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Easy Ground Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry in 20 Minutes

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A quick and easy ground beef and broccoli stir fry that comes together in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this savory-sweet dish is made with simple pantry ingredients and delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85/15 recommended)
  • 3 cups (about 300g) broccoli florets
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) brown sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
  • ¼ cup (60ml) chicken or beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil (avocado or canola)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3–4 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make the sauce first: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set aside.
  2. Prep your ingredients: Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and slice the green onions. Cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets if needed.
  3. Heat your pan: Place a large skillet or wok over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Wait until the oil is shimmering and almost smoking.
  4. Cook the broccoli first: Add the broccoli florets to the hot pan in a single layer if possible. Let them sit undisturbed for about 1 minute to develop char, then stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until bright green with some brown spots and still slightly crunchy. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  5. Brown the beef: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to get a good sear, then break into crumbles. Cook until no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes total. Do not drain the fat.
  6. Add aromatics: Push the beef to one side of the pan and add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the empty space. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly. Then mix everything together.
  7. Add the sauce: Give the sauce mixture a quick stir and pour it into the pan. Stir everything together and let it bubble and thicken for about 1-2 minutes until glossy and thick.
  8. Return the broccoli: Add the cooked broccoli back to the pan and toss everything together until the broccoli is coated in the sauce. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes if using.
  9. Finish and serve: Drizzle with sesame oil, toss one more time, and remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

High heat is essential for stir frying. Prep all ingredients before turning on the heat. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth. If too thin, let it cook an extra minute. For best results, use low-sodium soy sauce and fresh garlic.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef, broccoli, stir fry, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy recipe, 20 minute meal

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/easy-ground-beef-and-broccoli-stir-fry-in-20-minutes/