Imagine a savory and slightly sweet blend of flavors as you take a bite of this beef and broccoli stir-fry . As you explore the flavors, you notice a sauce, rich with soy and garlic, coating crisp broccoli and giving you a burst of umami with every mouthful.

Best part? This recipe is great for an easy dinner, whether you’re expecting guests for a special occasion or you want to have comfort food on busy weeknights.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This beef and broccoli recipe will take you around 30-40 minutes from the preparation time to end when you’re serving it over steamed rice.

Simple Ingredients:

1 pound of ground beef
2 cups broccoli florets
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp regular soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ginger, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Jasmine rice

Alternative Ingredients

Ground Beef – Ground turkey, ground chicken, flank steak, extra lean ground beef
Broccoli – Cauliflower, green beans, bell peppers
Onion – Shallots, leek
Fresh Garlic – Garlic powder, shallots
Soy Sauce – Tamari, coconut aminos, low sodium soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, beef broth
Sesame Oil – Peanut oil, canola oil
Olive Oil – Vegetable oil, avocado oil
Ginger – Ground ginger, lemongrass

Full Instructions

Step 1: Use a large skillet and add some avocado or olive oil, then cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s brown – drain any excess fat and move the beef to the side – meanwhile, if you’re using fresh broccoli wash them and cut the head of broccoli into smaller pieces.

Step 2: In the same skillet, add some oil if needed and saute onion and garlic until it becomes fragrant, then add broccoli and stir-fry over high heat until the broccoli becomes tender.

Step 3: Add the ground beef back to the skillet, then add soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and pepper, before stirring the savory sauce with the beef and broccoli well to combine everything.

Lastly, serve it with sesame seeds and green onions on top of the flavorful sauce over steamed white rice – enjoy!

Expert Tips

To keep your veggies crispy, cook on high heat and quickly, otherwise they will turn soggy.
To get the best texture and flavor, use fresh broccoli as frozen broccoli can sometimes become soggy.
Marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce and ginger before cooking it – for this, use a ziplock bag and put everything inside, shake it and knead it with your fingers to make sure it mixes well. Then set it aside for 20-30 minutes in the fridge and let the meat get soaked with the marinade.
To get that nutty aroma, start out with sauteing the garlic and ginger to infuse the oil, then add some sesame oil at the end.
Coconut aminos are a great way to substitute for even low-sodium soy sauce as the taste it the same with less processing and sodium.

What to Serve with Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Appetizers – Spring rolls, dumplings, edamame, Tropical Fruit Platter, Coconut Shrimp, Spicy Chicken, Fish Tacos
Sides – Steamed rice, lo mein noodles, cucumber salad
Drinks – Green tea, sake, light beer
Desserts – Mango pudding, fortune cookies, almond cookies

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got questions? No worries, we’ve got the answers for this delicious recipe!

What are Healthy Alternatives to Ground Beef in a Stir-Fry?

If you’re trying to eat less red meat, use ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option, you may just have to adjust your seasoning a little to taste.

Can I Make This Stir-Fry Gluten-Free?

Absolutely, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free – if you’re using any other sauces, double check the ingredients on those!

What are some quick appetizers to pair with a beef and broccoli stir-fry?

Tropical fruit platter, coconut shrimp, and spicy chicken or fish tacos are great choices.

How Can You Add More Flavor to the Stir-Fry?

Whether you’re replacing the beef with chicken or you just want to have some additional flavors, try using ingredients like hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat to get that extra flavor burst.

Can This Stir-Fry Be Frozen?

You can store any leftover stir-fry in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container – when ready to eat, heat it up in a skillet rather than a microwave or you may risk having everything become soggy.

Can You Use Frozen Broccoli for the Stir-Fry?

Yes! Before adding frozen broccoli to your stir-fry make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture, so they won’t turn soggy.