This Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a tasty mix of sweet and savory flavors! It’s quick to prepare and packed with yummy veggies.
I love how this dish comes together in no time. Just think, in under 30 minutes you can have a colorful, delicious meal on your table. Perfect for busy nights! 🥦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken can also work well! Alternatively, for a vegetarian twist, you could use ground tofu or tempeh.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch, but frozen broccoli is an easy substitute! You can also switch it up with other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots if you have them on hand.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but feel free to swap it with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor. For a sugar-free option, try using a sugar substitute like stevia, though it will taste different.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is my go-to, but if you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead. Coconut aminos is another tasty alternative!
Sesame Oil: This oil adds depth, but if you don’t have it, any vegetable oil will work well. However, a drizzle of sesame oil towards the end can enhance the flavor greatly!
How Do You Make the Beef Flavorful?
The key to a delicious stir-fry is properly cooking the beef. Start by heating the oil before adding the garlic, which brings out its flavor. Sauté the garlic just until it’s fragrant—don’t let it burn!
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until it’s well browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor right from the start.
Remember to keep the heat up to brown the beef nicely, which adds depth to the dish! Afterward, combining it with the savory honey garlic sauce and broccoli makes for a delightful balance!
How to Make Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick and easy dish will take about 25 minutes to prepare. With just a few minutes to cook the beef and broccoli and a few more to mix the sauce, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. This oil adds a lovely flavor to the dish!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the minced garlic and ginger (if you’re using it) to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant but be careful not to let them burn.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef into the pan. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Stir it until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Season it with salt and pepper to your taste.
4. Prepare the Broccoli:
While the beef is cooking, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they’re bright green and just tender, around 3-4 minutes. Once done, drain them and set aside.
5. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). This will be the flavorful sauce for your stir-fry!
6. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked broccoli to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Pour the honey garlic sauce over everything and stir well to make sure it’s all combined nicely. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes.
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Finally, add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet. Stir and let it cook for about another minute until the sauce thickens up beautifully.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your stir-fry with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles, and enjoy your delicious meal!
This Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is not just full of flavor but also very satisfying. Enjoy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great in this stir-fry. Just make sure to thaw and drain it properly before adding it to the skillet. This will help maintain the right texture.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like it hot, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the recipe. For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the honey garlic mixture.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
You can replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as other meats may have different cooking times.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help revive the sauce!
