This Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is perfect for a quick dinner! With sweet honey and savory garlic, every bite is packed with flavor, plus the broccoli adds a lovely crunch.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe uses ground beef for its rich flavor and quick cooking time. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or even tofu or tempeh for a plant-based twist.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a beautiful crunch, but frozen works just as well. If you’re missing broccoli, feel free to swap in snow peas, bell peppers, or snap peas for a different texture and taste.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but if you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup or agave nectar can do the trick. Adjust the amount depending on how sweet you like it!
Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control salt levels. You can use tamari for a gluten-free choice, or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
How Do I Make the Broccoli Perfectly Tender But Still Crunchy?
Getting that perfect balance with broccoli is key! Here’s how to achieve it:
- Start by heating the oil in the skillet and add the broccoli. Stir-fry for just 3-4 minutes. You want it still bright green and a bit crunchy.
- Remove the broccoli from the pan first. This way, it won’t overcook while you prepare the beef.
- If using frozen broccoli, you may want to steam it a minute before adding to the stir-fry to ensure it cooks evenly.
These tips should help you keep the broccoli vibrant and delicious in your stir-fry! Enjoy making your meal!
Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy stir-fry will take about 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking, making it a quick and tasty dinner option that you can whip up in just 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water. This will be your flavorful sauce! Set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Broccoli:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the broccoli florets and stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger (if you’re using it) and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Brown the Ground Beef:
Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked broccoli to the pan with the beef. Pour the honey garlic sauce over everything, stirring well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Continue to cook the mixture for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef and broccoli, making everything extra delicious.
7. Final Touches:
Give it a taste! If you like a little kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top.
8. Serve:
Serve your Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Hot over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite!
Have a great time cooking this easy and flavorful dish!
FAQ for Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to ground beef. Just keep an eye on it as it may cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. Ensure your other ingredients, like cornstarch, are also labeled gluten-free. Enjoy worry-free!
Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also chop the broccoli and mince the garlic if you’d like. Just cook everything fresh when you’re ready to eat!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it gently in a skillet on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.
