This vegan beef and broccoli recipe transforms soy curls into savory morsels of vegan “beef”! With step-step instructions, it’s an easy takeout-inspired dinner recipe you’re going to love.
Buckle up, friends, because this vegan beef and broccoli is what we call a *game-changer*.
We’ve recreated the beloved combination of tender beef and crisp broccoli using a vegan-friendly alternative: soy curls.
These versatile and protein-packed wonders provide a meaty texture and soak up any flavors you throw at them. Whether you’re a vegan looking for a satisfying dish or simply seeking a delicious and healthier alternative, this vegan beef and broccoli recipe is a must-try.
Reader rating
“Made this recipe last night. It was wonderful. This was the first time I have ever tried soy curls and it was very easy to cook with. Thank you!” —Susan
Vegan Beef & Broccoli Ingredients
While some of these ingredients may be new to you, I encourage you to try them out! The soy curls have become a favorite in my vegetarian kitchen, and the vegan beef bouillon is definitely worth investing in a jar.
- Rice & Broccoli: I like to get these cooking first so that everything is ready to serve once your vegan beef is cooked!
- Sauce: For our sauce you’ll combine sesame oil, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and bouillon, then thicken it with a quick cornstarch slurry!
- Butler Soy Curls: These plant-based protein strips serve as a fantastic substitute for beef, offering a meaty texture and absorbing the flavors of the dish. 👉 get them here!
- Vegan “Beef” Bouillon: I love this vegan bouillon that replicated the flavor of beef.
- Oil: Used for cooking the soy curls, oil helps brown and crisp them, adding texture and a delightful taste.
- Kitchen Bouquet (optional): This browning sauce enhances the appearance and flavor of the soy curls, giving them a dark beefy hue and extra richness. 👉 get it here!
What are soy curls?
Soy curls are made from whole soybeans that have been cooked, textured, and dried, resulting in a meat-like texture and neutral flavor that easily absorbs the flavors of your favorite seasonings and sauces. They are a fantastic plant-based protein option and a perfect substitute for meat in various dishes.
How to make Vegan Beef And Broccoli
Step 1: Start With The Extras
In this step, preparing the rice and cooking the broccoli sets the foundation for a satisfying vegan beef and broccoli dish. Do these first so that everything will be ready and hot once your “beef” is cooked. (Here’s our favorite way of cooking broccoli 👈)
Step 2: Start Sauce
Heating the sesame oil in a pot allows its rich and nutty aroma to enhance the overall taste of the dish. The addition of fresh grated ginger and minced garlic adds a delightful zing and depth of flavor. Add in some soy sauce for a savory umami taste, brown sugar for a subtle sweetness, and bouillon for a meaty undertone.
Step 3: Thicken Sauce
The cornstarch slurry, made by dissolving cornstarch in water, acts as a thickening agent that gives the sauce its desired viscosity. As we whisk the slurry into the simmering soy sauce mixture, the cornstarch interacts with the liquid, causing it to thicken and cling to the soy curls and broccoli. This process takes only a couple of minutes, resulting in a glossy and indulgent sauce that will perfectly coat the vegan beef.
Step 4: Soak Soy Curls
During the soaking process, the soy curls absorb the flavorful liquid, allowing them to rehydrate and become tender. This step ensures that the soy curls achieve a meat-like texture and absorb the savory bouillon.
Step 5: Cook Soy Curls
Cooking the soy curls in oil adds a delicious crispy texture to them, giving them a satisfying bite reminiscent of traditional beef. The optional addition of Kitchen Bouquet enhances the color and flavor of the soy curls, making them more beef-like.
Step 6: Assemble
Combining the flavorful sauce with the cooked soy curls creates a delicious coating that infuses them with savory goodness. Then just fold in the broccoli and serve with rice!
SOY CURLS
These are the soy curls I use and love for this recipe. I love keeping them stocked in the pantry for quick plant-based dinners!
FAQs
Can I use a different protein substitute instead of soy curls?
Yes, you can use other meat substitutes like seitan or firm tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce. Ensure that the bouillon used is also gluten-free.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you prefer a spicier version, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best to enjoy the dish fresh, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble them when ready to serve. Keep the sauce and cooked soy curls separate until you’re ready to combine and heat them together.
Serve It With
- Miso Mushrooms are savory morsels of deliciousness that go well as a side.
- Purple Broccoli is a fun swap for traditional green broccoli.
- Miso Soup is a light and simple side or starter.
- Cauliflower Chipotle Rice can be used in place of the rice to make this lower carb.
Did you make this recipe? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @liveeatlearn on Facebook or Instagram!
Ingredients
The Extras
- 1 cup rice
- 4 cups broccoli florets
Sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil can sub vegetable oil, 15 mL
- 1 Tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup soy sauce use tamari for gluten-free option, 120 mL
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp vegan beef-flavored bouillon can sub vegetable bouillon
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- ½ cup water 120 mL
Vegan Beef
- 2 cups warm water 475 mL
- 1 tsp vegan beef-flavored bouillon can sub vegetable bouillon
- 1 8-oz package Butler Soy Curls 226 g
- 1 Tbsp oil 15 mL
- 1 Tbsp Kitchen Bouquet optional for browning, 15 mL
Instructions
- The Extras: Cook rice according to instructions on package. Cook broccoli (I like microwaving it for this recipe, but here are 5 easy ways to cook broccoli).
- Start Sauce: Heat sesame oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and bouillon, then bring to a simmer.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl dissolve the cornstarch in the ½ cup of water. While whisking the hot soy sauce mixture, drizzle the cornstarch slurry into the pan. Continue letting the sauce simmer until it has thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Cover and set aside.
- Soak: Combine water and bouillon until dissolved, then add soy curls. Let soak until all of the soy curls are tender, about 10 minutes. Drain the water from the soy curls, then squeeze out as much water as you can from the curls.
- Cook: Add oil to a large saute pan over medium heat, then add soy curls. Cook until then become a bit browned and crispy, 5 to 10 minutes. Optionally stir in kitchen bouquet to evenly coat soy curls.
- Assemble: Stir sauce into soy curls, then fold in broccoli. Serve warm with rice.
Susan L Duff says
Made this recipe last night. It was wonderful. This was the first time I have ever tried soy curls and it was very easy to cook with. Thank you!
Sarah Bond says
YAY! I’m so happy you tried them out (and more importantly, that you loved them!) Happy cooking!
Alexis Koetting says
This was absolutely delicious! Thank you so much. Soy curls are a relatively new find for me and I’m always excited about finding recipes to incorporate them. This one is a keeper.
Sarah Bond says
I’m so happy to hear you liked the recipe, Alexis! Aren’t soy curls such a fun ingredient?!