Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce that’s sure to please your taste buds. This quick stir-fry offers the perfect combination of textures and flavors, making it a fantastic meal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and flexibility, ensuring that you can whip it up in no time while still impressing your loved ones!
## Why You'll Love This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
You’re going to appreciate just how convenient and tasty this dish is! Here are some key reasons to love it:
- **Quick and Easy:** This stir-fry can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for those hectic evenings.
- **Perfect for Beginners:** With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create a mouthwatering meal with confidence.
- **Family-Friendly:** Packed with flavor and nutrition, it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike.
- **Budget-Friendly:** Ground beef and broccoli are affordable ingredients that won’t break the bank.
## Ingredients You'll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make your delicious Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
### Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:
- **Ground Beef:** This adds richness and protein to your dish. If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- **Broccoli:** This vegetable provides nutrients and a delightful crunch. For a different taste, you can swap it with snap peas or bell peppers.
- **Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce:** These sauces create a savory umami flavor. If you're avoiding soy, try tamari or coconut aminos.
## How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Step-By-Step
Here is how to create this scrumptious meal:
1. **Heat Vegetable Oil:** In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. This will help to sear the ground beef and enhance flavor.
**Pro Tip:** Use a non-stick pan to ensure the beef doesn’t stick and to make cleaning up easier.
2. **Add the Ground Beef:** Place the ground beef in the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
**Pro Tip:** Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook in batches for an even sear.
3. **Incorporate Garlic and Ginger:** Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
**Pro Tip:** Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter quickly.
4. **Stir in Broccoli:** Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and mix well, allowing them to cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
**Pro Tip:** If you want softer broccoli, add a splash of water and cover the skillet for a minute.
5. **Add Sauces:** Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, mixing thoroughly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
**Pro Tip:** If you like a thicker sauce, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in during this step.
6. **Season & Serve:** Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then serve hot over rice or noodles.
**Pro Tip:** Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for an extra flavor boost!
## Serving Suggestions
Enhance your dining experience with these serving ideas:
### Perfect Pairings
- **Sides:** Serve with steamed jasmine rice or lo mein for a complete meal.
- **Drinks:** Pair with a light beer or iced green tea for refreshing options.
### Occasions
- **Weeknight Dinner:** Quick enough for a regular family meal.
- **Casual Get-Togethers:** Impress your friends with this easy-to-make yet tasty dish.
### Presentation Tips
- Use a large platter for family-style serving or individual bowls for personal servings.
- Add a colorful side salad for a fresh touch.
## Storage and Reheating Tips
Keep your leftovers fresh with these storage methods:
### Refrigerator:
- **Duration:** Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
### Freezer:
- **If Possible:** Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- **Packaging:** Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
### Reheating:
- **Best Method:** Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water to revive the sauce.
## Tips for Success
- **Do's:**
- Do prepare all ingredients before starting for a smoother cooking process.
- Do use fresh broccoli for the best texture and flavor.
- **Don'ts:**
- Don’t overcook the broccoli; aim for tender-crisp.
- Don’t skip letting the beef brown for maximum flavor.
## Recipe Variations
Switch things up with these creative ideas:
- **Make it Spicy:** Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha for a heat kick.
- **Add More Veggies:** Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for additional color and nutrition.
- **Make it Vegan:** Replace the ground beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP) and use soy sauce for the oyster sauce.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?**
A: Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu can work wonderfully in this recipe.
**Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?**
A: Mixing a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and adding it towards the end of cooking will help thicken the sauce.
**Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?**
A: Yes, but the texture might change. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the stir-fry.
**Q: Is this dish gluten-free?**
A: To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure all other sauces and ingredients are gluten-free as well.
**Q: How many servings does this recipe yield?**
A: This recipe serves about 4 people but can easily be adjusted to suit your needs.
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Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
A quick and delicious stir-fry featuring tender ground beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef This adds richness and protein; can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 2 cups broccoli florets For a different taste, swap with snap peas or bell peppers.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce Can substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for a soy-free version.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce Essential for umami flavor; see soy sauce notes for alternatives.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil For cooking; can use other oils as preferred.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Place the ground beef in the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets into the skillet and mix well, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
- Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, mixing thoroughly, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove adding a splash of water if needed.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 900mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2g
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