Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Lisa Street
When serving ground beef and broccoli stir fry, steamed jasmine rice is a perfect pairing. Its subtle sweetness complements the savory stir fry, creating a satisfying balance. The rice soaks up all the flavorful sauces, enhancing every bite.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 8 minutes mins
Total Time 13 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 322 kcal
- 1 pound lean ground beef 93% lean
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 large head of broccoli chopped into florets and briefly blanched
- 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
- ½ medium yellow onion diced
- 1- inch piece of fresh ginger peeled and finely grated
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 3 medium scallions thinly sliced on the diagonal
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice for serving
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add onions, letting them soften for about 2-3 minutes. Toss in the garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant. The smell alone is inviting.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Next, add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula, stirring occasionally. Cook until browned. Importantly, you want the beef to lose its pink color, which typically takes 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
While the beef is cooking, combine soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and arrowroot powder in a bowl. This sauce acts as the flavor powerhouse, so don’t skip this step!
Step 5: Combine and Cook
Once the beef is browned, pour the sauce mixture over the meat. Stir well to ensure the beef is coated.
Add the blanched broccoli and mix gently, cooking for another 3-4 minutes. This allows the broccoli to absorb some of the sauce while keeping it tender-crisp.
Step 6: Serve
Now, it's time to make your bowl. Serve the stir fry over rice or cauliflower rice. Sprinkle scallions and sesame seeds for a beautiful finish. If you're feeling adventurous, add a drizzle of chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
- Blanching Broccoli: This step keeps the broccoli vibrant green while ensuring it's tender. Just a couple of minutes in boiling water does the trick.
- Ground Beef Alternative: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. These proteins work well without sacrificing flavor.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to include bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. It enhances nutrition and adds color.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the beef and sauce in advance and store them separately. Stir fry right at dinner time for efficiency.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It tastes even better the next day!
Calories: 322kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 33gFat: 15.7gSaturated Fat: 5.4gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 1221mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 21mg
Keyword Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry