Description
A quick and easy Asian-inspired stir-fry featuring tender ground beef and crisp broccoli florets cooked in a savory garlic-ginger soy sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights, this flavorful dish is simple to prepare and pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, offering a delicious, homemade alternative to takeout.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (to make slurry)
To Serve
- Cooked white rice
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. This will ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Brown the beef: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the hot skillet. Cook it, breaking it apart gently with a spatula, until fully browned and no pink remains, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Add garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Cook broccoli: Add 4 cups of broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey, and 1/2 cup beef broth or water.
- Add sauce to beef and broccoli: Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli in the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Thicken the sauce: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the skillet mixture and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and nicely coats the beef and broccoli.
- Serve: Serve the hot beef and broccoli stir-fry immediately over cooked white rice. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a leaner dish, substitute ground chicken or turkey instead of beef.
- Frozen broccoli can be used for convenience; just be sure to thaw and pat it dry before cooking to reduce water content.
- Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce if you prefer a spicier flavor profile.
- If you want more umami, a dash of fish sauce can be added to the sauce mixture.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Chinese-American
