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This vegan beef and broccoli recipe transforms soy curls into savory morsels of vegan “beef!” With step-by-step instructions, it’s an easy takeout-inspired dinner recipe you’ll love. Serve it with regular rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
save this recipe!Buckle up, friends, because this vegan beef and broccoli is what we call a *game-changer*.
We’ve recreated the beloved combination of flavorful 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 hearty dish or just need 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
grab these 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. Jump to the recipe card for the quantities.
- Rice and broccoli: I like to cook these first so that once your vegan beef is cooked, everything is ready to serve!
- Sauce: To make our sauce, 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 replicates 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.
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.
make it ahead of time
Save time and prep 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.
Love soy curls? Try my high protein buffalo mac and cheese next (it uses soy curls to mimic chicken!).
Vegan Beef And Broccoli (With Soy Curls!)
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.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist.
did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag @liveeatlearn on social media! I love seeing what you’ve made!
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!
YAY! I’m so happy you tried them out (and more importantly, that you loved them!) Happy cooking!
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.
I’m so happy to hear you liked the recipe, Alexis! Aren’t soy curls such a fun ingredient?!
We loved this!
It was pretty quick to throw together and the flavor was fantastic. I added water chestnuts for a little crunch. Didn’t have sesame oil and used EVO instead, couldn’t tell a difference. Also made it with chopped cauliflower instead of rice. Excellent meal!
Oh that’s such a great idea! So happy to hear it was a hit 🙂
We loved it! I did halve the sugar and add extra water because mine was a bit thick.
The sauce is awesome! I’ve wanted to try soy curls for a while and am a fan now. The recipe came together quickly and the plated meal is beautiful.
I’m so happy you loved the recipe (and soy curls), Laura!
Best Vegan Beef Broccoli recipe. Made this for the 2nd time, will make it again and share! This must be one of 20+ recipes I’ve made of Sarah’s. The only problem I have is finding enough days to work in all my new favorite recipes! Thank you so much.
I’m so happy you loved the recipe, Stacey! Enjoy! 😀
Hi!
It’s proving pretty difficult to find the vegan beef bouillon…would chicken or the veggie base work as a substitute? will that really alter the flavor? I will keep looking for the beef one but wanted to ask while I’m on the search. Thank you!
The beef is best for adding that beefy flavor, but you can definitely use chicken or veggie if that’s what you can find. Happy eating!
hi – please disregard – I saw in the recipe I can use veggie!! would chicken make a difference/be better?
This is a fabulous recipe! Delicious! Really does taste like beef and broccoli! It’s a favorite! My husband loves it, too!
Thanks for making it and sharing Diane!