Ground Beef And Broccoli

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef: This adds a rich flavor to the dish. You can use turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative. If you’re looking for a plant-based option, try lentils or crumbled tofu!

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets bring great texture and color. If you don’t have broccoli, try using green beans, snap peas, or even spinach for a quick swap.

Soy Sauce: It’s essential for that umami flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce is a good substitution for those watching their salt intake. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead.

Oyster Sauce: While optional, it adds depth. If you’re avoiding seafood, use a mushroom sauce or a bit of hoisin sauce instead for a different taste.

How Do I Achieve Perfectly Tender Broccoli?

Cooking broccoli just right ensures it’s crisp-tender, enhancing the dish. Here’s how:

• Start by adding broccoli when the beef is almost done, allowing it to cook for 3-4 minutes.
• Use a lid to steam the broccoli briefly after adding it to the skillet.
• Check for doneness by piercing with a fork; it should be bright green and tender but not mushy.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli?

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Main Dish:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ cup beef broth or water
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnishing:

• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll need about 25 minutes to have a delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli dish ready to enjoy!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Heating the Oil:

In a large skillet or wok, pour in the vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat. You want it to be hot enough to cook the meat but not so hot that it smokes.

2. Cooking the Ground Beef:

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Keep an eye on it, and once the beef is nicely browned, drain off any excess fat.

3. Sautéing the Aromatics:

Now, add the minced garlic and ginger to the beef in the skillet. Sauté them together for about 1 minute, just until they smell amazing and fragrant—be careful not to burn them!

4. Cooking the Broccoli:

Next, toss in the broccoli florets. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-4 minutes, just until the broccoli starts to become tender but still has a little crunch.

5. Making the Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, and beef broth (or water) together until smooth. Pour this tasty mixture over the beef and broccoli in the skillet.

6. Thickening the Sauce:

Cook everything for an additional 3-4 minutes while stirring constantly. You’ll see the sauce start to thicken and coat the beef and broccoli. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serving the Dish:

When everything is cooked and well-mixed, it’s time to serve! Spoon the beef and broccoli mixture over the cooked white rice on each plate.

8. Final Touches:

To make it look extra special, garnish each serving with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Now it’s ready to enjoy!

Can I Use Different Vegetables Instead of Broccoli?

Absolutely! You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or cauliflower. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to ensure they are tender but still crisp!

What Can I Use Instead of Oyster Sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce, soy sauce, or even a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar for sweetness. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still taste delicious!

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.

Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?

Yes! To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce (if using) is gluten-free. This will keep the flavors intact while accommodating dietary needs.