Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the beef mixture:
- 500 grams (about 1 pound) lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or sesame)
For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami flavour)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce or 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
For the broccoli:
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 medium head)
- 1/4 cup water (for steaming)
Optional garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Cooked white rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), hoisin sauce or brown sugar, rice vinegar, beef broth or water, and cornstarch. Stir until smooth and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces as it browns. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Steam the Broccoli
While the beef is cooking, add the broccoli florets and 1/4 cup of water to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a plate or lid and microwave for 2 to 3 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Alternatively, you can steam the broccoli in a saucepan with a small amount of water on the stovetop for 3 to 4 minutes.
Drain any excess water and set the broccoli aside.
4. Combine and Simmer
Once the beef is browned and the fat has been drained, lower the heat to medium. Give the prepared sauce another stir (to make sure the cornstarch has not settled at the bottom) and pour it over the cooked ground beef.
Stir the mixture continuously until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the steamed broccoli to the pan and toss everything together until evenly coated with the sauce.
Allow the mixture to cook for another minute so the flavours can meld together.
5. Serve
Spoon the ground beef and broccoli mixture over bowls of steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Make it spicy: Add a dash of chilli flakes, a drizzle of sriracha, or chopped fresh chilli for heat.
- Vegetable swaps: You can substitute or add in other vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or zucchini.
- For meal prep: Divide the cooked dish into airtight containers with rice. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze the cooked beef and broccoli in containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a flavourful, budget-friendly recipe that is sure to become a family favourite. It delivers the comfort of takeout with the benefit of knowing exactly what’s in your meal.