each family member to customize their plate.
Do not overcook the beef to keep it tender.
Letting the meat rest after adding sauce helps naturally thicken the glaze.
FAQ:
Can I use frozen steam-in-bag broccoli?
Yes. Steam-in-bag vegetables are a fast and convenient option that works well for busy families.
Can picky eaters eat beef and broccoli?
Yes. Serving vegetables separately allows kids to enjoy the familiar meat and sauce while gradually introducing vegetables.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
What cut of beef works best?
Pre-cut stir fry beef or top sirloin works well when sliced into small pieces.
What should I serve this with?
Serve with rice and broccoli or any preferred vegetable side.
Looking for more meals kids actually enjoy? Explore our Kid Approved Meals Collection.