I've never really been big on using vegan mock products. I know I've briefly touched on this before. They tend to be very processed and why make a “faux” mac and “cheese” when you can make a wonderful macaroni pasta with a sweet potato and nutritional yeast sauce. No, it’s not typical mac and cheese but it’s damn delicious, has no processed ingredients and is a hell of a lot better for you. However, if you're a new vegan, these products can help make the transition a bit easier. O,r for those few truly cherished recipes that are primarily non-vegan, faux products can be very instrumental. Todd almost died when he realized a conventional grilled cheese sandwich would never again grace his lips . Thank you baby Jesus for Daiya! He can now have his beloved grilled cheese sandwich...and eat it too! Beef and broccoli is one of those cherished dishes for me. It may sound kind of silly and what a weird recipe to treasure am I right? Yet, my parents, when they were together, made one bad-ass beef and broccoli stir-fry. It still reminds me of a place and time in my life when my family was all together, happy, and under one roof.
Well, I literally squealed with joy when I found this bag of Gardein Home Style Beefless tips in the freezer section. I had no idea this sort of thing existed! Or, at least not at a small grocery store in Alaska. It was Carrs, if you are from Alaska and in case you live under a rock like me and didn't know this existed. Anyways, I knew exactly what I was going to make with it. "Beef" and Broccoli!
Normal people serve beef and broccoli over rice, but I was just reading about protein deficiencies after spending a small part of my days for the last couple weeks with bouts of nausea...and let me stop you there before the jokes and harassment begin…no, I am definitely NOT pregnant. Great, we can now move on. Anyways, back to protein deficiencies, quinoa happens to have a complete amino acid profile and in general is more nutritionally robust then rice and thus, I opted for quinoa. Besides...rice, quinoa…do they really taste that much different? In my opinion, no, they do not. Yet, if you still want to be all traditional feel free to use rice.
Healthy “Beef” and Broccoli
Inspired by Kimmy's Bake Shop
Serves 5
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp. water
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 9 oz. package of Gardein Home Style Beefless tips
- 1 tsp. sesame oil
- ½ Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 heads of broccoli, chopped and lightly steamed
- 4 oz. (3/4 cup) of sugar snap peas, cut on a diagonal and lightly steamed
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 tsp. ginger paste
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
- sprinkling of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1.5 cups dry quinoa (or rice)
- 3 cups water
- sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Start by cooking the quinoa or rice. If using rice, cook according to package. If using quinoa, spray a medium pot with cooking spray, rinse quinoa and add to the pot with the water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, turn down to low and simmer, covered for about 15 minutes or until all water has dissipated. When finished cooking, fluff with a fork and cover until ready for use. Dang, quinoa is easy and quick!
Meanwhile, wash and chop the broccoli. Slice the pea pods on a diagonal, in half hot-dog style and steam along with the broccoli until they are just slightly tender.
In a large frying pan, heat the sesame and olive oil over medium. In a small bowl combine the cornstarch and water and pour into the beefless tips bag. Zip the bag back closed and give it a good shake. Pour the tips into the hot pan and fry over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes or until cooked through. A few minutes in, add the garlic and stir occasionally to keep from scorching.
After 5-10 minutes, add the lightly steamed vegetables and continue to stir-fry for about 5 more minutes. Now, add the soy sauce, sugar, ginger and additional cornstarch to a bowl and whisk to combine. Add to the frying pan and cook while continuing to stir for another minute or so.
Serve over quinoa or rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
A new comfort food favorite in our very vegan home. Maybe yours too?
