Quick and Easy Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef: I like using ground beef for this stir-fry for its quick cooking time. If you prefer a leaner option, turkey or chicken can work well, too. For a plant-based option, try crumbled tofu or tempeh instead!

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is my go-to for its crunchiness and vibrant color. If broccoli is out of season, you can substitute it with snap peas or bell peppers for a different texture and flavor.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best taste. You can use garlic powder in a pinch (about 1/2 tsp), but it’s not the same as fresh! If you’re not a fan of garlic, feel free to reduce the amount.

Soy Sauce: I recommend low-sodium soy sauce to keep things balanced. If you’re gluten-free, coconut aminos are a great substitute that offers similar flavor.

Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but you can use maple syrup or agave nectar if you want a vegan alternative.

How Do You Ensure the Broccoli is Perfectly Crisp?

Getting the broccoli just right takes a little attention. You want it bright green and tender but still with a good crunch. Here’s how to do it:

• Add broccoli to the pan after you’ve sautéed the garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes over high heat.
• Keep it moving! Stir regularly to ensure even cooking.
• If the broccoli starts to get dry, splash a bit of water and cover the pan. This will steam it for a minute to soften without overcooking.

With these tips, your broccoli will be perfectly crisp every time! Enjoy your stir-fry!

Quick and Easy Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or thinly sliced beef
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

For Thickening:

• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

For Cooking:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This easy stir-fry takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 10 minutes to cook. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil. This delicious mixture will add a sweet and tangy flavor to your stir-fry. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

2. Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry:

In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to make a smooth slurry. This will help thicken your sauce later on. Set it aside as well.

3. Sauté the Garlic:

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant and starts to turn golden. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!

4. Cook the Beef:

Add the ground beef (or sliced beef) to the skillet, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside, but don’t wash the skillet—leave the juices in for flavor!

5. Stir-Fry the Broccoli:

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to become tender but still crisp. If needed, splash a little water and cover the pan to steam the broccoli for 2 more minutes.

6. Combine the Beef and Broccoli:

Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour the previously prepared honey garlic sauce over the mixture and gently stir to combine everything evenly.

7. Thicken the Sauce:

Stir in the cornstarch slurry you prepared earlier, and cook while stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and nicely coats the beef and broccoli.

8. Final Touches:

Remove the skillet from heat. If you wish, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for a lovely garnish.

9. Serve:

Enjoy this scrumptious stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles while it’s warm. It’s a quick, easy meal that’s sure to impress!

Enjoy your flavorful and comforting honey garlic beef and broccoli stir-fry!

FAQ for Quick and Easy Honey Garlic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Can I Use a Different Protein Instead of Beef?

Absolutely! You can swap the beef for chicken, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose—make sure it’s fully cooked before adding the sauce.

What Can I Substitute for Honey?

If you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup or agave nectar works great as a substitute for honey. Both will still give you that sweet flavor in the sauce!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to avoid drying out.

Can I Make This Dish Spicier?

For added heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers to the stir-fry while cooking. Adjust to your spice preference for a little kick!