This honey garlic beef and broccoli stir-fry is simple and oh-so-delicious! It features tender beef and crunchy broccoli coated in a sweet and savory sauce. What’s not to love?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe works best with ground beef for its quick cooking time. If you prefer leaner meat, turkey or chicken can be great substitutes. You could also use tofu for a vegetarian option.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch, but frozen works fine too! You could swap it for other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy if broccoli isn’t your favorite.
Honey: While honey adds sweetness, you can replace it with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar effect. If you’re watching sugar intake, consider using a sugar-free alternative.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce helps control salt levels. If gluten-free, opt for tamari or coconut aminos instead. The flavor will still be rich and delicious!
How Do I Ensure My Beef is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef just right is key to a successful stir-fry. Here’s how:
- Preheat your pan on medium-high. This ensures a nice sear.
- Add the beef in a single layer, letting it brown without stirring too much initially. It helps develop flavor.
- Use a spatula to crumble the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. This creates even cooking.
- Once browned, avoid overcooking to keep it tender. Aim for about 5-7 minutes in total.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked beef that enhances your tasty stir-fry!
Quick and Easy Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional for extra depth)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds, sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This stir-fry recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and about 15-20 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. It’s important to get the oil nice and hot to ensure everything cooks quickly.
2. Cook the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the hot pan. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s browned and cooked through. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it away.
3. Add Garlic:
Once the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but take care not to burn it!
4. Include the Broccoli:
Next, toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and just tender. If you’re using frozen broccoli, let it cook until it’s heated through.
5. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well blended.
6. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli in the skillet, stirring to evenly coat everything.
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and nicely coats the beef and broccoli.
8. Adjust Seasoning:
Taste your stir-fry and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more soy sauce if desired for extra flavor.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat. If you’d like, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top as a delightful garnish. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Enjoy your quick, hearty, and flavorful honey garlic beef and broccoli stir-fry!
FAQ
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! While broccoli is a star in this recipe, you can substitute it with other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrot slices. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed, depending on the vegetables you use.
Can I Make This Recipe with Chicken Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can! Simply replace the ground beef with an equal amount of ground chicken or thinly sliced chicken breast. Cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure the chicken is cooked through before adding the sauce.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the beef and broccoli in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Just make sure to add the sauce and thicken it right before serving for the best flavor and texture.
