This easy honey garlic ground beef and broccoli stir-fry is a quick and tasty dinner option! The sweet and savory sauce pairs perfectly with the tender beef and bright green broccoli.
Honestly, it’s so simple to make that I can whip it up on a busy night without breaking a sweat! Serve it over rice for a filling meal that everyone will love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein in the dish, offering a rich flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. You can also use plant-based meat substitutes for a vegetarian version.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets provide a nice crunch and bright color. If you can’t find broccoli, feel free to substitute with green beans or snap peas for a similar texture and freshness.
Honey: This sweetener balances the saltiness of the soy sauce. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar, which work just as well.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds umami. For those avoiding gluten, substitute with tamari or coconut aminos. Low-sodium soy sauce is another great option to reduce salt intake.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but you’ll miss out on that fresh punch!
How Do You Get the Beef Nice and Brown?
Getting ground beef nicely browned adds depth to your stir-fry. Here’s how to achieve that perfect color:
- Start with a hot pan; medium-high heat is ideal.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if there’s too much beef at once, it’ll steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Let it sit for a minute before stirring; this helps to caramelize it.
- Use a spatula to break it up after a good sear. Aim for a golden-brown crust on the meat!
Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head of broccoli)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy stir-fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 25 minutes—perfect for those busy nights when you need something quick and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil gets hot before adding the beef!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the hot skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Stir and cook until the beef is nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper for added flavor.
3. Stir in Garlic and Ginger:
Once the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic (and ginger, if you’re using it) to the pan. Stir it around for about 1 minute until you can smell that delicious garlic aroma!
4. Add Broccoli:
Now it’s time to add the broccoli florets. Stir everything together well and cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want the broccoli to be bright green and tender but still a little crunchy.
5. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar until they’re well combined. This will be the tasty sauce that brings everything together!
6. Combine Beef, Broccoli, and Sauce:
Pour that delicious sauce over the beef and broccoli mixture in the pan. Stir well to ensure that everything is coated equally in that sweet and savory sauce.
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Now, take the cornstarch mixture you prepared earlier and pour it into the pan. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef and broccoli.
8. Add Heat (Optional):
If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes and give it a good stir to distribute the heat throughout the dish.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat and serve the stir-fry immediately over cooked rice. Don’t forget to garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you want to make it look extra special!
Enjoy your flavorful and easy honey garlic ground beef and broccoli stir-fry!
FAQs for Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Stir-Fry?
Yes! You can use frozen broccoli florets for convenience. Just add them directly to the pan when cooking, and keep in mind they may need an extra minute or two to cook through compared to fresh broccoli.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you prefer a leaner option or are looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken works great. For a vegetarian twist, you can use plant-based ground meat or even diced tofu for a protein-packed option.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you want an extra kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a splash of sriracha or chili sauce to the sauce mixture. Adjust to your desired spice level!
How Do You Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to maintain flavor and moisture.