This dish of ground beef and broccoli is tasty and super quick to make! Just brown the beef, toss in the fresh broccoli, and stir in some yummy sauce.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef for this dish. If you’re looking for healthier options, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, crumbled tofu or tempeh works well too!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are perfect here. If you have frozen broccoli, that’s fine too! Just be sure to thaw it before cooking. Cauliflower can also be a nice alternative.
Soy Sauce: Standard soy sauce adds saltiness. For a gluten-free option, look for tamari. If you’re aiming for less sodium, opt for low-sodium soy sauce.
Oyster Sauce: This adds a rich, umami flavor. If you need a vegetarian alternative, hoisin sauce can substitute or you can use mushroom-based sauces for similar taste.
How Can I Get Flavorful Garlic and Ginger Without Burning Them?
Cooking garlic and ginger quickly can be tricky, as they burn easily. To get that delicious aroma without overcooking, heat your oil until it’s hot, then add garlic and ginger at the same time. Cook them for just 30 seconds while stirring constantly until you smell the fragrance.
- Use medium-high heat to get the oil hot.
- Add garlic and ginger, and keep stirring quickly.
- If you smell burning, lower the heat immediately!
- They should be lightly golden, not brown.
Following this technique ensures you capture all the flavors without the bitterness of burnt garlic or ginger!
How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 cup water (or beef broth)
For Garnishing:
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll need around 5-7 minutes for browning the beef and another 3-4 minutes for steaming the broccoli. Simple and quick, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat Up the Skillet:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. This will get nice and hot for cooking your beef and veggies.
2. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing. Be careful not to burn them!
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure it cooks evenly.
4. Steam the Broccoli:
While the beef is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until they’re tender but still bright green, around 3-4 minutes. Once done, set them aside for now.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch (if you want to thicken the sauce). Stir it well until everything is nicely combined.
6. Combine the Beef, Broccoli, and Sauce:
Once the beef is cooked, add the steamed broccoli to the skillet. Pour in your sauce mixture and stir everything together so the beef and broccoli are coated nicely.
7. Simmer the Mixture:
Add the water or beef broth into the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Keep stirring occasionally!
8. Serve Your Dish:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the tasty beef and broccoli over bowls of cooked white rice.
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finally, sprinkle some chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for garnishing. It’s time to dig in and enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Another Meat Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly—chicken and turkey will take about the same time as ground beef, while tofu will require a bit longer to crisp up if using firm block style.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
If you’re out of oyster sauce, you can make a quick substitute with soy sauce and a bit of sugar to replicate that sweet and umami flavor. Mix 1/4 cup soy sauce with 1 tablespoon of sugar; this will work in a pinch!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them in individual portions for up to 2 months. Just make sure to separate the rice if you want to reheat it separately!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to include other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so everything stays tender and bright. You can add them at the same time you add the broccoli or briefly steam them separately before adding to the skillet.
