– **Title**: Ground Beef and Broccoli
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
– 1/4 cup water (optional, for sauce)
– Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
– Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Drain excess fat if necessary, then add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the broccoli becomes bright green and slightly tender.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and cornstarch (if using). Add in the water if you’d like a saucier dish.
6. Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli mixture in the skillet. Stir to coat everything evenly, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat.
8. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles, and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the protein star of the dish. You can use lean ground beef for less fat or even ground turkey for a lighter option. Personally, I love beef for the robust flavor it brings.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are ideal, but frozen works well, too. They save time and are often just as nutritious. If you’re a fan of variety, you can replace it with other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds that delightful umami flavor. If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, there are many reduced-sodium soy sauces available. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
Oyster Sauce: This is optional but adds richness to the dish. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or use hoisin sauce for a similar effect. I personally love to include it for that extra depth of flavor.
Sesame Oil: It gives a nice nuttiness to the dish. If you can’t find it, try using vegetable oil but add a hint of sesame seeds for flavor. Just a little can go a long way!
How Do You Ensure the Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking ground beef just right is essential for flavor and texture. Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat, then follow these steps:
- Once heated, add the sesame oil followed by minced garlic and ginger. Stir for just 30 seconds to avoid burning.
- Next, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula. Season with salt and pepper as you cook, about 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- It’s important to not overcrowd the pan; it can lead to steaming instead of browning. If working with more beef, consider doing it in batches.
Keep an eye on the color—it should be a nice brown. This browning adds flavor, so don’t skip it!
Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy meal, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Pan:
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. This will give your dish a lovely flavor right from the start.
2. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil. Stir them around for about 30 seconds, or until they smell fragrant. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Season it with salt and pepper and let it brown for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it’s cooked thoroughly.
4. Add Broccoli:
If there’s any excess fat in the skillet, drain it carefully. Then, stir in the broccoli florets. Cook them for an additional 3-4 minutes. You want them to be bright green and tender yet still a bit crisp.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), and beef broth or water. If you’d like your sauce a little thicker, mix in the cornstarch as well.
6. Combine Everything:
Pour that delicious sauce over the beef and broccoli mixture in the skillet. Stir everything well so that the flavors combine, and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. If you used cornstarch, the sauce should thicken nicely!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your beef and broccoli mixture over the hot cooked white rice. Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for an extra touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just add it to the skillet straight from the freezer and cook for an extra minute or two. No need to thaw beforehand!
What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, a combination of soy sauce and hoisin sauce can work as a substitute. Use equal parts of both for a similar depth of flavor, or stick with plain soy sauce if you prefer.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust the seasoning to your taste, since ground poultry can be milder.
