Description
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 small onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp ginger powder (or 1 tsp fresh grated ginger)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Cooked white rice, for serving
Directions
Cook the beef:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add aromatics:
Stir in minced garlic, ginger, and sliced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Toss in broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
Prepare the sauce:
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Pour it into the skillet and stir to coat.
Thicken the sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve:
Spoon the stir-fry over a bed of steamed white rice and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 350 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect stir-fry every time. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped and within reach, as cooking happens quickly. Heat your skillet or wok over medium-high heat before adding the beef. When browning the beef, avoid overcrowding to ensure proper searing and drainage of fat. After adding the garlic, ginger, and onion, stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to prevent burning. Introduce the broccoli florets, stirring frequently for 4-5 minutes until they are bright green and fork-tender but still crisp. Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl while the broccoli cooks. Once added, let the sauce bubble and reduce slightly before incorporating the cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously for the final 2-3 minutes until a glossy, thick sauce coats all components.
Serving Suggestions
While classic steamed white rice is ideal, this dish pairs wonderfully with several other bases. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes for heat. A side of quick-pickled cucumbers or a simple green salad with a ginger-sesame dressing complements the rich flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
In summary, this 25-minute meal involves browning ground beef, sautéing aromatics and broccoli, combining with a simple soy-hoisin sauce, and thickening with a cornstarch slurry. Serve immediately over rice for a complete, satisfying dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein? Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even firm tofu are excellent substitutes. Adjust cooking times as needed.
How do I make this gluten-free? Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce, and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
My sauce isn’t thickening. What happened? Ensure your cornstarch slurry is well-mixed and that the sauce is at a simmer when you add it. If needed, mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with water and add it.
Can I prepare this in advance? You can prep the vegetables and sauce mixture ahead of time. For best results, cook just before serving to maintain texture.
Is frozen broccoli acceptable? Yes, but thaw and pat it dry thoroughly to avoid excess water steaming the dish instead of stir-frying it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the broccoli, which turns it mushy and dull green.
- Adding the cornstarch slurry to a cold pan, preventing proper thickening.
- Using low heat, which causes ingredients to stew instead of stir-fry.
- Not draining excess fat from the beef, resulting in a greasy final dish.
- Neglecting to prep all ingredients before starting, leading to rushed cooking and burned aromatics.
Conclusion
This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quintessential weeknight hero, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. By mastering the simple stir-fry technique and following the tips provided, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home in under 30 minutes. It’s a versatile, family-friendly recipe that is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.